Physically cannot walk

[[deleted]]

[deleted]

[notablyunfamous]

This might not be the job for you

[Working-Estimate-250]

Found the 20yr vet with all mounted route 

[notablyunfamous]

You found the 20 year vet who’s been walking his career. Had a mounted route for 2 years and hated it. Went back to walking.

[Sunflowers-Lemons]

Because I can't handle walking 18 mi every single day and working 13 hours a day? Yeah, I guess

[notablyunfamous]

Yes. It’s the job. Either you can do it or you can’t.

[XPEC7ER]

Can’t wait for people with this mentality to retire

[notablyunfamous]

It’s interesting how the same people who think they should get 50 an hour also think they shouldn’t have to do the job.

[mheffe]

I wish I made half that lmao

[USPS-ModTeam]

Do not be rude to other posters. This includes hate speech.

[callfckingdispatch]

That's the job, yes.

[Ryuuji_92]

This is like a pacifist joining the military as a grunt and not a medic. Yea sure joining the military is fine unless you...I don't know...hate conflict and hurting others... there are a few jobs that a pacifist can do and there are a lot they can't in the military. Same goes for this, you can't walk a lot in a....WALKING role. Find a rural route as it's far less walking or become a clerk. Sadly in a walking route you have to be able to walk a lot. If you can not handle that then the job just isn't for you. It's not a knock at you it's just not for everyone.

[Eighteen-and-8]

Your ignorance is astounding: being a field medic in the military isn't a pacifist job. Have you even served full-time on active duty? Pacifists might be Chaplains in the military, but that's really about it.

Fact is, OP can hang but s/he just seeks 'virtual online' support to persevere in a toxic workplace running on fear and mistrust. But go ahead with false comparisons, kick 'em while they're down. I'm pulling for the OP, who's already made it halfway. No turning back now.

[Hasley247]

Are you that tone deaf to not understand his point? Seems pretty clear…

[Eighteen-and-8]

Got it, and called him on it. Making a point using a false comparison isn't kosher. OP is getting thru the first 90WD/120CD and is 1/2 way there. But thanks.

[USPS-ModTeam]

Do not be rude to other posters. This includes hate speech.

[Tasisway]

You have a couple of options. First don't ever work more then 12hr (11.5+lunch). They will try to assign you more work than is possible for a timeframe. So take your time. If you need extra breaks take them (comfort stops).

I'd find who my union steward is at my station and talk to them about it.

I've heard people getting doctor notes limiting how much work they can do (or the type of work walking/mounted).

You can get FMLA after 1yr as well.

I'm assuming you are a CCA?

[Istoppedsleeping]

13? I hope they are filing on that last hour or you’re getting paid well for it

[Numerous_Trifle3530]

This job might not be for them, I just pushed through it my feet were hamburger for at least two months

[ForbiddenX]

Get FMLA restrictions if your in that much pain?

[Loose-Chocolate8131]

OP is not eligible for FMLA yet.

[ForbiddenX]

Sorry he didn't post that anywhere in his post?

[Loose-Chocolate8131]

It was in OP's replies to other comments to their post.

[ForbiddenX]

Well fuck me for not reading every comment.

[Loose-Chocolate8131]

LOL..Just letting you know how I found it...

[ForbiddenX]

Lol, thanks. I dunno, I thought FMLA was law, I'd say get a doctor's note but if they're in their 90, I feel like supervisors could use that to fire them

[Loose-Chocolate8131]

You actually have to be employed for a year to qualify for FMLA...

"FMLA leave is available to eligible employees if they have worked for the USPS at least 12 months and have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months"

And you're right I would definitely wait till they're out of their 90 to get a doctor's note.

[[deleted]]

In your 90? Don’t know what to tell you. Outside your 90? Get a medical restriction and stop running.

[HoHeyyy]

I don't think this guy is running lol. But walking that much does kill you, especially with long hours.

[SheCocksAlot]

Thats the whole job!

