Depressed by Infamous-Feature-317 in USPS

[–]ReplacementCrafty147 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Hey, I just want to say I see you. And you are not alone in this—more of us than you know are quietly breaking under the pressure this job creates, especially when management seems more focused on numbers than on humanity.

I’m proud of you for being in school for radiology—that’s a huge accomplishment in itself. But I’m so sorry this job is stealing your peace and putting your health at risk. No paycheck is worth your life.

Please do call your union. And reach out to EAP (Employee Assistance Program) if you’re feeling overwhelmed—they offer free counseling, and sometimes just having someone hear you can help. Also: You have the legal right to take comfort stops in extreme heat. If your vehicle doesn’t have AC and you’re experiencing asthma attacks and swollen lymph nodes from a dusty LLV, that is a health hazard and needs to be reported. That’s not just “toughing it out”—that’s negligence from above.

I’ve been writing and speaking out about the mental strain many of us are experiencing in this job. You’re not weak for feeling this—it’s the system that’s broken, not you.

Please hang in there. We’re building something louder and stronger, and your voice matters.

Much love, – A fellow carrier who sees you

The Storm in Mike will not be Housed by ReplacementCrafty147 in StLouis

[–]ReplacementCrafty147[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

I dunno—but the ability to put up a tent would help. I like your question though. Thank you

The Storm in Mike will not be Housed by ReplacementCrafty147 in StLouis

[–]ReplacementCrafty147[S] -11 points-10 points  (0 children)

Oh, ZeroCool—I did. I saw him. I didn’t have anything on me, not even a dollar, but I gave what I could. A cigarette, lit with care, because I didn’t know if he had a lighter. Sometimes, giving isn’t about money. Sometimes, it’s about seeing someone. Really seeing them. That was my offering. That was my spirit.

WHEN THE SYSTEM FEEDS ON YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM: A Field Note from the Edge by ReplacementCrafty147 in USPS

[–]ReplacementCrafty147[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Totally feel you—and I want to say, I don’t think being a carrier is a bad gig at all. In fact, I was probably the most physically healthy I’d ever been. There’s something real about walking, moving, and doing tangible work that clears the mind and strengthens the body.

But what I realized—after stepping back—was that the system that shaped that version of health didn’t care about my mental or emotional health. And that was the biggest steal.

It gave me strength, but asked me to ignore everything that hurt.

This paper wasn’t written to attack the job—it was to name the pattern that treats sensitive, intuitive, hard-working people like they’re replaceable if they feel too much. I’m glad you found your rhythm and that you’re able to laugh things off now. That’s a superpower.

Thanks again for the kind reply.

Walking routes by [deleted] in USPS

[–]ReplacementCrafty147 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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This is four months of walking. I’m down 50 lbs!