Are You Taking Care of Yourself?

Are You Taking Care of Yourself?
By Kevin Moore
Postmaster of Toccoa, GA, and Member of North Georgia District Branch 595

I’m going to talk about something on which I need to work in my life and career — taking care of yourself. In my 31 years of service, I can’t begin to count the times I placed the Postal Service before my family and my physical and mental health. I’ve really begun to feel this lately.

The pressure comes from all around — from our managers, employees and customers; it seems non-stop. I have one supervisor who reports to me and, together, we must cover from open to close six days a week, plus Amazon on Sunday.

I’m told I must cover for the supervisor on her days off. So, that puts me in the office by myself from open to close for two days during the week. The emails are flowing, 360s ASAP, DCV, Eagle Clean — the list goes on.

I ask myself how we went from Level 21s having two supervisors, but, as soon as one was promoted or retired, the job went away. But the work didn’t go away! In fact, we have more work today than ever.

I’m trying to answer to all the reports that come out, but, at the same time, I’m having to help my staff; otherwise, the mail wouldn’t leave the building. We have to get the mail out no matter the circumstances, then answer why were we out delivering late.

Mentally, I understand I’m never going to win because we are tired and frustrated. I have to force myself to step away, put the postal phone down, leave the office and just take a small break.

The work still will be there. Someone would be in my chair the next day if something happened to me. It truly is a matter of give and take.

I plan to give my best to the Postal Service for my time remaining. I just need to continue to work on the taking-what-I-have-earned part.