New RCA in Training with Questions

milkymint · Dec 9, 2017

Hi, I'm new here and have questions about being an RCA.

Originally I was hired to be a Holiday Casual CEP, but the ladies who interviewed me told me to keep applying for a better position because I was "over qualified." The only other positions available in my area were RCA's, so I interviewed for it (same women), and was offered the position and declined the position for Holiday Casual CEP. Today was my first day of training - Defensive Driving Course - and there were a ton of people there. Naturally, this made me nervous hearing how limited the hours can be.

I'm an extremely fast and hard worker that would love to work as much as possible as an RCA. But I'm hearing here and at federalsoup that it's often a really part-time position, and some have even referred to it as a "dead end job." But why? Is it only dead end if you wait forever to be career and not get it? Can't you apply for other positions and work your way up? Is there something I'm missing?

I'm a college graduate and for the last 7 years worked in NYC and Denver in advertising. Unfortunately, the firm I worked for closed it's doors in September and the Post Office was always an interest of mine. My main goal is to work my way up to a marketing positions with USPS, but I heard that I need to get my foot in the door, become career, then I'll have access to applying for the more specific positions I'm interested in.

Reading all the topics here about RCAs has left me incredibly discouraged. Also, during the interview process, they asked me if I had a reliable vehicle to get to and from work, but I didn't realize I might be using it as a POV... I drive a MINI COOPER, not an ideal vehicle for this position.

Is there a list somewhere, where I can find out if my office is an all LLV?

Also, when I accepted this position, they told me which office I would be reporting to once I started, but I found out today that it has changed. It turns out that 9 of the RCAs in my training class are assigned to the office I was originally assigned to. But the office I've been switched to had only one other RCA in training with me. I hope that's a good sign? It's in a growing part of town and seems to be a large office.

I just got home from my first day of training - Defensive Driving Course - and all the trainers and supervisors seemed to positive about us being there. It was a much different vibe than what I read here. So I'm frustrated, worried and unsure about what's to come.

I honestly don't mind being on call. I'm up and dressed by 6am everyday, so I'll be ready to work immediately if they need me. If not, I do freelance marketing work from home. But I'd much rather be busy working for USPS.

I would really appreciate any feedback or responses to this post! Thank you so much in advance!

Rt2mailman · Dec 9, 2017

I really hate telling the truth to someone that is so positive about their new position, but you won't be able to move into any position until you become regular and that might be 2-9 years. Even regulars aren't able to"move up" because sometimes the pay/job is worse or they are not qualified. The moving into positions, from what I've seen in the USPS ,that you are looking for, would be more able to be done from a PSE position working at a very large office or plant. Most likely the positivity you noticed from your trainers was from them being able to train you and not work during the most busiest time of the year. By the way, Welcome to the USPS.

milkymint · Dec 9, 2017

<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">Rt2mailman said 
I really hate telling the truth to someone that is so positive about their new position, but you won't be able to move into any position until you become regular and that might be 2-9 years. Even regulars aren't able to"move up" because sometimes the pay/job is worse or they are not qualified. The moving into positions, from what I've seen in the USPS ,that you are looking for, would be more able to be done from a PSE position working at a very large office or plant. Most likely the positivity you noticed from your trainers was from them being able to train you and not work during the most busiest time of the year. By the way, Welcome to the USPS. </blockquote>
So, this means I wouldn't be able to move from a RCA to a CCA or PSE? I heard that CCAs or PSEs get career much quicker usually. I recently applied for a PSE position that opened up very recently, but haven't been called in for an interview yet.

I guess I'm confused. If you're an RCA, you are stuck being an RCA until you either make career and switch, or quit?

Being an outsider, I understand that sometimes you have to pay your dues to move up. But I think it's rubbish that you have to wait until you're career, even if you're the most qualified person for a job. The idea that I need to work random positions to get to a job I'm already qualified for is such a waste.

It just doesn't make sense to me.

milkymint · Dec 9, 2017

I also want to say, that during my interview process, I made it very very clear what my hopes were as far as moving up. One HR woman told me that she had switched positions 24 times during her career at USPS. She made it sound like it was easy to move up, and if you had the drive you could do it. She also said that in my area, 70% were eligible to retire NOW, and that in the next 3-4 years there would be room for huge advancement.

