I had a chance (briefly) to chat with Crazy Scary Postal Guy. My primary concern was that the “city carrier” job wasn’t listed on the USPS.gov website, but he assured me it would be soon enough — I guess just further evidence of a plodding Federal beuracracy? Or maybe they’re just waiting for some reason. He also confirmed that hirings were done on a regional, not local, basis — so I’ll be applying to the Baltimore Region, and then — if hired — I’ll have preferences as to where I work.
I also spent an hour today filling out an application online for UPS. My first choice was to work at Hunt Valley, which is — in heavy traffic — ten minutes away. But they aren’t looking for delivery drivers. So I checked Dundalk/Essek. Not hiring either. Salisbury was hiring, and Whaldorf. Instead, I applied at Burtonsville. I’ve got to go down at 8am in a couple of weeks for a tour, and presumeably, an interview? If I’m hired for UPS, I think I’m going to have to get a CDL. I also need to figure out where I can get a printout of my driving record … even if I can get it from Maryland’s DMV website … I don’t have a printer!! I’m not thrilled with Burtonsville, primarily because of the location - west of Laurel, south of Columbia. In other words, I’ll actually have a shitty commute to and from work. On the bright side, that’ll probably encourage me to show up early, stay late, and wrack up the overtime. And with luck I might be able to transfer to Hunt Valley a few years in.
Zap also expressed his desire to find another job. Of course, he’s in his mid-to-late thirties, so I’d imagine its a bit more pressing for him — who wants to deliver pizzas when they’re that old? My goal is to be gainfully employed by the end of the summer. The Post Office is clearly the preferable job — Federal benefits, eff yeah — but I think right now I’ll take whatever comes my way first.
I mean, I can always quit if I find something better, right?
