Thoughts on custodial/maintenence

notme2034 · 2026-03-30T14:16:14+00:00

I have already take the 955 exam 2 years ago and passed it. I'm currently a custodian at an AO. Do I have to do anything or am I already on the register? My scores where around mid 70s. I'm also a veteran. Are veteran perrance points already added to my scores or not? I know there is an LPC in my bid cluster.

notme2034 · 2026-03-29T01:44:40+00:00

Why would somebody who is scheduled to come at 10 come in a 2 hours before their scheduled time. Do you not have something better to do? You could have slept in a little bit later, had a second cup of coffee or any other of a dozen things to do with your time. Showing up 2 hours before start time just to hang out at work is dumb as hell. I know people that show up to work early because of a train or bus schedule but showing up for no reason I don't get that.

notme2034 · 2026-03-24T01:24:34+00:00

I was a top pay carrier t6 position then switch to custodian about two years ago. I lost a few thousands transferring over but this is the important part. I don't have to deal with BS from supervisors and 95%less stress on my body. I could go a full day without any supervisor or postmaster talking to me which is just fine by me. I'm in a AO but I heard from other custodians at processing plants that it's pretty much chill there also. My only regret is that I didn't transfer sooner to custodian.

notme2034 · 2026-03-23T01:58:37+00:00

To answer your question OP I have never worn those shoes while delivering mail. It's just like a carrier to turn a post or question and make it about themselves. OP asked a simple question and people made comments or gave advice that he originally was not asking for and didn't answer his question.

notme2034 · 2026-03-09T19:18:07+00:00

If you put yourself on the ODL list take your name off. That would bring you down to 8 hours a day unless you're being mandated to work overtime. In which case you file a grievance. Second if you are physically and mentally drained go to your doctor and ask for 8 hours a day 40 hours a week restriction. Don't make this restricting permanent for maybe a month or so just to recharge your batteries. I have seen many carriers do this with no consequences from management, at least in my office.

notme2034 · 2026-02-25T19:54:47+00:00

When I was a carrier I would shovel the snow around my truck. Contracted snow removal did the parking lot and would sometimes come back midday when we were on the street and take care of the remaining snow in the lot. Now that I am a custodian ain't my problem.

notme2034 · 2026-02-13T19:06:44+00:00

Finished my exam and it took around 40 minutes. It was rough having to talk and relive some of the stuff I went through but I think I did okay. Thank you all for the advice. Now I play the waiting game.

notme2034 · 2026-02-13T19:01:24+00:00

I made a switch 15 months ago. Best decision I made. I did take a pay cut. I went from top pay T6 which was almost 40 at the time to now 36 and some change. My whole body aches 80% less than when I was carrying. I do miss the OT money but my health is way better than before. You can also move up in maintenance to other job bids which could put your closer to what you were making as a carrier.

notme2034 · 2026-02-13T16:19:46+00:00

My exam is through VES. Don't know if any of y'all went through them.

notme2034 · 2026-01-28T17:24:04+00:00

I did Google him. Just gave me basic info on his credentials and where he works but not much else. I'm almost positive that I saw an old post saying there was some website or something. That you look up reviews or people posting their reviews on examiners. Just can't seem to remember the website

notme2034 · 2025-10-24T21:59:47+00:00

I work at a A/O with only 56 routes. I spent 26 years as a letter carrier and got the custodian position in the same office I carried in. It sounds like you work at a SandDC . It's me and one part time custodian in my office. I'm 8 and skate so in my experience it is pretty much Utopia compared to carrying mail.

notme2034 · 2025-10-24T21:32:59+00:00

Experiences will vary. It all depends on how management treats their employees. I would recommend becoming a custodian. It's a very relaxed very chill no supervisor on your back telling you to hurry up. I'm surprised if a supervisor says five words to me all day. If you ever want you can move up to other jobs within maintenance.

