Twenty-five years ago, Sari Salonen was a shy twenty-something, intimidated by the idea of working in front of people. She decided to try working as an early morning deliverer. The work swept her away and eventually led her to a corporate level expert role.
This article was produced in commercial collaboration with Posti.
Explore career opportunities at Posti »
Sari Salonen is certain that if someone had told her that the job she got straight out of high school would end up leading to a whole career, she would not have believed them.
Her 25-year journey at Posti has included bold career moves, career-related dreams coming true, ending of a dream role, and a subsequent new beginning.
Read Sari Salonen’s career story through three pivotal moments in her life:
1. The paycheck I’ll never forget
Upon graduating from high school, I did not have a clue on what I would do with my life or how I would earn my own money. I was a shy young woman, and found the idea of working in customer service horrifying.
Then, a relative recommended that I should try early morning newspaper delivery. The independent night job suited my introverted personality perfectly. I also felt she was doing something meaningful.
Working during the bright summer nights felt special. Sometimes I just stopped and watched the sun rising and the city slowly waking up.
I still remember how it felt to receive my first paycheck. I had my own money and I could do anything I wanted with it. It felt like an adult, finally standing on my own two feet and taking care of myself as a full-fledged member of society.
The early delivery captivated me, and I ended up working there for 12 years. I am still really proud of the work experience gained during those years.
It enabled me to leap into entirely different job roles and a career that the newly graduated Sari could never have imagined.
2. A step out of my comfort zone led to me finding my dream job
At the end of 2011, a colleague told me that their area was looking for an occupational safety representative. They felt the role would suit me. Initially, I doubted myself, wondering if the position would require being in the spotlight too much. Eventually, I mustered the courage to apply and was selected.
That changed my life dramatically. I had been accustomed to working independently at night, and suddenly I was attending meetings, having discussions with management, and representing the entire delivery staff.
Fortunately, I received amazing support from my supervisors, particularly Tanja Mantere and Marjo Rehn. They saw my potential and believed in me. I got the opportunity to take part in training sessions which deepened my knowledge of occupational safety.
Gradually, I realized that this was not just a transitional phase in my career; it could become my calling. And it did. Over the years, I worked as an occupational safety expert and later as an occupational safety manager at Posti.
My passion for occupational safety first ignited when I attended an occupational safety card training. There, the trainer Jaana Luomanen from LähiTapiola made me realize how broad and important the subject is. It felt like coming home and finding what I had always wanted to do.
Working in occupational safety has brought me great professional pride. Realising that I am competent in my work and receive positive feedback has been incredible. Working as occupational safety manager was a secret dream of mine that Posti ultimately made possible.
3. The termination of my dream role led into an international expert position
I worked in my dream role for about five years when an unexpected turn occurred: I found out that my position as an occupational safety manager was ending. After the initial shock, I understood that this was a new beginning—a chance to grow and learn even more.
I got a new role as an HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) Specialist, which I began in January 2025. The position, encompassing the entire corporation and extending to Sweden and the Baltics, felt like a significant career leap.
The more I have gotten into the role, the more enthusiastic I have become. Now, I have the opportunity gain a broader perspective on how Posti’s occupational safety, personnel, and environmental matters can be developed.
I am most looking forward to building occupational safety standards and harmonizing practices across the entire corporation. It is a substantial task, but that makes it interesting. This role challenges me in a new way, and that feels good.
I have been with the same employer for 25 years. Posti has given me so many opportunities that I don’t believe I’ll be leaving anytime soon. Here, I can continue to learn, train, and develop.
At this point in my career, I would tell my newly graduated self to embrace opportunities more boldly. Don’t hesitate or doubt yourself so much—you can become anything! Dare to say yes to new challenges, as they will propel you forward more than you can imagine.
5 Reasons why Sari Salonen recommends Posti as an employer:
Amazing colleagues: "We work together and help each other, regardless of our roles. My coworkers have a wealth of diverse experience, knowledge, and skills. You get to work with amazing people here."
Workplace safety: "In recent years, we have actively developed our occupational safety. It’s great to be part of this and enable Posti employees to work in a safe and healthy environment."
Relatable values: "Posti’s values were created by us employees, which is why I truly feel they are my own. I couldn’t work for a company whose values don’t align with mine."
Leaders who care: "All Posti managers take part in the Caring Leader training program, because we want to offer high-quality leadership to both current and future Posti employees. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the empathetic managers who have supported me throughout my career."
International career opportunities: "Since Posti is a large, nationwide organization it can offer various possibilities for career development. I have been able to transition from early morning delivery to an expert role, thanks to the support and training I have gotten."
Career story created in cooperation with Duunitori. Author: Emilia Backman Photographer: Niko Raappana