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another job

Tennesseetime

New member
Since it's going to be many moons until I go regular, I want to get another job.  My question is what, if any, are the restrictions on where we can work.  can I go work part time at Ups or fedex? is anyone going to care?
 
Err... don't think there are any restrictions..   and if you plan on quitting why does it matter to you? The post office will manage without and I'm sure your life will continue without...

Unless you are looking for a reason to stay? 

(Sorry if this comes off harsh not meaning for it to be)
 
<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote"><strong>Guin said </strong>
Err... don't think there are any restrictions..   and if you plan on quitting why does it matter to you? The post office will manage without and I'm sure your life will continue without...

Unless you are looking for a reason to stay? 

(Sorry if this comes off harsh not meaning for it to be)  </blockquote>
I think he meant a 2nd job in addition to rca
 
When I went through RCA academy back in 2012, we were told that we weren't allowed to work for our competitors like FedEx or UPS.  As for another job, I couldn't find anyone that would work with my schedule at the PO so I mostly did my own things to make money on the side like sewing for others.  I made decent money but I worked my tush off. 
 
Yep, as far as second jobs, it cannot be anything that competes with USPS, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, On Trac, even Amazon.  And USPS will tell you your job with them comes FIRST.  Consider this.  If you are scheduled to be at your other job, and USPS calls you that morning saying they need you that day, they can discipline you if you don't drop your other job that day and work.  You could theoretically just not answer your phone, but even that, after so many times, probably won't fly anymore.  USPS expects your job with them to be your highest priority, even above your family.  It's unfortunate they treat people this way, because I actually really like the work itself....

Magnolia, I'm guessing you were born in '72 from your username.  Me too, and I'm a fellow seamstress as well.  Before I started with as an RCA a little over a year ago, I'd had a cloth diaper sewing business for five years (though I'd been sewing clothing for the family for many many years before that).  I worked my tushy off too--I got pretty burnt out.  I ended up closing my business, because I just couldn't compete for what people are willing to pay.  They value cheap over quality.  I'm looking forward to getting into sewing for my family again, but haven't because I've got tons of diaper fabric here that I don't know what to do with...  So, sorry for the long story, but nice to "meet" someone with possibly a similar background and and current situation.
 
Sorry that wasn't crystal clear, I meant second job (have car to support), but you don't think i can work a few hours at night at UPS sorting packages?  It wouldn't be during the day.
 
Not at UPS you can't.

However, you could work a night job somewhere else.  You'll have some dead tired days for sure, but that is how many RCAs who have managed to hold a second job have done it.
 
I was next in line to convert, and i put my bid in for an open route, only to get shafted out of it, and pushed back down to number six.  "We're sorry, we screwed up your seniority for the last two years.  No route for you.  you go from first place to sixth."  that's why I need more income.  I like the job, but need more money.
 
<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote"><strong>Tennesseetime said </strong>
Sorry that wasn't crystal clear, I meant second job (have car to support), but you don't think i can work a few hours at night at UPS sorting packages?  It wouldn't be during the day.  </blockquote>
If that's what you decide, you might want to keep that to yourself.  I've seen a little bit of everything go on in my 6 years.  If a clerk can steal money orders and be brought back to our office, I don't see why you couldn't work for UPS at night.  From what I've seen, anything goes.
 
<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote"><strong>mtyler27 said: </strong>

Magnolia, I'm guessing you were born in '72 from your username.  Me too, and I'm a fellow seamstress as well.  Before I started with as an RCA a little over a year ago, I'd had a cloth diaper sewing business for five years (though I'd been sewing clothing for the family for many many years before that).  I worked my tushy off too--I got pretty burnt out.  I ended up closing my business, because I just couldn't compete for what people are willing to pay.  They value cheap over quality.  I'm looking forward to getting into sewing for my family again, but haven't because I've got tons of diaper fabric here that I don't know what to do with...  So, sorry for the long story, but nice to "meet" someone with possibly a similar background and and current situation.  </blockquote>
You would be correct.  I am actually a quilter.  I've made over 30 quilts in the last 5 years and sadly, I only own 4.  But I totally understand what you're talking about with the cheap labor.  I have had several people ask me to make them a quilt and when I tell them what I charge, they always come back with, "well I can buy that here or there for much cheaper".  I always tell them to go right ahead.  People have no idea the cost of material, batting, thread and the amount of time I spend making the quilt top, much less quilting it and binding it myself.  Now that I'm full time, I don't have much time to sew anymore and I'm covered up with projects that I want to do for myself.
 