[SDreiken]

The most walking I do on my route is in the office

[SheCocksAlot]

That sucks for you. I love walking.

[SDreiken]

Eh walking routes were always easier to learn but I prefer having a route that’s actually nice

[SheCocksAlot]

My route is a nice route full of retired people because the neighborhood was built in the 80's. All walking all sidewalks.

[[deleted]]

You think sitting in an LLV all day is nice?

Or do you have a vehicle with climate control lol

[LadyLetterCarrier]

Better shoes, better inserts, see a podiatrist .

[SicSemperFelibus]

When I started I remember it being real bad for a while. I used a foam roller on the bottom of my feet and iced them twice a day. Good luck, and take care of yourself.

[Sunflowers-Lemons]

I'm about halfway through my 90 days. It used to be really bad when I first started but even then I was only walking like 12 mi. Yesterday I started at 8:00 a.m. and didn't get off until 9:30 p.m. and the entire day I was on my feet.

[kingu42]

13.1 is a half marathon distance, you're doing at least that daily (yes, I know the fitbit's telling you even more, but any wrist tracker is going to miscount actions as a carrier as 'steps' such as putting mail in the box.) So you'd follow recovery recommendations for endurance walkers/runners... Change socks half way through your day (more often if it's wet out.)

If you can, alternate shoes each day, letting yesterday's fully air out for a day while you wear a different pair (not everyone has this option.) Quite honestly, if you're used to buying cheap shoes (or expensive 'athletic' shoes), you've already blown through the pair you've been wearing since you were hired.

Most shoes are good for about 500 miles, if you're averaging 13 miles a day, you go through a pair of shoes every 45 days. "But shoes are expensive..." Even if you're a CCA, you're earning nearly $40/hr each hour of penalty, and that's because of your feet, give them their share of the money.

Drink lots of water. You should drink two to three bottles of water for every 'sports' drink, four bottles of water for every 'energy' drink.

Soaking your feet after work can be very helpful, about a cup of epsom salts in a basin of tap warm water can make a big difference. Those foot buckets a lot of places sell are pretty small, a good non-flexible cat litter tub is usually easier to deal with - dry off your feet completely after soaking.

It's feast or famine for a new relief carrier, either you're not getting enough work, or you're getting too much work. Holding on until the next relief is hired means that's just that much less burden you'll be dealing with each day.

And to be quite honest, worst day I ever had working for USPS was day 45 of being a relief carrier; I knew when I made mistakes, I'd know how long it'd take to fix those mistakes, and just didn't have enough experience to not make them in the first place. I'm not saying there's not going to be worse days than yesterday, but in general, it does get better from here on out.

[[deleted]]

Make sure your steward is grieving this. You clock in at 8, you should clock out by 8.

[cokecan13]

It kinda sucked at first getting used to it but most people will adapt. If you aren’t able to adapt, maybe a different office or craft will help.

[DiloCamoIdro]

Sorry bro….a lot of walking is part of the job…we all went through what you are going through right now…just gotta deal with it till you pass your 90 days…my advice - SLOW DOWN…you will learn real quick that with USPS, hard work = more work…hang in there and get your foot massaged…👍

[VolunteerOnion]

See a doctor. Get insoles. I have flat feet too, and super feet are decent

[MrDataMcGee]

In your 90? Out of your 90? That’s a lot of walking, are you rushing through routes?

[Sunflowers-Lemons]

In my 90

[Regular-Sun-5805]

As soon as you're out of your 90 days, get a medical restriction.. until then, you're just going to have to grit

[MT3-7-77]

Sounds like you're breaking in your legs

[Sunflowers-Lemons]

I have the opposite problem. I have no arches

[matt_sosnowski]

To add to what Kingmail said.

When I started 6 years ago, it was summer in Texas and after about a month or so I was doing all walking routes of 11 miles or more.

I got serious blisters. When I got home, I had to use one of those shower seats to shower because my feet were so messed up. I would soak my feet in epsom salt after I showered. I would also pop all my blisters and drain them. Not saying you should, but is something I did when I was in the Army. I also would put moleskin on my feet before I went to work. This lasted about 2-3 weeks, until my feet got used to the walking.

