Building a Career Over 30 Years Seems a Lifetime

Building a Career Over 30 Years Seems a Lifetime
By John J. Wong
North Coast, CA, Branch 497 President and Postmaster of Windsor

The Postal Supervisor magazine has been around for much longer than I have been working for the USPS. Although I have been in management only for the past 22 years, I began my career as a mail handler in August 1994.

Previously, I had a short period as a casual clerk, working on Tour 1 in these different operations: 044 manual letters, 074 manual flats and 110 manual belts sorting incoming packages to our local 3-digit ZIP codes and 5-digit secondary belts for early-morning, outgoing dispatches.

After being promoted to an associate supervisor, EAS-16, in November 2002, I returned to my facility and managed in most operations between tours 3 and 1. I became a NAPS member on my promotion.

I became involved with my local branch and eventually became an officer. I now serve as branch president. Currently a Level-20 postmaster serving in my local rural delivery community, I have been looking ahead to the horizon of my postal career.

Lately, I find myself stepping back, taking a breath, counting to 10 and really analyzing my choices. I am proud to be working. I am proud to be involved. I am proud to stand in solidarity.

The Postal Supervisor is our communication network. It is the medium that stays with us and provides us a vehicle to promote learning through sharing the ideas and knowledge of our leaders. The magazine is the one, monthly publication we receive in which we all have the freedom to express our thoughts in a way that can continue to educate and contribute to all our members in this great organization.

We will continue to overcome the challenges ahead and stand up for our rights. We will continue to speak out against unfair treatment of our career employees and retirees. We will not go quietly into the night; we will persevere.

This is where your words and your voice can be heard. United We Stand!

#StrongerTogether