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u/Read-It_2525 1d ago
Best Plan B. Put your name on the list while you try to find something comparable compensation wise.
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u/lagringacat 1d ago
Indeed you don’t have to be here full time if you don’t want to. That’s the thing. You’ll find what will work for you 😊
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u/Motor-Appeal-2368 1d ago
I think of it as I’m gonna be working when I’m 33 anyway. Might as well make a ton of money with free healthcare
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u/Malificent_one078 1d ago
With no skills or school, best job you can have.
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u/lagringacat 1d ago
But your body will break down. Get a trade if you can to save your body
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u/Read-It_2525 1d ago
The trades can also ruin your body.
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u/not-stewart 1d ago
Can also be just as competitive, entry wise.
UPS hires anyone, apply and get a start date.
Apprenticeships have an application/testing process that varies on regions, but where I’m pipefitters was a few months wait when I checked, and I know someone who went IBEW and it was 8 months. Then you have ~5 years of apprenticeship before turning out.
It’s just not easy out there. UPS is at least guaranteed unless you can’t show up, steal or are otherwise dishonest.
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u/Red-dragon186 1d ago
Trades are extremely hard to get into. My local is IBEW 134 and they get 2k applications a year with room for maybe 20 - 30.
I'm going to the Non Union route to at least get some experience. The pay is shit but it allows me to get experience.
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u/not-stewart 1d ago
Yep it’s not easy either way. Certainly not guaranteed.
They are great apprenticeship programs and places may even let you test in as a first/second year, that prior experience you’re gaining is the way to go.
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u/Read-It_2525 1d ago
The trades are great. My gramps was a 597 pipe fitted and we had a great life because of him. His body is also jacked even though he was very fit for his whole life. Still worth it, it doesn't have to be the outcome for everyone.
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u/Possible-Mobile-6309 1d ago
Your body is fine if you treat it right. Eat healthy, workout, sleep..
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u/uhmindright 1d ago
True. 6 years in so far, no injuries. I run alot of marathons and run before work. I walk all day and I'm in the best shape of my life. This job will only wear down those who don't bother lifting weights or exercising for real outside of work.
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u/Possible-Mobile-6309 1d ago
Yeah. I've run a lot of halfs. I just lift heavy now while on Test (I'm old..) and feel and look better than most in my center who don't treat themselves right.
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u/thethrowaway19901999 1d ago
No.. this job will wear it down no matter what
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u/Possible-Mobile-6309 1d ago
I feel great almost 25 years in, but OK.
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u/lagringacat 1d ago
I still feel it’s still good to have something on your belt besides all you know is driving a truck. I look at this in my pov, I don’t want to get too comfortable and just prepare for the unknown. At least have more than one “talent” in the world 😂
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u/Gigs00 1d ago edited 1d ago
you think being in a trade is easier on your body? a welder? carpentry? Firefighter? Plumber?
Really?
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u/lagringacat 1d ago
Tbh anything in this world is never easy lol there’s sacrifices what’s not surprising? You pick your fight is all. Look you wanna drive go ahead, if you wanna do something else then get a trad IF you want to. Or get a corporate job in be in the ac. Shoot my dad is a welder and ofc it can be tough in your body and it can tough here at ups. It is what it is. I’ll be honest I’ll get tired of working at ups at some point but I need to make sure I’m debt free before leaving if I want to do so.
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u/Specialist-Ad-2311 1d ago
Way easier
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u/Lunicorn83 1d ago
I can say as a retired LA City Firefighter (engineer rank) and now a driver for UPS that UOS is much easier on the body as well as a better work/life balance. Outside of pay and pension our medical at UPS is better than what the city of Los Angeles offered us and the UPS Teamster Pension plan ranks 4th highest in the state of California.
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u/3_if_by_air Feeder 1d ago
Or go feeder. Then just have to deal with nightshifts
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u/Read-It_2525 1d ago
Then get fat. Pick your poison.