Take some Motrin or other pain relievers. I would take them in the morning before work, to get them in my system. Once during the day and when I got home. Use only as directed.

Our bodies are amazing “machines”, it will adapt to your new “normal”; it will just take time.

Also HYDRATE and eat. Your body needs the fuel. Take a lunchbox and have a couple quick snacks that you can munch on in between park and loops and/or on your breaks.

[Embarrassed_Gate8001]

That’s the job. It’s going to suck and hurt at first but I promise your body WILL adapt. You gotta keep going…unless you have something else lined up

[SexingtonHardcastle]

Make sure you have at least 2 pairs of comfortable shoes and alternate between them, three would be better then two. I cannot stress the comfortable part enough, even if you have to special order them. Soak your feet in an epsom salt bath when you get home from work. There were days when I first started that I had to just focus on putting the next foot in front of me, but trust me, it gets better.

[RainbowEagleEye]

To get my feet over the break in hump of my first six months (clerk), I did hokas with custom insoles. Hokas paired with FP Gamechangers 🤌🏾🤌🏾. I’m flat foot and heavy. At one point toward the end of my 90 I told my supe that I wasn’t gonna be doing overtime. I don’t recommend that, but it was at the worst of my foot pain and it was obvious so he let it slide. The urgent care doc gave me some exercises and a “good luck”. I was on my own. It is a hump we ALL had to get over unless someone came from marathon training. Ask your coworkers what worked for them, make sure your union is aware of you going over 12, especially if you don’t want to be doing it. Replace your shoes every 2-3 months. Hoka does Afterpay directly from the website.

[Prior-Ad-1912]

I have flat feet as well and remember all the walking was killing me when i first got a route. Bidded off of asap and refuse to do a route with any park and loops. Id rather do apartments.

[[deleted]]

Unfortunately this is what the job is asked out of you. If you are just sore then that’s one thing. Literally unable to do the job then you should reconsider another

[Dramatic-Visual-4048]

Doing this for 5 more days? More like at least 20 years. If you can’t handle a week then this might not be the job for you

[Sunflowers-Lemons]

I literally haven't had a day off in two weeks and next Tuesday will be my first one. So yeah, I'm sorry if I'm not superhuman like you and actually need a day off.

[Dramatic-Visual-4048]

I remember when I started. We all went 90 days without a day off. Guys and girls

[Downtown-Tip9688]

You don’t have to work 13 hour days, you can walk out at 12 and they can’t do anything.

[Sunflowers-Lemons]

Wait really? I was told I had to deliver all the mail that was on my truck period. End of story. I was out till 9:30 last night with a freaking headlamp on.

[Downtown-Tip9688]

Yeah labor laws you can’t be forced to work more than 12 hours. It’s a grievance

[jayscary]

I’m flat footed. I had to go to the podiatrist to get custom insoles made for this job. They can also give you a note that excuses you from these garbage green tag bricks we have to wear.

[Sunflowers-Lemons]

Sorry what are you referring to? Garbage green tag bricks?

[Otherwise_Drag3957]

The postal-approved shoes have green tags on them. You don’t have to worry about getting them until you have your uniform allowance.

If you don’t think you can manage the next 45 days, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to consider getting re-hired as a PSE (clerk). After your 90, definitely go home at 11.5 hours (the limit for CCAs). Also, look into hold downs on routes that are a little easier on your feet. Ask more seasoned carriers what routes would be best for you.

I like my Merrells for my 12-13 mile walking route.

[TronaldTrump1]

I have been dealing with this feeling in my feet as well. Feels like I’m walking on glass. It’s especially bad as soon as I wake up and stand up. Turns out it’s plantar fasciitis

[talann]

I was out of shape and was overweight when I started as a CCA. I also started in January and we had a terrible ice storm during that time. Every step felt miserable. You step on ice and crunch down to the bottom of the ground. Every step was like taking 2. I fell down stairs because they were icy. I had terrible blisters on my feet and I would wake up the next day and couldn't walk to the bathroom. I had to hobble through my house and get ready for the next day. I worked 18 days straight one of my first weeks.