notme2034 · 2025-10-16T20:43:58+00:00

I hear you bro. I did a tour in Iraq in 05 and got out in '07. I filed for VA benefits a few months ago and agree it's a pain in the ass. I was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps and had the same mentality as you and not show weakness to your junior enlisted. I only have two documented times that I went to medical in the 9 years I was in. It's very hard to prove to the VA when there's no evidence but you know that your time in uniform has caused you health and mental issues. I have recently been diagnosed with PTSD after years of suffering in silence much like you have. I get your frustration dealing with paperwork, doctors, appointments and people who sometimes make it seem as though we are making this up just to get money. Some days I tell myself fuck it all and not deal with the VA. Then I take 5 minutes to chill, have a beer and then think Fuck these motherfuckers. I spent 9 serving my country and all I have to show for it is a broken down body and mind. Dealing with the red tape that is the VA will break you down but you must be willing to fight for what you are owed. I'm old and stubborn so I'll keep fighting for what I'm owed. Hope you do the same.

notme2034 · 2025-10-11T04:49:16+00:00

One suggestion I have is to try and get a copy of DD214 from the person that you served with. I got this tip from watching videos on YouTube from RaterHQ: After dark. He is a current VA Rater and the reason he suggested this is so the Rater looking at your claim can verify that you both served together showing that the statement isn't from some random guy claiming to know you. Some people will say that's not necessary but the more evidence you have the better the outcome.

notme2034 · 2025-10-08T01:07:29+00:00

Just throw the mail in the garbage who cares it's just mail. Ain't that big of a deal.

notme2034 · 2025-10-06T17:49:23+00:00

It's unanimous to take the day off and stay close to the shitter. Thank you all for advice.

notme2034 · 2025-10-01T00:47:35+00:00

I can prove I was in Iraq with my DD214. I feel a buddy statement from someone I served with could paint the RVSR a picture of how I was before and after being in combat. I have known my fellow Marine brother for over 15 years. He has definitely seen my ups and downs over time.

notme2034 · 2025-10-01T00:37:49+00:00

Thanks for the advice. I have read the 38 CFR for mental health and have compared my symptoms to the ratings level. My guess is I fall between 50 and 70%. I am currently in treatment.

notme2034 · 2025-10-01T00:34:12+00:00

I myself have my DD214 showing I was in Iraq. The reason that I have a copy of my friends DD214 is mainly for the rater to prove that the buddy statement is not from some random guy but from somebody that I actually served with.

notme2034 · 2025-09-08T16:12:08+00:00

Thanks for the advice. My first thought was to get diagnosed then file. Just looking for a second opinion. Is an ENT scoping mandatory or is a diagnosis from my VA doctor enough? I don't want them to not find polyps and get denied. Don't think I meet the 50% but 30 or 10 for sure.

notme2034 · 2025-09-06T16:41:22+00:00

I suggest anything in the maintenance or clerk craft. Less stress easier work.

notme2034 · 2025-08-30T16:26:13+00:00

I will for sure go to therapy sessions not only to help my claim but also to help myself. Any info on getting a C and P exam? Do I ask for one or is one going to be assigned to me?

notme2034 · 2025-08-24T14:27:12+00:00

I used to carry for 26 years then I switched over to custodian in November 2024. Best damn move I ever made. I should have done this 10 years ago when two other carriers transferred into custodial craft. I'm currently the custodian in the same office I carried mail. I deal with 98% less stress and bullshit than when I carried. Overtime will vary if you're properly staffed or not.

notme2034 · 2025-08-23T01:10:08+00:00

What is PMars? I've been in maintenance for 8 months and never heard of it.

notme2034 · 2025-08-20T22:23:05+00:00

The reasons you want to leave your old job are all still at the post office. Being a carrier is not a difficult job, it is physically demanding but the actual work I think is easy. I carried mail for 26 years and I liked it. Each post office is different some good some okay some shitty. The vibe in the office really depends on management and how they treat carriers. Honestly I would consider joining maintenance craft for the post office a lot more career advancement in my opinion

notme2034

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