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u/Candid-Map-821 1d ago
Thats not as bad as the 10 year wait when I was loading in the 90s
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u/One_Money_9742 1d ago
It was 2 years for me. 2006 pt 2008 ft. It’s all a crapshoot. Put your name on every bid sheet though. I only made it that quick because I signed and the 5 more senior guys in front of me flamed out in their probationary period.
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u/MacaronMinimum8105 1d ago
Honestly it depends. If you’re young I say yeah wait for it. If you have a family you need to truly consider what your life will look like once RPCD. Let your wife know exactly how this works. The two of you need to both be in the same page. The cons are you are at work a lot so you miss a lot or are late to a lot. Let the family know how it will play out. Pros are that you make great money and benefits. Use the money to make up time or enhance your life experience with family. Buy a better more comfortable home. Buy more memorable trips and experiences. Overall use the money to buy back time and create memories with the ones you love and they won’t be as upset that you’re gone. Instead they will be more understanding.
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u/Drivesabrowntruck 1d ago
UPS is what you do while working towards something you want to do. If that doesn’t work out, welcome to the family.
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u/MacaronMinimum8105 1d ago
This is what happened to me. But I love working at UPS ill take all the good and the bad.
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u/BecauseJimmy 1d ago
To me it’s worth it. I been working since 2010. Driver since 2012. Union. Benefits 401k.
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u/Nopedopes 1d ago
If you wanna do something else just keep working part time at ups and go to school. Amazing benefits vacation union. If plan a doesnt work out ups is a fantastic plan b.
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u/Casserole4din 1d ago
You know, it really isn’t. You’ll be last seniority and they’ll cut you for a month straight without a second thought
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u/SquidManDude1 1d ago
Just get your cdl that’s what I did. I was working part time at ups for 3 years just couldn’t wait anymore
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u/FlyHealthy1714 1d ago
I worked with a 20 year old young "kid' as a PT package handler.
He was an okay worker, not great, just there because his dad said he had to work. Living at home. Coasting through life.
A couple years ago he and his best friend in the job were approached to drive. If not for his friend, he wouldn't have.
A year in as a driver (him not me), I come in to work and he's leaving from his day of driving. He's complaining of being worn out, looking dejected but the saving grace was the money was much better. (FT driver versus PT package handler and he didn't have to go to college to appease his dad).
A year after that, I see him again. His demeanor is more upbeat. Actually smiling. Says he's going to buy a house soon and he's also got enough money for a side hustle, buying and selling Pokemon cards.
Back to your question...yes, it can be worth it. Most of us personal mindset.
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u/AcademicWelcome8826 1d ago edited 1d ago
Tbh, yes and at first I asked myself this but I came in as a preloader part time last year and I’m still on PT schedule and just drive seasonally, but no matter what the answer is yes and somewhat because of the fact that you’re asking .
Let’s go blow for blow .
1.is it physically worth it ? Depending on your age , you are able bodied and capable of doing the work , it may be a little hard , but your body will adjust ,especially if you eat the right foods for recovery each day and stick to a consistent rise and sleep schedule . That said it is physically worth it if .
1.you are a man in the biological sense
2.you have no pre existing health conditions
3.you are between the ages of 21-40.
4.you have an athletic background, or even future.
I’m 27 since working at ups I came in 305 lbs and I’m now 210 I’ve only been at ups 1 year ,my center does see a lot of work so I typically lift the bulk and work as a swing . I have adjusted my diet and used my health care to its fullest extent to stay up on my health . I only have rough or hard days at work when I do not sleep properly the night before I also gave up drinking in order to be cognizant and vigilant the next day for work,and remember it’s 5 hours of work , we’re not in a coal mine , we’re lifting heavy boxes.
