AyetoZee Work Series 10: OK Boomer!

Good Morning to Millennials only! I have made it to 10 posts - longer than I could have ever hoped but the momentum is still here and I’m happy that I can confidently say these posts have gone across fields, across employment levels and so much more that it is amazing to have achieved.

To celebrate this 10th entry is OK Boomer one of my favorite entries to date because it is highly relatable, hilarious and an accurate depiction of many a work place in this Bahamas. It’s also the definition of get that head, get that bread, then leave.

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

OK Boomer: I’ve been working at my current place of employment for 3 years.

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

OK Boomer: I wouldn’t call it a personal relationship but this is the island of “who you know” – I had recently moved back home and kept getting unfavorable responses from employers. At that point of feeling discouraged I asked my parents if they can assist or knew anybody in my field that can possibly help me with a foot in the door. Here we are 3 years later.

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

OK Boomer: At my job, I would say the percentage averages out to be about 50/50.

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

OK Boomer: My starting salary at my current job was $20k a year with 100% benefits (health, dental, and vision).

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?

OK Boomer: I’m not too sure how the process works if you receive additional qualifications during your tenure, however when I recently received my latest promotion I was told that 6 months into the position I would receive an evaluation that would qualify me for a raise.

I’ve been in my position for a year and still waiting for that raise.

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

OK Boomer: I definitely don’t think my manager encourages promotion/elevation. I’m currently dealing with the “Millennial vs [insert Generation here] War” where folks think that you haven’t paid enough dues to chime in or still undermine the ideas or initiatives you bring to the organization.

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

OK Boomer: There isn’t any designated training but it would be up to your own ambition to shadow someone or to ask questions. Persons in other departments are usually very open to do this but internally, not so much.

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?

OK Boomer: Listen If I would leave TOMORROW if was being irresponsible (LOL!).

I see myself leaving my place of employment by the end of this year (and that’s being gracious). However, I would venture into a new avenue while still using the skills I’ve learned in my current field.

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

OK Boomer: My field can be anyone’s dream job and nightmare all at the same time. My current job is a great start for persons entering my field and looking to establish themselves however know when it’s time to leave!

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?

OK Boomer: Our HR consists of ONE (1) person who does a great job of printing out job letters and delivering pay stubs. However, I recently found myself in a situation with another colleague who made various derogatory remarks towards me. I went to report it the matter to my HR and after explaining the situation I was told that “maybe I needed to hear [what the colleague said] so that I can be ‘put back into my place.’” – Ultimately, I was left feeling unresolved and left with my guard up because if you can’t report matters to your HR then who can you go to?

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

OK Boomer: Not feeling appreciated/respected along with the idea of stagnancy (especially if you find yourself wanting more for yourself professionally).

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

OK Boomer: We receive 100% insurance coverage for health, dental, and vision. Free check ups, eye test, teeth cleaning. Also the opportunity to join a pension plan.

Honestly the best thing I could’ve gotten at this job.

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

OK Boomer: Honestly, I don’t need flowers and chocolates to do what I love to do however I would need my work environment (coworkers, supervisors, managers) to be conducive to my growth and professional development.

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

OK Boomer: Definitely secrecy. Everyone doesn’t get their desired salary because of their educational background but rather from their experience (that usually is defined by age).

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

OK Boomer: When you’re the boss you can do boss things. Even if that means you come into work for 2 hours, in flip flops and shorts to do the very bare minimum.

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

OK Boomer: Equal opportunity, fair pay scales, and room to grow.

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

OK Boomer: If it’s just “a job” – get what you need and get out. DO NOT GET COMPLACENT.

But as far as a career where you can see yourself growing from one position to the next, etc. I say 5 to 10 years to give yourself time to build the work experience, a chance to leave a legacy, and also develop notoriety within your field.

AyetoZee: What does your dream job look like?

OK Boomer: Somewhere that pays my worth, benefits are even better, I can creatively create without the fear of being micromanaged, in a space that gives a peace of mind, room to grow/expand and also opportunities to grow and show your capabilities.

If you enjoyed this entry, this is your sign to participate. There’s no reason to let entry #10 be the end. Send me a message and let’s keep it going.