I'm stuck

[flash]

Funnily enough I have a meeting tomorrow to set years appraisal objectives (the year started in April!) so I'll see what sort of mood the evil gnome is in.

Her helpful suggestion to a colleague was 'get a new job then' when she said she was unhappy. Not really what you want from a line manager when you've told her you're stressed. That colleague is now on long-term sick. I have another colleague waiting for a compassionate transfer to another department because he can't face coming back. There was also a suicide last year.

Hilariously, they don't think there is a stress problem in the office.

And let me guess - three people have/are leaving effectively - they didn't bring any new staff in and the workload hasn't gone down? Welcome to my world. Hang in there as it will get to the point where your boss can't do her job without you and then the boot is on the other foot - then you can't let rip in a constructive manner.

Also the point someone made higher up about Public and Private - I totally agree this is just my experiences that I have mentioned. Since I have been on the Public side I've had one or two dealing with Private side outfits which have shocked me with the poor quality of work. The amount of spoon feeding required on both sides which seems to be all too commonplace is shocking.

 

[Upchuck]

Ok, I have to say more. Yes there is a public sector mentality and yes there is an element of institutionalism. There are people I work with that are on grade say 7 and are miserable, negative, sniping, resentful people cos there is nowhere to be promoted to and the job they are doing is not satisfying. That will always be the case I think as it is a data entry based role and there is nowhere for them to progress to. I couldn't live like that. There are ads for internal jobs that come up which are grade 8 and imo some of them at work would be better served going for a job at that garade as it is in another department and despite being a step down it would effectiveley be a one step back two steps forward move. But they are so eaten up by being hard done by they can't see that. I have only worked there a few months but it was apparant to me very early on that something was wrong. The people are stale and stuck and old beyond their years. I could not survive in that state of mind.

Yes going down would mean a pay cut, but eventually I believe it would lead to a pay rise and a total mental reform.

 

[Looby]

And let me guess - three people have/are leaving effectively - they didn't bring any new staff in and the workload hasn't gone down?

Yep. It's quite a mature workforce (age not mentality) and there are several retirements next year and these people won't be replaced either. We are taking on more and more work because we seem to cope with whatever is thrown at us. So more work, less staff, shit pay and the constant risk of redundancy.

 

[Looby]

Yes going down would mean a pay cut, but eventually I believe it would lead to a pay rise and a total mental reform.

You make a good point but even if we could swallow the drop in wages the jobs just aren't there.

 

[Looby]

I really appreciate everyone letting me whinge, I actually feel a lot better for getting it all out.

 

[colacubes]

I really appreciate everyone letting me whinge, I actually feel a lot better for getting it all out.

The civil service is fucking mental in so many ways. I did 18 months working in a Government department (and have worked in the public sector ever since) and I have never come across such a bizarre working environment in my entire lide

 

[Upchuck]

You make a good point but even if we could swallow the drop in wages the jobs just aren't there.

You might be surprised as what is available. If people are retiring in your area they will be retiring in others that may have a replacement policy. People also go on maternity leave, study leave, career break. Get round ald talk to people, even say straight out to those you feel comfortable with if they have any jobs. That's what I'd do. The paycut would hit the pocket yes, but nyou wouldn't notice it so much as you would not be hating what you do every day. You'd be happy and that's worth much more than a couple a thousand quid.

 

[flash]

I really appreciate everyone letting me whinge, I actually feel a lot better for getting it all out.

For what it's worth this is one of the things, that keeps me sane (mental health is more important than physical health a lot of the time). It's kind of cathartic just letting it out.

ACE

Anonymity
Convenience
Escape

The fact that I know that my job takes me to buildings where other people on here work, I always know that that there will be someone out there that knows how I feel if I need to get something off of my chest or discuss something. Even if they aren't in the same line of work I know people have similar problems (e.g. pH and me exchanged views on trees). A problem shared is sometimes a problem halved

 

[Shevek]

Hi Sparklefish. I know I am probably one of the biggest whingers on Urban75 so you might not want to take my advice but here I go anyway. From what you've said you sound like your rather bored/trapped by your current job situation. You don't sound like you find your job fulfilling and you are having problems with your line manager etc...

I think what someone said about getting some careers advice might be a good thing. Your local uni might only deal with their students or recent graduates but they might be able to recomend someone who is qualified that you can see privately. It might cost you £30/40 but it might give you some new ideas, a new perspective on things.

It might even be an idea to see someone who is a careers advisor but also a qualified psychologist (a sort of life coach person). It might take a few sessions but they can get to the nub of what is causing you problems and suggest some real answers. Its important to get someone who is bona fide so check out the professional websites.

I also think the idea of doing temping work is good. It might free you up a bit and give you some fresh ideas.

I get the impression of staleness/boredom from you. Maybe you need to be adventurous and try something new. I wouldn't like to work in a civil service office but I am jealous of your salary (given I am on benefits).

Good Luck

 

[sorearm]

sorry to hear of your crap sparklefish, I feel your pain as I work in the NHS and recognise the arse-licking chosen-behind-doors promotion, more work with less people etc etc. Idiotic management by people who seem to not have a clue about the real world (again - promotion by promoting people who are clones of the higher echelons, result = shitpile)

I'm off outa the place. I'm doing a post-grad course to do a side-ways shimmy/retraining thing and then I'm moving on as I've had enough.

Can you do some sort of professional training in your own time? May cost a bit but may also improve your self-feeling and hopefully add value to your CV etc?

 

[Looby]

Thanks for last night everyone, I really was in an awful mood.

I had my meeting with my manager and told her that I was feeling trapped etc She was very sympathetic but as I already knew there really is very little she can do other than give me a good reference if I do apply elsewhere.

A job has come up actually which would be a promotion but it's for jobcentre plus and they're only hiring on FTAs which is a big risk given their love of hiring and firing.

I had an ok day today, my manager seems really pleased with me and I had a lovely, gossipy lunch out with a colleague which cheered me up.

I think I do want to stick with the civil service so I'm going to keep my eye out and just volunteer for whatever comes up to try and make it more interesting.

I might just get up the duff, take the maternity pay and then fuck off in a few years.

 

[chainsaw cat]

Interchange.

Or, look at CS recruitment for things like Mi5, Customs, HSE etc where there are starting grades around EO/HEO and no formal requirements BUT existing CS have a bit of an advantage.

Or just become an assassin or something.