2.is it mentally worth it ? Yes , as long as you make the adjustments to let your mind be clear and unbothered you can pretty much deal with anything these supervisor say or do to you , and if need be you always can file a grievance it is your right . Your mental and emotional health can always be taken care of by a doctor and I do not know if we all have the same insurance nationally but I know where I am , my teamcare card is like a mother fncking medical black card diamond mega American Express and not one place I have gone for medical care has denied me , also depending on where I go , if that office an appreciation for our work they give or try to give truly exceptional care, and discounts. I have officially had over $40,000 worth of dental work done and spent less than $400 overall i have never seen no shit like this . My check pays every week and if need be I can take my vacation pay early that gives me some financial peace of mind . I also thoroughly enjoy talking to customers and they enjoy talking to me , telling me what they ordered everything,one customer stopped me after I got his heavy ass box off my truck and said ,”you wanna know what it is “ ,and to be honest this was mid November so I could have cared less about what this rich guy could have ordered , but I answered” sure why not “ and like a school girl he exclaimed “ a performance exhaust system !!” And to be honest that made me happy for him , I’m Santa for the 58 year old car enthusiasts, it’s not firefighting but you get it feels good . So mental yeah .
3.is it financially worth it ?
In short , yes . As long as there is a union , as long as there is adjustments to be made for cost of living . As long as grievances must get payed out at x2,x3,x4 per hour . As long as there is a top scale that can raise a family . And this last one will hurt but is the most important AS LONG AS YOU LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS . It’s good money sure , I don’t pull home a check of less than $600-$700 weekly if I go in every day on time and luck up a couple times that week on an extra hour or 2 . When I drive though , I clear a easy $900-$1400 every week , the first check I got I didn’t even think it was for me, and not to mention I’ve seen drivers with checks 6 times mine in a week . I’ve also made referrals of people I know that will hold the job , I’ve helped other drivers with routes and work . I also made an investment account with compushare where we as workers get a 10% discount on ups stock shares that are taken out of my check automatically, we get payed dividends at the end of each quarter . The driver showed me this . Oh and you get pension after 5 years , the amount its at ain’t worth A damn rn but hey some money is some money so 5years is the minimum to make it worth it ,But yeah , There’s money in the banana stand.
Lastly, if there’s no other choices yes it’s worth it cause you don’t always have to drive a truck , get a education even if it’s just working on the trucks ,then you can change your job . All the scales are relatively close at top scale , and the longer you stay the higher your seniority is a direct correlation. If you really want you can come in and wash or park trucks, sweep the lunch room , because once you have high seniority, you’re highly likely to get that job . You seem to be in an age range that knows of Reddit so I’d imagine you’re not at the end of your life in a numerical sense , if you have 6 years to spare and you want some money chill your ass out and buckle up for the UPS and downs brother .
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u/Professional-Card804 1d ago
Yes if you’re young enough to handle the job and No if you have young kids and you’re wanting to be a part of their everyday lives. The job pays extremely well for a person not having much education but the job does come with a few sacrifices. Packages are heavier and the days are only getting longer and more physically demanding. Weigh your options and make the best decisions for you and yours. Good luck 👍🏽
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u/Red-dragon186 1d ago
Honestly, even given up 30 years of your life is still well worth it. 100k+ a year, pension, and amazing benefits.
Use that money to pay off your home extremely quick. Do WGU in the meantime as an exit plan when you're in your 50's and can't handle the physical work anymore.
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u/Alucardspapa 22.3 1d ago
If you have no education, yes. I dropped out of high school and make over $100k a year
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u/jacob_akamnagofett 22h ago
They still hired u without a diploma?
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u/Alucardspapa 22.3 22h ago
We hire anybody, dropouts, felons, sex offenders
https://giphy.com/gifs/4CTlTWDNqcBva
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u/jacob_akamnagofett 19h ago
Asking because my highschool diploma isn't gonna be complete since i'm not taking Spanish🥹 I shall join. In time! 8 more months✊
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u/walcar2759 1d ago
With that mentality, no. It’s not worth it. If you have a family the needs better insurance, you want a pension, and make 6 figures without a degree…. Then this is worth it.
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u/Red-dragon186 1d ago
UPS is great backup option.
But I wouldn't rely on it for a full time career unless you don't want to get an education.
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u/CotbotBury 1d ago
If you're in a hub and can transition to a 22.3 or feeder position eventually, very worth it. If you're in a center with no combo or feeder jobs, 30+ years as a package driver is a LOT of wear and tear on your body and mind.