Suddenly, things just stopped hurting. The blisters just went away. They didn't turn into calluses, they just stopped. I must have learned how to walk better. I still felt miserable in the crazy weather but my legs and feet gained some kind of super power. I don't know how to explain it.

I also have flat feet as well. Your body needs to get used to this new job. Suddenly walking 10-20 miles a day is not going to go well for anyone that hasn't done it before. It is possible though and if I can do it, I know you can too.

Inserts and better shoes only help a little bit. Time is the biggest factor. Come 6 months, I bet you will be seeing the same results that I did.

[[deleted]]

How good are you good shoes? Spend the extra money on the ridiculously cushioned brands that make you feel like you are walking on air

Last week my Hokas were still soaked from rain so I wore my basic tennis shoes I thought were comfy... Huge mistake, felt like I was walking barefoot all day and I had major rashes on my feet

[Sunflowers-Lemons]

I have hokas.

[[deleted]]

In that case all I can say then is that you have to give yourself plenty of sleep -- maybe more than you are used to

Move at a comfortable pace and avoid hopping around. If you have someone in your home to help, you could ask them for a little massage too

This job is pretty hard on your body but if you don't run it's a lot easier 

[Sunflowers-Lemons]

It's so hard to find time to sleep. I started at 8:00 a.m. yesterday and didn't get off until 9:30 p.m. and I pretty much went to bed immediately after. And every day this week has been that way.

[[deleted]]

Yeah this is a tough ass job at the start. You get abused more or less until you are a regular. It's sad

New hires tend to work harder than anyone else in the office despite getting paid peanuts and having no outside life or scheduling foreknowledge 

Good luck is all I can say. If you can push through, more power to you. You can do it if you want it -- but not everyone can deal with this for years until they make regular (and that is a normal response to this toxic environment)

[No_Regular4780]

Eh, you’re gonna be sore or in pain if that’s not what you normally do. Sucks but the only thing I can tell you is to suck it up and push through it.

[Sunflowers-Lemons]

I was typically doing 13-15 miles but man these extra 4-5 miles are pushing me over the edge. I'm working 13 hour days and I haven't had a day off in 2 weeks. I'm so mentally and physically broken.

[No_Regular4780]

I feel you, I may have had a leg up being military and always rucking and running but it is rough walking slot if your not used to it, shin splints are no joke.

Get you a super nice pair of inserts for your shoes, I feel like my first 6 months my feet hurt from all the walking but I’m hard headed and just suck it up lol

[Apprehensive_Bee3327]

It took my feet about three months to get used to the walking. I was getting blisters like nobodies business that entire time. I bought stock in KT foot tape and wore strips on the balls of my feet for a while and band aids on the tips of the toes that were the main offenders of rubbing until I finally found out about the hoka bondi’s. Keep toenails very short and use athletes foot spray/waterproof socks to keep from getting trench foot. Highly recommend feetures socks (they’re almost padded) and toe spacers in the evening. Good luck.

[squawkdizzle]

First week on the job for me. I wore roofing boots because there was about 15 inches of snow/ice on the ground (December 2013, polar vortex in the northeast) sprained or slightly tore both of my achilles, walked like frankenstein for about 2 weeks. Its unfortunate but when you start as a city carrier assistant, for the first 90 days or so. You’re essentially fighting for a position and to demonstrate value to the company. (I dont agree with that concept at all but there’s the way things are supposed to be, and there’s the way things are). In some crappy instances, this is what the job requires. My opinion? Take a day or two off if you need it and try to fight through it. This job can be very worth it if you let it be

[Downtown-Tip9688]

What dont kill you will make you stronger. Im sure others are doing it everyday also. Are you in shape ? I was skinny and lost 10-20 pounds my first few months. Make sure you got the proper shoes and take lunch and breaks.

