Lessons Learnt: Workplace

Hey all.

I'd like to start off by saying that I may misspell a few words or skip some, because it's 3:00 am and even though I'd like to sleep.. it's just not happening. So, I thought I'd finally write this blog.

I've been wanting to write it for a while but I was waiting for the right moment. I've just quit work two days ago, so I guess this IS the moment.

I'd like to say, everything in life is an experience. It doesn't matter if it's good or bad. If it's good, you'll cherish the joy. And if it's bad, you'll learn your lesson and gradually move on.

In this case, I was just stuck in a place that I really didn't belong to. Un-professionalism is not my style. I am capable of MUCH more. I kinda feel that I went below my abilities and tried to suffice with a job that barely used any of my university skills. It was a piece of cake. I could have done it right after high school, as my writing and reading skills have always been good. But anyways.. let me go over a few things that I wanna warn you guys about. If it's your first or second job, you should definitely think about a few things.

You all probably know these things, but I went in with no expectations as it was my first job. I didn't have a clear head about what to expect and how to react. With time, I learnt most of the things. And I would like to share it with you all, to prevent what happened with me.

First of all, when you go to an interview.. make sure you are a hundred percent attentive. Don't just rehearse what you're gonna say inside your head, but make sure you are LISTENING to the employer. This is the time when the organization presents their terms and conditions to you. They give you an opportunity to ask questions. Please ask them! Make things clear, to avoid future confusion. Make sure you remember all the things that were said in the interview, so you can go home and evaluate the job offer.

Don't jump at the offer just because. That is what I did. I took it up despite the unprofessional environment because I needed to gain some legal experience. It was for my selfish motive. Money was not the main concern. This is why it is important to evaluate the job offer or else you might end up in a place you don't want to be in. And quitting is never fun. With all the negativity that you could find yourself in later, it is better not getting into it at all.

If it's about money and necessity, sure.. you do your thing. But if you can wait, and don't have the fear of being unemployed for a few months, then definitely wait for a better offer.  It is important that your employer meet your needs as well. I went in thinking I have to agree to everything THEY say. Pretty stupid, huh. I was in the "necessity" situation back then. Now, I am not. And let me tell you, people working only for money tend to become unhappy after a few months of earning. Once the real issues of the workplace kick in, you won't be able to sustain yourself.

Let me start off by talking about job contracts. A lot of organizations make you sign one. It is not about the employer hiring you and giving you a piece of paper according to their needs. You also have the right to review the contract before signing it. In fact, not just reviewing.. you can make amendments according to your needs and negotiate. That's one thing I didn't do. Because remember, once you have accepted the offer and signed the contract, you are legally obligated to go that organization. Make sure you check over the salary, benefits, and job duties before you sign. If everything is according to your satisfaction, then sign it and keep a copy. In fact, make three copies. Keep two in a separate place, because at least one is always lost.

If you are signing a contract for a year or more, ensure that you see growth within the company. The growth doesn't necessarily mean getting a promotion or moving to a higher position. It could mean rewards in terms of a salary review for a raise etc. Make sure you discuss these things with the employer before taking up the job. Is the raise performance-based? Is it when you fulfil a certain quota? Or is it a length-based raise that comes every 4 months?

Review the "Termination" section of the contract. Find out the terms on which you can resign, if you have to. Usually a 1-2 week written notice is required. Make sure any additional clause is not put in the contract. Some people force you to stay until someone is actually hired. The strain of training is also put on you if you are leaving. When you are leaving, make sure you provide a written notice that has the date of the day the letter is being written, with the last day availability of work, as well as employer's signature as a sign of acknowledgement.

Networking is good, but never open up way too much with co-workers. Even if they seem reliable, don't. It's not worth it. Office politics is a vicious cycle. You WILL get caught up in it, sooner or later. It is better to keep it strictly professional.

The most important thing: By all means, AVOID EXPLOITATION. Remember, people only exploit you when they judge that you are CAPABLE of EXPLOITATION. I have been a victim and it is not a fun place to be. Speak up! Fight for your rights. Ask for what you are entitled to. There is no fear. And I hope this does not come across as offensive, but avoid working with fobs. It is very difficult to reason with them. And they certainly do not care for any rights, rules or regulations. It is like downgrading yourself.

Make sure you keep your pay stubs, some sort of proof of attendance and other job related evidence, for future. You never know when a violation might occur, and in order to file a claim, you WILL need proof. As they say in law, a paper trail is very important. Try getting things in written. Every important change that occurs with your job should be documented. Even if you get a raise, make sure you add it into your contract and make another copy. What if the employer turns around after 2 months and says, "What raise are you talking about?" Verbal conversations are good as nothing, unless recorded, of course. Uh, I am not suggesting anything here. LOL.

If your're a good or fast worker, there are more chances of you being exploited rather than appreciated. When they realize that you have achieved competency beyond your responsibilities, they will definitely assign more tasks for you. With my typing speed of 85 wpm+ I know I had to double the work because I always finished early. In the beginning, I said yes to everything. Don't do that, else you will likely end up being undervalued, overworked, and taken advantage of. When I realized that I am being given more work, I requested an evaluation of my weekly quotas and started typing at general pace and taking time with things. Not a great advice, but it's true.

I can't think of anything else right now. But yeah, my experience wasn't too great. It may actually be classified under the "horrific" category. What I will be thankful for, is to find a great friend in a co-worker. Perhaps, a best friend. I've had her back throughout and vice versa. It's also good to know that even after I have left, she tries to tell people that I looked like the bad one only because I fought for my rights. I didn't tolerate everything like a puppet. Of course, the friendship doesn't end there. We practically live 10 minutes away and see each other all the time. Hence, that is one thing I am thrilled about =)

I hope this was a helpful blog to those seeking a job at the moment. Remember: it's a reciprocal relationship. If the employer expects output from you, then there are certain things a worker needs in return. In general, these are wages, benefits, respect and fair treatment. I received none of this. And it is against my principles to work at a place where I have no respect. I don't come from that kind of a family. Money can come again, respect once lost does not.

And that is the end of my horrific story.

I am excited to take time off, because I haven't been able to since I graduated. I am gonna relax for a month and then get onto job search again. If you guys know of any one currently hiring for office-related jobs, please give me a shout =) thanks! Good night..