But does any of that matter if in 3-4 years you're still not a reg/career? I feel like I've been misinformed by these women. They even hugged me when I came in to get fingerprinted for the RCA position, and thanked ME for listening to them and applying for other positions.

Wow. I'm very disappointed.

Ihatesnow · Dec 9, 2017

You can drive by your office at night or in the morning and see if there's LLVs parked in the lot.

Yes, as a CCA (city carrier) you will make regular alot faster. City carriers and rural are 2 completely different jobs. Read up on here and federal soup and you'll find the differences. Do your research and make the right pick so you don't have to start over and lose your seniority because that means everything.

Rural carrier isn't seen as a very good job anymore because the pay has decreased significantly, and our union sucks. That's not an opinion, trust me. Its fact.

btdtret · Dec 9, 2017

milkymint -- IMHO, you should have taken the Holiday Casual position. That way you could have seen how the post office operates and treats its workers.

-- Being brutally honest, Christmas time is the WORST possible time to become an RCA. Literally everyone one is overwhelmed -- except those who are doing the training of prospective RCA's!

-- Sorry that your previous place of business closed down. Are there any other job opportunities in your area, aside from the post office?

" My main goal is to work my way up to a marketing positions with USPS, but I heard that I need to get my foot in the door, become career, then I’ll have access to applying for the more specific positions I’m interested in."

-- As "Rt2mailman" pointed out, making regular ( career ) takes years. And by them you will probably be sick and tired of the USPS - at least down in the trenches. In any case, ask during your training time about getting into the marketing side of the USPS.

-- Work hours? If assigned to an office with a full or nearly so complement of RCA's, the days you work will only in relief of the regular carrier. There will be some terms that won't mean anything to you at this time, so bear with me. A K-route has 2 days off during the 2-week pay period, a J-route has 1 day off, and an H-route has not days off. You work the relief days for the route and when ever the regular takes annual or sick leave. So that could mean zero to 2 days every two weeks. If you are already financially well off, you may be able to survive on that, but most likely not, especially if you have a family to support.

-- On the other hand, is a sub-short office, you could end up working several days a week ( quite possibly seven days a week for weeks on end ), that is once you learn your primary route and then branch out to other routes. You may be a quick learner, but the rural carrier job is pretty much unlike any other job out there. So much new stuff has been thrown at the current batch of carriers, even they are finding it quite overwhelming.

-- Some lucky offices are all LLV. But even then in a pinch, carriers can be asked to use their own vehicle -- but you don't have to.

-- If your interviewer did not tell you that your current vehicle [ Mini Cooper ] will mostly likely be inadequate, aside from delivering Express Mail items, that should be your first indicator that manglement is not looking out for your best interest.

"But I’m hearing here and at federalsoup that it’s often a really part-time position, and some have even referred to it as a “dead end job.”

-- Believe it! And most of the other horror stories about RCA found here and at other web sites. In some offices, advancement is like being in the USCG -- someone has to retire or die for others to move up. Seriously!

"Also, when I accepted this position, they told me which office I would be reporting to once I started, but I found out today that it has changed. "

-- If you come on board, get used to changes! Sometimes on a daily or even hourly basis. And you will soon change your mind about being On Call -- you don't get paid to sit by the phone, waiting to be called to work.

I admire you positive outlook, but....

If decide to give it a go, give it several honest months before deciding it is not really what you expected. At least get into January / February before deciding.

Best of luck -- and keep free-lancing, which hopefully will lead to something permanent.

littlesew&sew · Dec 9, 2017

I've been an RCA for almost 6 years, at least another 2 years before I have a chance at a regular carrier position. As an RCA, the only upward movement you have is to a regular rural carrier. As an RCA if you transfer to another office, you lose your seniority. RCA work is famine or feast. Our office was understaffed up until this year. Every year since I first hired in I've averaged 30 to 40,000 a year. Now that we're fully staffed, I'll be lucky to make 18,000 this year. Local offices to mine are also fully staffed or happy with the group of RCAs that they have so there's not a lot of opportunities at other offices to pick up hours.

