‘I’m a civil servant working in a job where I’m underpaid and underappreciated’

Question

I’m a civil servant working in a job where I’m underpaid and underappreciated by my coworkers. My manager likes me because I work hard and we get on well, but for various reasons a toxic environment has been allowed to creep in.

I have been thinking about a change in career for a long time now, to a job where I am paid and appreciated more. I’m looking in the private sector. My parents think I am crazy as I shouldn’t give up a job for life, especially considering that I have a long-term illness that tends to react badly to stressful situations.

What they are saying makes a lot of sense, but I am very unhappy where I am.

Answer

The effects of spending your life in a job that makes you feel consistently unappreciated can be detrimental so it is worth looking at the whole situation. Your parents have been through a number of recessions and can see the benefits of the certainty of income, regardless of the economic situation. However, the world of work is very different from it used to be with many people changing careers a number of times and gaining new skills along the way.

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Your long-term illness has to be acknowledged, but employers now are geared towards taking these into account with policies of inclusivity and equality becoming embedded into work culture. Having a long-term illness can make you very aware of vulnerability and perhaps this seeps into your sense of caution about risking change in your career. However, almost all industries are seeking staff that are capable, interested and engaged and if you have these qualities you should begin to make a plan for your future working life. You could start by seeking out a career adviser, or coach. This person will help you clarify your natural talents and discuss possibilities for development with you and this will give you a baseline for looking at where you might shift your focus for career opportunities This may involve further education or training but if you were to do this while continuing to work it would change your attitude from one of resignation and frustration to one of purpose and intention.

There is no point in moving from one unbearable job to another. Be brave and keep your wellbeing central to all your deliberations

Then there is your current manager, whom you seem to like and trust. You could (and have a right to expect) career progression discussions with your manager and you might be surprised to discover the training programmes that exist within the Civil Service and the transfer options that are available. Honesty is the best possibility here as it is likely that your manager is aware of the toxic culture and is looking for opportunities to address it. It is not your responsibility to address this culture but by bringing it out into the open, you might trigger your manager to have a discussion with HR and their own line management about how best to tackle it.

Even if you decide to stay, or transfer, within the Civil Service it is still important to test your marketability in the private sector, as this will grow your confidence and sense of freedom. At the moment you are struggling with your sense of optimism and this needs to be tackled. The first step is often the hardest and this is why engaging someone to assist you is so important. There is also the fact that if you spend money on professional advice, you want to get value from it so you are more likely to take more action as a result. Once the initial step is taken fear recedes somewhat and the next and subsequent steps are less threatening. If you want to take a cautious approach, you could try looking for a career break as this would offer the cushion of a return if things do not work out and may also ease your parents’ apprehension.

[ ‘My wife wants to separate. The only explanation is my fertility issues’ ]

[ ‘I am devastated for my daughter after her break-up but don’t know what else I can do to help her’ ]

Your illness needs to be taken into account in terms of the type of job you seek so be very conscious of the need for a good work/life balance. There is no point in moving from one unbearable job to another. Be brave and keep your wellbeing central to all your deliberations. Above all do not continue to let this situation slide – take steps now so that you look forward to going to work where your contribution is valued.

This will increase your wellbeing, health and confidence and set you on track for a more fulfilling life.

- To send your question to Trish Murphy fill in the form below, click here or email tellmeaboutit@irishtimes.com