AyetoZee Work Series 5: Government, But Not Really

AyetoZee: How long have you been working at your current place of employment and/or for yourself?

Quasi Government: Over 2 years

AyetoZee: If you work for someone else, how did you get the job? Was it through personal relationships, cold applying, etc?

Quasi Government: I saw the ad and applied. Interesting enough though the HR at the time was an HR consultant at a company I worked at in the past. Though her tenure at the former company was short and our interaction was little to none, I'm not sure if she somehow recognized my name or the past company name and decided to give me a call.

AyetoZee: At your job/in your industry, what percentage of people do you think are qualified for their positions?

Quasi Government: I'd say about 90% on paper are qualified. I say on paper because honestly aside from having that a lot are lost.

AyetoZee: What was the starting salary for your job? Based on the expectations for your work, do you think that salary is fair?

Quasi Government: If I remember correctly I believe is was 36k per annum. I don't have anything to base it on to say if it's fair since everyone is so tight lipped about salary here. Seems standard to me as everyone seems to say $500 is entry level management salary.

AyetoZee: If you have received additional qualifications during your tenure in your current position, do they qualify you for raises? Or is there a set schedule for raises at your job?

Quasi Government: We're quasi so still government funded. They do try to recognize your efforts during evaluations based on funding but it's not guaranteed. There are also opportunities for promotions etc. I've seen quite a bit of it happen over the 2 years I've been employed. So I would say certifications do come in handy.

AyetoZee: Do you think your manager/supervisor encourages individual promotion or is it a place where you’re expected to stay in your position?

Quasi Government: This is funny since just recently I don't have a manager. When I did though my manager definitely was encouraging but I think that was to alleviate the load from their duties.

AyetoZee: Is training available at your job? Do they pay for is or is it something you’re solely responsible for?

Legal: Yes, training is available. It can be a combination of either you pay, company pays,or you pay and company pays you back or some sort of percentage is covered. There's a variety of ways this can go.

AyetoZee: How long do you see yourself staying at your current place of employment? How long do you seeing yourself staying in your current field of employment?

Quasi Government: I try to aim for 5 years on work place. We shall see.

AyetoZee: Do you see your job and/or field as your dream place to be?

Quasi Government: I think there's no perfect job. Like life there are good days and bad days. People you dont get along with etc. But compared to other placed I have worked this by far has been my favorite work environment (so far).

AyetoZee: Is there Human Resources at your company? How do you feel about them? Do you feel comfortable going to them about anything you experience on the job?

Quasi Government: Yes there is. I don't particularly bother with them. I don't think they know what they are doing, honestly I avoid them like the plague. I don't feel comfortable going to them either, it's almost like you’re being undermined.

AyetoZee: What factors do you think most commonly cause people to leave your job and/or field?

Quasi Government: I've left jobs for a lot of reasons, no benefits, no room for growth, pay for sure. The last one I left took a toll on my mental health. It was just a bad place with no kind leneincy. HATED IT.

AyetoZee: What is the benefits package like at your job?

Quasi Government: Standard Benefits Sick Days, Health Ins, Casual Days, Vacay

AyetoZee: What benefits or work related things do you think can make your work environment better?

Quasi Government: Allowing us to continue to work remotely where possible would be great.

AyetoZee: Is salary information widely available through your job/industry or is secrecy encouraged?

Quasi Government: I don't know anyone's salary at my job. Maybe it's my dept and I haven't cared to ask about other depts. I do believe myself and my coworker are on the same pay scale but I know the other person has a masters degree and I don't so that's that.

AyetoZee: Do you feel like senior management abuses their power at work?

Quasi Government: No.

AyetoZee: In a perfect world, what changes would you implement to your work life?

Quasi Government: Less hours, more pay :)

AyetoZee: How long is the maximum do you think that people should stay at a job in 2021?

Quasi Government: Honestly if you’re not happy life is short don’t tolerate a mediocre work life. Leave. In 2021, 3 years max is good enough especially if there has been no growth or no room for growth.

AyetoZee: What does your dream job look like?

Quasi Government: Travelling the world doing what I love. That would be perfect.

Although, in some ways this person dreams of labor and I don’t, this entry was still relatable because I feel like if you’re not happy at a job you should definitely leave. More importantly, if you don’t see yourself growing in a role after you’ve been there a few years, still leave.

I think in 2021, we’re in a time where you definitely have to take your career into your own hands and steer it in the way that makes you thrive best. If you want a low stress position, go for it. If you want more money, go for that. If you’re not being promoted or thriving or even feeling fulfilled or like your work contributes to the ecosystem of your workplace, leave.