CCAs can be 204b (temporary supervisor), PSEs can bid to open positions in other offices. CCAs in our area are making full time in about a year. PSEs are getting 60+ hours a week.

Even though it sounds awful, the RCA job works really well for some people. For the most part, I love my job. I'm in the office for a couple hours in the morning, and then I hit the route and I'm on my own for 4 to 5 hours. At this point, I'm not looking for full time hours so it fits my needs.

Interviewers and trainers are there to give you a positive impression of the job. There are some great things about being an RCA, but this time of year, you've got to look really hard to find them.

Charlie Brown · Dec 9, 2017

<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">milkymint said 
I also want to say, that during my interview process, I made it very very clear what my hopes were as far as moving up. One HR woman told me that she had switched positions 24 times during her career at USPS. She made it sound like it was easy to move up, and if you had the drive you could do it. She also said that in my area, 70% were eligible to retire NOW, and that in the next 3-4 years there would be room for huge advancement.

But does any of that matter if in 3-4 years you're still not a reg/career? I feel like I've been misinformed by these women. They even hugged me when I came in to get fingerprinted for the RCA position, and thanked ME for listening to them and applying for other positions.

Wow. I'm very disappointed. </blockquote>
No one seems to have also explained to you that even if you worked as an RCA long enough to make regular "rural" carrier (career employee) you can't bid or transfer to any other crafts. It's just not allowed. The other crafts can move, rurals can't. The only thing you can do is go into supervision. With your education that's where you'd probably be headed anyway but if you can get a CCA job, after your probationary period you can request to work as an acting supervisor. (You can't do that as an RCA) A PSE job would also be a far quicker path into Mgmt but I'm not sure if they can work as acting supervisors. If your experience/education is in marketing/advertising then you have to get into Mgmt.

Sorry to confirm what you've already figured out but those nice women that interviewed and fingerprinted you were just blowing smoke up your a$$!

wolfound · Dec 9, 2017

RUN.....RUN as fast as you can away. Do not pass GO. Stop before you start.

If you want management...marketing ..do it now. Being an RCA will break your body and your heart...

D.B.Cooper · Dec 9, 2017

Just Google "Postal Jobs Outlook", and you'll find plenty of reading material... being a college grad, I'm sure you are bright enuf to interpret it correctly... most of what you'll find is pretty clear... <img title="Cry" alt="Cry" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-cry.gif" />

"...<a class="tab_link" href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/postal-service-workers.htm#tab-6">Job Outlook</a>

Overall employment of postal service workers is projected to decline 13 percent from 2016 to 2026. Automated sorting systems, cluster mailboxes, and tight budgets are expected to adversely affect employment. Although the need to replace workers who retire will result in some job openings, strong competition can be expected as the number of applicants typically exceeds the number of available positions..."

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/postal-service-workers.htm

What you would typically expect to see in declining industries and career fields, is declining pay and benefits, and declining opportunities... and that's what we've been seeing for a while now... there are certainly more promising areas for someone who wants a bright future... <img title="Embarassed" alt="Embarassed" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-embarassed.gif" />

Jmho...

Shafted · Dec 9, 2017

Run as fast as you can. The PO is the most toxic employer on the planet. Those smiles, and hugs at interview/training are the biggest smokescreen of bullshit in history. Whatever they can do to get you in the door is what you are going to see. I know someone who actually was just hired as an RCA who was told at their interview by the " super uber-appreciative so glad you're here lying postmaster " that she had management potential in the VERY near future. OMG total bull because an RCA is a NON-Career postal employee, and has ZERO opportunity to become mgt in any capacity, yet the lies continued spewing out of this postmasters mouth in the hopes of on boarding this person. The lies within the postal service are limitless. I'm sure that no one told this training class that they have no retirement credit for even a minute served untill they make regular. Lastly, even though an RCA is not paid to be an "on-call" employee, and "on-call" scheduling is becoming illegal in some states, it is abused at the PO daily. Just wait till you get that first phone call one morning after you have driven two hours out of town for an event and your phone rings, and the PM demands you be at work, or face discipline. It WILL happen. I could go on forever about the sad but true stories after my 25 years in this hellhole, but I would be writing for years. I stayed because my route customers are my second family who I adore, but the PO can go to hell. I like many others have paid the price in terms of physical sacrifice, mental abuse from mgt., and no appreciation from the USPS for anything. The last few years of Gallup polls have shown the USPS to have the LOWEST employee engagement scores of any employer. LOWEST!!! That's a sign to run as fast as you can.

