minime28

A few months ago I went for a procedure at a clinic. There i got to know W who were undergoing the same procedure and over a few days we build up a rapport. She told me a candid tale of her life in the civil service.

Her workplace is very a competitive one. Everyone is involved in many projects as people tries to push ahead, and she is working long hours. Stress soon takes hold. At home, she feels tired, don't feel like talking to the hubby, marriage suffers, her hair is dropping, and her cycle is disrupted. At work, there is no peer support. When passed over for promotion, she went on long childcare leave. She did not regret putting her career on hold as during the break she realizes that family and health is really more valuable than a promotion. And now she is returning to the service energised and with a more relax spirit.

Her story has a familiar feel as i have seen similar victims at moe, but i did not press her on her occupation. The reason she is relating to the story to me is because i am not her co-worker, someone who is not likely to enter her field. Never get too friendly with co-workers because you never know when the secrets you reveal will be leaked and used against you, esp during ranking and promo selection. Work with them, but after work its' separate ways.

I kinda agree with her. In my short working life, i have seen too many people squabbling over seemingly stupid things just to defend their turf. Friendly and bubbly upfront, but knives out when the backs are turned. I see plenty of such people now, which is sad as at my previous workplace i was fortunate to work with some wonderful people that livens up my day.

Good luck to W, hope she is coping well.