I remember two of my blogs (in fact I think they’re still posted online)… One was something I wrote around Christmas time, and it was inspired (what else was it) by my disgust with some of the “shenanigans” going on. It was like, “OMG. How utterly shameless of them! Kapalmuks!”
The other one, on the other hand, was inspired by a feeling of… I don’t actually know, but if I remember right, I was feeling somewhere at a “crossroads” of my life, and I was also getting fed up with questions on why I’m working in the Philippines, land of my birth, when others think I could actually be earning more slaving for foreign masters.
This time, I would like to share what I have learned so far, being a civil servant. For that matter, many of these, I’m sure people also learn in their own workplace.
1. I learned to be careful of speaking out on the subject of religion. Even in a predominantly Catholic country like the Philippines, there are so many other “religions” or at the very least, religious beliefs out there, so it’s not far-fetched that you may offend someone else. In fact, it’s getting kind of tricky refusing those who are pestering you to shift or adapt to their beliefs. I, for one, have always believed that one needs to respect other beliefs, therefore, I do not impose my own on them.
2. Now this is a sad fact when it comes to working for our government: the big bosses always have the right to utilize funds according to their own caprices. This is what they call, “discretionary.” This is soooooo frustrating especially when you’re expecting the office to disburse funds for some activities and they say that there’s no money, but there’s always some money for the big bosses’ activities, no matter how insignificant or irrelevant or unplanned they are.
3. Still, when you’re one of the bosses (though not as big as those in # 2), it is your right and your duty to use funds judiciously. Don’t let the system eat you! Don’t become one of those “big bosses” no matter how tempting it may be.
4. Sometimes someone you don’t like eventually ends up as your boss no matter how incompetent or unqualified that person seems to be (to you or to other people). Is this “what goes around, comes around?” In our government, bosses are always reshuffled, so it’s definitely a very big possibility that you’ll be ending up rubbing elbows with him/her soon.
5. When you are given the opportunity to become a boss (even if it’s not as big as those in # 2), enjoy the perks of being a boss, but never at the expense of others. Always remember that some good things never last, and you were put there for a reason. Treat your subordinates as you would like to be treated by your boss. You may even treat them as friends, but have the skill to discern who among them know better than to cross the supervisor-subordinate relationship (read: healthy respect, even if it’s just for the position).
6. If you’re a supervisor, lead by example! Learn the ropes; learn what your subordinates are doing so that you do not become totally dependent on them. Remember: you may not be a boss forever.
7. Have a private life, something that your staff isn’t privy to. This prevents you from becoming the subject of office gossip. And believe me, there’s plenty of that.
8. Even with “flexitime,” coming in early for work has its advantages. You avoid traffic. You have time to relax before everyone else. You may even have time to put on your makeup or curl your hair before the first clients come. Plus, you have the option to quit early once you've clocked the required number of hours, or extend your time a bit and get more done.
9. If you do come early, don’t look like you’re just watching the clock! Hide your packed up things, and don’t make a mad dash for the door once you see the clock hit your 8th hour of work. Put in a few minutes more, appearing to be busy, and walk leisurely out when you finally think it’s okay to leave.
10. Some of the best and brightest minds work for the government. It's just a sad fact that our government employees are branded as corrupt, inefficient, lazy, et cetera. But workin inside gives you a chance to know that there are so many who have really studied and worked their way to the top, and you will marvel at those who have the credentials to get a job overseas that earns a lot more, but they opt to stay here to serve the people.
Have YOU ever worked for our government? What have you learned so far?
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