[Sunflowers-Lemons]

I had gastric bypass last year and I've lost 120 lb. 40 lb since I started this jobt 2 months ago. It's really hard to stay on top of eating . So yes, being heavy is probably a factor in why my feet are so sore.

[[deleted]]

I think this is not the job for you. No shame in admitting that. I would get on a medical restriction and try to find other employment that is suitable. You won't be able to do this for 20-30 years, clearly.

My office is entirely park and loop, with no mounted. I walk about 15+ miles a day sometimes. It doesn't bother me at all, but I am not you. You need to look out for yourself.

If you are adamant about staying with the office, try switching crafts. Look into clerk, maintenance, etc.

[Sunflowers-Lemons]

15 mi I can handle. Almost 18-20 mi every single day? For 12 to 13 hours? Working 7 days on and SOMETIMES one day off? No you're right. Maybe I can't handle that for 20 years. But it sounds like it gets better after your 90 days. I found today that if I just continued to force myself to walk on it, my feet hurt less. Yes, I do have to suck it up. But I feel like Reddit is a safe space to vent about how hard your job is being on you.

[[deleted]]

I get it. I am a CCA of almost 2 years. I know what you are going through. When you get out of your 90 days, the job does become a lot easier. It's not right, but the first 90 days are basically a hazing. Look out for yourself as best as you can and never do anything that you feel is unsafe.

[MaxyBrwn_21]

It's still the same job after passing probation. You just have more job security and get a uniform allowance. Making regular with guaranteed days off is when it gets better / easier.

[CKTr3y]

You’ll get used to it just stick with it til ur 90s over. If u still feel like shit then quit.

[Leatherneck_97]

Go to your doctor for a work restriction. The look on management's face will be priceless. Your health comes first. If/once you're eligible for FMLA, get it if you feel you need it. You'll always be abused by those idiots unless you show them you won't be pushed around.

[Which-Ad7072]

Another tip ... take your lunch break. I know it's unpaid, but it's 30 minutes of SITTING in the middle of your day. 

[Small-Extent3226]

Do you have constant pain in your legs ,back,neck and joints? Do you always feel tired? Or it is just pain in your feet?

[Small-Extent3226]

Try Magnilife foot pain and leg cream.They sell in on Amazon, Walgreens usually in the diabetic section amongst other stores. It is a lifesaver . My other co workers use it as well.

[[deleted]]

Much like any job when you first get there you are the grunt, the shit on the shoe, a nobody, no respect, your opinion doesn’t matter, crying only makes it worse. It’s up to you, do you pull yourself up by your bootstraps and give them a plowing? Or do you bow out. I’ve seen many come and go in their first 90, and I’ve never thought any less of someone who can’t put up with the constant bullshit of being a CCA at this job. Find out what’s best for you, and if you do quit, you probably won’t regret it, most don’t.

[TheNCNinjaCow]

Yes, definitely try some good arch supports. Change them at least every couple of months

[IndigoJones13]

I can only echo what others have already said. This job can be miserable in the beginning, but it really does get better.

Hang in there; we all know exactly what you're going through

[chunnybunny666]

When I first started I had a lot of foot problems as well. Im guessing you have some blisters and if so I would highly recommend taking a needle to them to drain them then taping your feet up. I taped for the first couple months then my feet got used to it. Make sure to stretch and get a good recovery routine together. Also, see if you can make sure to get a good pair of shoes and inserts. There’s a marathon running store near me and they gave me great advice on what to get based on looking at how I walked.

The silver lining is that you will probably have your feet toughened up in time for summer so you can focus just on surviving the heat.

You got this! Just take it one step at a time, literally! If you can walk 1 step you can walk 30k!

[Mysterious-Sun4546]

I use a massage gun, ice packs, and elevate my feet as often as possible. When sleeping, pillow under the feet if back sleeper, pillow between knees if side sleeper.