D.B.Cooper · Dec 9, 2017

I really can't think of ANY good reasons for a bright young person to want a career with the postal service... I've worked for them going on a couple of DECADES now, and all I have seen is declining pay and benefits, and worsening working conditions... what's not to hate about all of that??? <img title="Yell" alt="Yell" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-yell.gif" />

*** Hey... what happened to MilkyMint??? <img title="Surprised" alt="Surprised" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-surprised.gif" /> Honesty can be brutal... <img title="Cool" alt="Cool" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-cool.gif" />

milkymint · Dec 10, 2017

<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">Charlie Brown said 

No one seems to have also explained to you that even if you worked as an RCA long enough to make regular "rural" carrier (career employee) you can't bid or transfer to any other crafts. It's just not allowed. The other crafts can move, rurals can't. The only thing you can do is go into supervision. With your education that's where you'd probably be headed anyway but if you can get a CCA job, after your probationary period you can request to work as an acting supervisor. (You can't do that as an RCA) A PSE job would also be a far quicker path into Mgmt but I'm not sure if they can work as acting supervisors. If your experience/education is in marketing/advertising then you have to get into Mgmt.

Sorry to confirm what you've already figured out but those nice women that interviewed and fingerprinted you were just blowing smoke up your a$$! </blockquote>
So, once you're an RCA, no matter what, you could never switch to another department? If you're an RCA and you see under USPS.com jobs that they are hiring for a CCA or PSE or some other position, you can't apply for it and basically start fresh somewhere else?

Because I was told if a position becomes available, you can apply for it, be interviewed, and have a chance to get it like anyone else who doesn't already work for the postal service.

Shafted · Dec 10, 2017

CCA can, RCA can not. It's contractual within our craft. If you want to go the mgt or other career route, don't become an RCA.

milkymint · Dec 10, 2017

<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">D.B.Cooper said 
I really can't think of ANY good reasons for a bright young person to want a career with the postal service... I've worked for them going on a couple of DECADES now, and all I have seen is declining pay and benefits, and worsening working conditions... what's not to hate about all of that??? <img title="Yell" alt="Yell" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-yell.gif" />

*** Hey... what happened to MilkyMint??? <img title="Surprised" alt="Surprised" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-surprised.gif" /> Honesty can be brutal... <img title="Cool" alt="Cool" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-cool.gif" /> </blockquote>
When I worked in advertising, I worked a lot in direct mail, and closely with our postmaster/postal inspectors, because my department was moving 1-2 million pieces of mail a week. I guess through all of that I've been curious to see what it's like on the other side.

I've also worked for several firms that have randomly closed when the owners get elderly or sick of the industry. It's a lot of stress and jumping through hoops working with the postal service, tv media, publications and printers. And what's worse, is that you're relying on these other groups to deliver and for example, if postal inspectors decide they aren't going to deliver your 2 million pieces of mail that you've spent weeks on, printed, stuffed and filled, paid postage on... that can be ALOT of money down the drain, never to be seen again or reimbursed. The money just disappears in thin air.

I guess I'm looking to work for an organization that might not be shutting its doors in the near future. <img title="Confused" alt="Confused" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-confused.gif" />

milkymint · Dec 10, 2017

<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">Shafted said 
CCA can, RCA can not. It's contractual within our craft. If you want to go the mgt or other career route, don't become an RCA. </blockquote>
I don't understand why it's contractual with RCA's but not CCA's. Forget management for a minute. If I wanted to become a CCA, could I apply for a CCA position, get the job, and then become a CCA after having been an RCA? Or you do you have to quit entirely and reapply.

As an RCA you're just not eligible to even apply for another position?

There are two men who are CCA's in my training class and they are both dumb as dirt. One even asked what a "parcel" was, I kid you not. The idea that they are in a better position than I am makes me ill.