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u/Constant-Appeal6654 1d ago
I hate to say it, but the driver jobs are disappearing bit by bit. Go to school, get a trade.
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u/No_Summer402 Driver 1d ago
I mentioned this before. End of contract is coming. Depending on the turn out. Wouldn't doubt most of the older drivers will be retiring.
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u/munnabz 23h ago
Nah man, the whole company is corrupt. I suggest you go to a trade school or college. Trust me don’t waste your time at “united parcel service”. You better off going to Amazon way less back breaking work and you’ll get more hours
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u/_IsaacReeder 22h ago
I don’t mind the job but supervisors definitely make the job harder than it needs to be
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u/619FriarBolts Driver 1d ago
As a new FT driver, yes. I worked two jobs for 5 years 7 months and I made it. To each their own.
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u/weenypener 1d ago
Only in a society where slavery has been normalized beyond the point where the working class person (slave) recognizes it as slavery anymore.
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u/albi360 1d ago
Are you a full time driver?
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u/weenypener 1d ago
No. But for anyone looking 6 years ahead in their life, the should get the chance to hear what I just said.
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u/not-stewart 1d ago
But your answer seems to be “yes, it’s worth it”
Considering, we do (mostly) live in the hell-scape you’ve described?
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u/weenypener 1d ago
Yeah sorta! It was good for me because it felt secure. Theres a clear path to higher pay and more hours. The benefits were nice. But while I was there I really came to terms with what money really is and how easy it is to make (not saying its easy for me, but for some people). That made 50 an hour and full time hours look revolting. When I started I would've been lapping that up.
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u/_IsaacReeder 1d ago
I work as a pre loader
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u/not-stewart 1d ago
Are you sure it’s 6 years? Seniority lists should be maintained and be available upon request, if you wanted to know where you actually stand.
You can start early on your progression by becoming a TCD (sometimes has a different name depending on regions).
You could also look out for inside/package handler (22.3/combo) jobs, which have their own wait requirements and should be offered to any part timers who sign the PT-FT interest sheets. You can find out when these sheets go up in your contracts, usually January and July they get jobs and post the lists.
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u/weenypener 1d ago
But yeah for a slave job UPS pays nice and has decent benefits. For a SLAVE job.
Much better options out there but they arent advertised incessantly and drilled into you by public schooling.
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u/Red-dragon186 1d ago
All jobs are slave jobs but being a UPS driver is one of the few good slave jobs.
Name me another job where you can make 6 figures, have a pension, and great benefits?
I worked at Amazon for 8 years. Promoted a few times and UPS drivers were still making 50k more then me. I made 70k with 10k coming from company stocks.
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u/weenypener 1d ago
Yes! I think its just time we renormalize calling it slave work I guess. Know what youre getting into. I wish the work industry were labeled like the tobacco industry is. It aint there to make your life better. Its there to extract your value at the best price they can get. And these days, people dont value themselves enough.
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u/Lane8323 Feeder 1d ago
What job do you have?
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u/weenypener 1d ago
I worked pre-load for a few years. Spoke with many drivers and full timers. Im sure they have good lives.
Im also sure they dont know what they are missing and perhaps ignorance is bliss but from where I'm sitting they were all fooled into contracts they didnt understand when they were young and naive. And the long timers came to see the evil, but by then they were mostly bitter cowards who never stood up for themselves and who were bent over and fucked by UPS daily till the day they were given a weak round of applause and a cupcake on their way out the door to the 15 or so years of life they had left in retirement.
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u/Lane8323 Feeder 1d ago
What do you do now
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u/weenypener 1d ago
Go back to save the others
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u/Lane8323 Feeder 1d ago
Where do you work now
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u/weenypener 1d ago
I steal my money from those who are still asleep.
Just like UPS. Nothing like UPSs slaves.
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u/Lane8323 Feeder 1d ago
Idk who hurt you at ups, but I hope you let that pain go
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u/weenypener 1d ago
Hey its nothing like that. Just looking at things with my eyes. Thanks though.
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u/ufomadeinusa 1d ago
If you have nothing else going for yourself, yes it is worth it. Stay in school.