Most of us contribute to this by sending holiday cards to every aunt, uncle and fourth cousin we haven't seen in years. Despite this, if you like to work relatively free of supervision, in the outdoors, and can drag yourself out of bed very early in the morning, a career as a postal carrier may be one to consider.
Most carriers begin the day in the office, organizing the mail on their route for delivery that day.
They then deliver to the houses or businesses on their route either by foot or by vehicle. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, qualification for employment is based on a written test that checks a person's speed and accuracy in checking names and their ability to memorize distribution procedures. They must also pass a physical examination and drug test, and be able to handle mail bags weighing upwards of 70 pounds. For a schedule of these exams and employment opportunities call your local post office branch. Those rural carriers who use their own vehicle receive additional compensation at approximately 36 cents per mile traveled.