It is not very often that you find women doing this job, which makes me proud and happy. I’ve been working as a courier delivery woman for the last few months, but it has been a great experience.
After completing my graduation in Hindi, I worked in the real estate field for over 10 years at Kannur. Later, circumstances brought me back to my home at Valiathura on the outskirts of the city.
The decision to take up this job just happened. Actually, I have always loved field work rather than sitting in an office. When I approached the company where I am employed now, that is, Professional Couriers, the first question they asked me was whether I would be able to do this kind of work. The branch didn’t have women delivery staff before. They wanted to ensure that I would be able to deal with the hassles involved, especially travelling from one place to another, irrespective of rain or shine. I was very confident about myself and took it up.
I have been assigned the West Fort-Kochu Veli stretch, which I cover on my two-wheeler.
I collect the items, nearly 50 letters or so, from our office at West Fort by 10.30 a.m. By 2 p.m. I finish my morning shift. I start my work again at 3.15 p.m. and it goes on till about 6.30 p.m.
In some offices I go regularly, sometimes two to three times, to pick up items and deliver parcels, letters and so on. Then there are offices where I go both in the morning and afternoon. Besides letters, I also deliver parcels weighing up to two kg.
We get a monthly salary and petrol allowance. Sundays are holidays for me, when I spend time with my mother. I am extremely happy with my work. The only time I find it a bit tedious is when the weather is bad.
The amount of independence that this job gives me is immense. I am also happy to be recognised for the work I am doing.
As told to ATHIRA M.
(A weekly column on men and women who make Thiruvananthapuram what it is)
