30 Years as a Postwoman: A Serendipitous Career in Skrīveri

Rusudana Pankule became a postwoman in Skrīveri almost by accident. About 30 years ago, she was asked to temporarily replace the local postman, Indulis Burka, while he was on vacation. The job was close to home, her children were small, and she didn't have to travel far. Back then, postmen used bicycles; now they use cars. Every morning, Rusudana drives to Aizkraukle to pick up mail, sorts it, and returns to Skrīveri to begin her route.

Though the job has changed with technology—GPS, phones, and cars—the core remains the same. She still delivers newspapers, letters, and pensions. Many elderly customers don't use the internet; they receive paper bills and rely on her for advice and conversation. "We are also social workers," she says. People wait for her not just for money or mail but for a brief chat.

Her area is densely populated, requiring 50 to 70 stops per day. Colleagues in rural areas drive longer distances. The work is not easy—heat in summer, snow in winter, sometimes making some houses unreachable. Missing or broken mailboxes and dogs also cause problems. She recalls encountering aggressive people but tries to avoid conflicts.

Rusudana is about three years from retirement, unless the retirement age is raised. She wishes people understood that postmen are not to blame for all delivery issues; sometimes complaints arise from missing mailboxes. The job requires patience and endurance, and not all newcomers stay. This article was produced as part of the project "Complicated Latvia: From State to Municipality."