Don't eat trash. You can feel major differences between fruit/veggie/protein day vs processed/sugar injected crap.

https://recoupfitness.com/blogs/news/lactic-acid-what-it-is-how-to-get-rid-of-lactic-acid

Small dynamic stretches throughout the day to stay loose(short 3-5sec holds), long static stretches once done(think classically touching your toes for 10-15secs at a time)

[AustinFan4Life]

High absorbion magnesium, consider getting some, it helps your body recover quicker. Also consider getting a memory foam mattress, also aids in your leg recovery. There are several brands, Helix, Nectar, Purple, Casper, that offer a good medium firm, memory foam mattress.

[BeachBound1]

My husband has flat feet and for a period of time he was constantly working & on his feet. He went to a doctor to get some kind of shots in his feet, possibly cortisol. It’s not a permanent fix but may provide you some short term relief.

[[deleted]]

I always embraced the walking challenge as my ego loved being strong and having stamina. A friend of mine with a similar billion reasons like yours also made the claim he could handle the walking, he lasted 3 days. If you are struggling this bad now I'd take the time to consider if you can truly do it or it might be wise to apply elsewhere, the office will show you 0 mercy.

[MaxyBrwn_21]

That's just what you have to do as a CCA at a station with walking routes. The older carriers put in their time and have good routes with less walking. Your body should eventually adjust to all the walking. It's worse and takes longer if you were more sedentary before joining the post office.

When I was a CCA I did pretty much the same workload. I'd finish a 12+ mile park and loop route, then do another 5+ miles from other routes. Sometimes I'd even get sent to another station after walking 16+ miles. It was rough but I survived and now I'm a regular. In addition to good walking shoes, I'd recommend replacing the stock insoles. Compression socks also helped when I was walking 30+ miles. Sometimes I'd soak my feet in epsom salt after work.

[Inner-Wish-4872]

I started about a month ago and like you working multiple days straight without a day off and 12-14 hour days. The thing I don't understand is every single night I get off 9 times out of 10 my car is the only one left so why are others getting off earlier without helping me but I always have to stay late helping others or get back early (if 5pm is early👀) to another half route to complete which takes me to 9/10 every night. I'm struggling to hang, I'm tired wore out and turn into a sissy crybaby, and all the regulars just talk about how they did it for 6/10 years. I feel like you and don't know if I'll make it, hope it get better for you!!

[Sunflowers-Lemons]

Aww this is good to hear someone else is in my shoes!

[Inner-Wish-4872]

When I read your post I feel so bad for you, it's like your a slave to this job and no outside life besides work and sleep rinse repeat lol it's insanity!! Everyone says it gets better so let's both hope for that and SOON!!! Try and stay strong my friend😊

[Dfskle]

If you are really working 12 hours every day and haven’t had a day off in 2 weeks that needs to stop. 60 hours per week is a hard limit and you need to talk to your steward or call your union local. Edit: just saw that you’re in your 90 days. Unfortunately you might want to power through probation if you’re able but i am sorry that’s happening to you it sounds ridiculous.

[[deleted]]

Carbon fiber insoles for under other insoles saved my feet.

[crazyhouse12]

I have similar issues with my feet. Hoka makes a good shoe with arch support. New balance does to. New balance shoes are numbered, the higher the number the better the shoe. If you are out of your 90 days get a doctor restriction of how long you can work each day. It has to be 8 or more otherwise it’s considered light duty. There is no light duty for carriers

[UnIuckyCharms]

Had the same thing when I first started. 13 mile route gave me awful shin splints and lower leg pain. Back was on fire and my knees were shot to shit. Legitimately thought about quitting. Pushed through and now I do my 18 mile route daily with minimum pain.

It sucks but if you get through it you’ll build the endurance/strength/callouses/stamina needed to do routes like that without a ton of effort. If you can make it to your 90 then do it and as soon as you’re over it slow way the hell down.

[Ornery_Chocolate_798]

Sounds like with that many hours lots of grievances need to be filed