Because I started out in one office and the postmaster never really gave me a chance, so I was moved to another office after a week.  I had six people show up between then and when my 90 days were up.  But from August of '15 until last summer the schedule had me in the same spot, which is why I thought I would get my route last August.  My 90 ended November 11, but they say nope,  90 days didn't end until Dec of 15, so all the hires between August and November have now jumped over me.  They claim that even though I never went back to that first office, that I still belonged to them and therefore my time between August and December didn't count.  I tried fighting it, but no dice. 
 
I delivered pizzas.  It was easy money.  I already knew the area very well from delivering mail and was able to get a lot more deliveries than the other drivers.
 
Yes, quilts are a MASSIVE amount of work and truly a labor of love!  We recently got two kitties, and I'm wondering how I'll ever be able to sew with them trying to bat at my hands and the sewing machine presser foot....

 

Edited to say, I meant "needle" instead of "presser foot."  ;)
 
<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote"><strong>Tennesseetime said </strong>
Because I started out in one office and the postmaster never really gave me a chance, so I was moved to another office after a week.  I had six people show up between then and when my 90 days were up.  But from August of '15 until last summer the schedule had me in the same spot, which is why I thought I would get my route last August.  My 90 ended November 11, but they say nope,  90 days didn't end until Dec of 15, so all the hires between August and November have now jumped over me.  They claim that even though I never went back to that first office, that I still belonged to them and therefore my time between August and December didn't count.  I tried fighting it, but no dice.   </blockquote>
That just doesn't seem right...  Someone more knowledgeable than me, can do they do this?
 
Tessesseetime -- "Because I started out in one office and the postmaster never really gave me a chance, so I was moved to another office after a week.  I had six people show up between then and when my 90 days were up.  But from August of ’15 until last summer the schedule had me in the same spot, which is why I thought I would get my route last August.  My 90 ended November 11, but they say nope,  90 days didn’t end until Dec of 15, so all the hires between August and November have now jumped over me.  They claim that even though I never went back to that first office, that I still belonged to them and therefore my time between August and December didn’t count.  I tried fighting it, but no dice. "

--  The PM moved you after one week?  What was the PM expecting from a new sub?  

--  Could it be the PM moved you to make room for someone he knew?

--  Are you in an APO / RMPO situation?   I will have to guess so as PM's can't just shuttle you off to another post office.    

--  What date did you begin work at the first post office and when did it end?   Same info for the other post office.   And when did finish your probationary period?

--  Did the other RCA's complete their probationary periods before you?

--  Seniority lists for regulars and relief carriers are merged between / among APO and RMPO's. 

--  Who fought this for you?   An office steward or the Assistant District Representative?
 
T time, Ask to see your form 50. It will tell what office you were set to be an RCA in, and at what time you started. If you were moved to a different office it will also tell you that. If the other RCa's started after you, you will be made regular first, unless the pm that is giving you "his" information is doing it so you won't bid on any open jobs in that office. Check on the lite blue USPS site to see where you can currently bid on any job openings.
 
<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote"><strong>shyflyrebelguy said </strong>
I delivered pizzas.  It was easy money.  I already knew the area very well from delivering mail and was able to get a lot more deliveries than the other drivers.  </blockquote>
This is a popular choice among our RCAs and even a couple regulars and one supervisor all work at the same place.  Night pizza delivery in high-end neighborhoods = good tips and doesn't conflict with the USPS job.  Mornings are a little tough though.  When I was an RCA many years ago I applied for a 2nd job with UPS not being aware of the USPS policy against it.  As soon as UPS found out I worked for the post office they eliminated me as a candidate so it may be a problem in both directions.
 
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