The aim of our discussion is to consider the essence of a postal service job. We will describe the role and deliberate some of its characteristics as well.

Current Outlook

As it stands, the United States Postal Service (USPS) faces a stern test of its credentials. They are facing stiff competition from technology, namely electronic mail and social media. Although the typical postman role pays well, aspiring postmen should know that such jobs are gradually decreasing.

Advancements in technology have meant that communication has become more facile than ever before. This means that consumers are less likely to avail the service of the postal service if sending mail can be done conveniently from their personal computers.

However, this is limited to written emails and when it comes to the delivery of tangible items, the United States Postal Service is the ideal option. This means that there will always be a place for a postal service job.

Moreover, the USPS is not the only alternative for consumers. There are various small businesses in the logistics industry that have exhibited immense potential and pose a challenge to the United States Postal Service.

As far as the numbers go, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has indicated that postal service jobs are likely to fall considerably in the 2010-2019 period. During this decade, they estimate that such jobs will fall dramatically by 26%. Naturally, loss of jobs is equivalent to loss in revenue. If jobs are decreasing, it will mean that the industry loses out on billions of dollars yearly.

Industry

Now that we’ve discussed the situation facing the mail industry, we can examine the role itself. A postal service job obviously involves outdoor work. Postmen are expected to collect deliveries and ensure that they reach their destination, typically within a given period. This means that postmen are essentially working within deadlines, which can prove to be challenging in some cases.

For instance, postmen may be exposed to densely populated areas and may encounter heavy traffic as they move from one point to the next. They may also face inclement weather at certain periods of the year and are still expected to execute their role regardless. Whether it is torrential snowfall or considerable rain, postmen must carry out their job.

Furthermore, since being a postman requires manual labor, candidates should know that physical fitness is paramount. They cannot cite injuries and exhaustion as reasons for failure since this will adversely affect their performance, leading to unhappy employers and customers also.

In addition, as representatives of the United States Postal Service, postmen are working for a federal organization which makes them federal employees. This means that the benefits attached to the job are significant, which means they are well compensated for their efforts. Typically, they are in line to receive health, dental and vision insurance, besides their basic pay.