D.B.Cooper · Dec 10, 2017

Okay, I know it's rare coming from me... but here's a positive story, and actually true...

I knew an RCA, a real go-getter... checked every PO for miles around looking for work, and was always booked up, scheduled for somewhere... but had been an RCA for almost 10 years, and wasn't going anywhere fast...

Heard of an opportunity to get a PSE job at another PO... had to resign as a RCA... took the PSE test, got hired at the new PO, within 2 months they made this new PSE a PTF Clerk (career position), and then about 4 months later they needed a NTFT Clerk at an RMPO of that PO, so this new clerk got that NTFT (Full time) Clerk position... while in this NTFT position, an opportunity came up for them to go OIC at another office... did that... couple of months later... they heard of a Level 17 mgt supervisor position opening at a larger PO... they scheduled an interview, and got the job...

So, here was a real go-getter... could get NOWHERE as an RCA for almost 10 YEARS... switched to PSE, and in about one year, went from newbie PSE, to a Level 17 Mgt Supervisor, knocking down around $60K...

Coincidence... I don't think so...

RCA = dead end... if you wanna move up in the PO... PSE or CCA...

See it, believe it... or not... <img title="Confused" alt="Confused" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-confused.gif" />

Shafted · Dec 10, 2017

Milkymint, if you haven't already done so apply for CCA, and get an interview for that job, then resign as RCA, and accept other. We are trying to explain to you there is no lateral job hopping from craft to craft, without doing it this way. The PO is a completely screwed up organization, and you are going to quickly find that out. Common sense and logic are not part of the USPS business model. All of the questions that make sense in the private sector do not apply here, trust us.

milkymint · Dec 10, 2017

<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">D.B.Cooper said 
Okay, I know it's rare coming from me... but here's a positive story, and actually true...

I knew an RCA, a real go-getter... checked every PO for miles around looking for work, and was always booked up, scheduled for somewhere... but had been an RCA for almost 10 years, and wasn't going anywhere fast...

Heard of an opportunity to get a PSE job at another PO... had to resign as a RCA... took the PSE test, got hired at the new PO, within 2 months they made this new PSE a PTF Clerk (career position), and then about 4 months later they needed a NTFT Clerk at an RMPO of that PO, so this new clerk got that NTFT (Full time) Clerk position... while in this NTFT position, an opportunity came up for them to go OIC at another office... did that... couple of months later... they heard of a Level 17 mgt supervisor position opening at a larger PO... they scheduled an interview, and got the job...

So, here was a real go-getter... could get NOWHERE as an RCA for almost 10 YEARS... switched to PSE, and in about one year, went from newbie PSE, to a Level 17 Mgt Supervisor, knocking down around $60K...

Coincidence... I don't think so...

RCA = dead end... if you wanna move up in the PO... PSE or CCA...

See it, believe it... or not... <img title="Confused" alt="Confused" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-confused.gif" /> </blockquote>
Ok, so right now I'm in training for a RCA (obviously), but before I accepted this position, I had applied for a PSE Clerk position. Currently, my application status says "PRE-HIRE LIST" which is usually what I'm moved to before I get called for an interview. If they reach out to me and ask me to come in for an interview, and I go, is it going to affect my chances since I'm already an RCA? Or can I still get hired for this position?

I'm really tempted to e-mail the ladies that hired me, to get clarification, because I've really felt lied to by them. I'm so disappointed in them, and I just want to verify their lies one more time.

milkymint · Dec 10, 2017

<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">Shafted said 
Milkymint, if you haven't already done so apply for CCA, and get an interview for that job, then resign as RCA, and accept other. We are trying to explain to you there is no lateral job hopping from craft to craft, without doing it this way. The PO is a completely screwed up organization, and you are going to quickly find that out. Common sense and logic are not part of the USPS business model. All of the questions that make sense in the private sector do not apply here, trust us. </blockquote>
Thank you. You have answered my question. So you CAN apply for other positions and resign from RCA. You just can't stay an RCA and expect to move up the ladder.

So, why do people stay RCAs? Why don't they apply for other positions knowing this? Why would anyone stay an RCA for 10 years waiting to be career if there was another way. It just doesn't make sense to me.