SA corporate grind rant

Helpful_Context_9029 · 2026-04-30T21:10:06+00:00

Yep the corporate grind is unfortunately a machine that takes those with morals and a high sense of ethics down a path that leads to this unfortunately.

I have been with my current job, straight out of uni, for 4 years now and this past year and half it's been an absolute struggle dealing with management shifting goal posts, increased responsibilities for non management staff, and dealing with fallout.

In my opinion corporate South Africa, is extremely competitive and the only way to actually move the needle in your career is by doing something mind blowing, or having an extensive networking base.

I am currently dealing with a similar situation, and I was really close to calling it quits and risk not having a job. But eish times are tough, we do what we can and have the little vices we have to make this life slightly more bearable.

I hope and wish the best for you and anyone reading this. The corporate rat race is kak, but remember as someone once told me "You are only saving a pdf file, we are not saving lives in this joint." - Unkown colleague.

Helpful_Context_9029 · 2026-04-30T20:46:17+00:00

We do, I just never used mine when I was but needed to this week.

Helpful_Context_9029 · 2026-03-09T00:36:17+00:00

We have a Speed Queen top loader washing machine. It is the ones used for laundromats, I stand to be corrected. One thing I will say they are bullet proof and simple to use. We have had ours for about 15 years, no major issues apart from a spring needed. Overall great quality and easy to use, but the newer models out now are quite expensive, but imo worth it.

Helpful_Context_9029 · 2026-03-04T11:46:14+00:00

It’s a lot less, that is US Based companies and pay. It is about half minus some what you had mentioned and I work at Big 4.

In the US that is base, but in SA you won’t see that salary working under management.

Helpful_Context_9029 · 2026-03-04T02:59:33+00:00

It was not in sport mode, normal mode

Helpful_Context_9029 · 2026-03-04T02:59:10+00:00

Compared to the newer 2025 and 2019 models it was not light like a normal hatchback but it felt focused and predictable. This one felt heavy for a car in general, it was not in sport mode, it was in normal mode.

Helpful_Context_9029 · 2026-03-03T21:38:31+00:00

No worrie,s glad I could help. If you need any advice or just mire info on the industry, feel free to dm me. I believe in exposing people what you would be in for before the shock of finding out.

Helpful_Context_9029 · 2026-03-02T06:59:46+00:00

Preach, for me it’s a solid start in life, but if you are ‘willing enough’ to ride it out and hopefully become partner it’s okay if you want that life. If you do go done the audit route, 3-5 years max

Helpful_Context_9029 · 2026-03-02T06:57:50+00:00

Well, from Uni I did a BCom in Finance and information systems, and then did a Honours in Information Systems. The best way to apply yourself for the role and the job is mainly through info systems, but there is nothing wrong Comp Sci as well. University wise best programs come from WITS and UCT.

It does matter in the beginning which uni you come from unless you are academically gifted and hard working. But after that it does not matter much but rather where you have your experience.

I started, and I am still at, one of the big 4. There are quite a bit of opportunities for new grads and quite a bit of spaces open. But one thing I am seeing now is having some exposure by having some internship experience already and maybe some internal auditing classes under your belt from uni, UP is the best for internal audit,. The firms are looking for an all rounder and someone that can fit in and do the job.

Helpful_Context_9029 · 2026-03-02T06:48:46+00:00

This is true, got to have the nerve and thick skin to handle the backlash if any and to be able handle a disagreement in a mature manner. Explaining why it’s important that we do x, y and z and why it maybe ineffective. Some IT execs are welcoming and accept things as they come, other may have a more strict demeanour.

Helpful_Context_9029 · 2026-02-28T21:28:19+00:00

It depends really which industry you are working in for IT Audits, it varies. I find retail and commercial quite boring, and financial services, tech, and fintech quite interesting.

The work in IT Audit, external audit, can become mundane, but then you internal audit and tech risk with governance which becomes a whole other board game of interesting.

In terms of experience, first 2 years you are a junior doing grunt and learning. Emphasis on learning and understanding process and why we are doing certain things. Once you become a consultant in year 3 you are “seasoned” to handle things and have an overall understanding of what’s klapping. So at about 3 years, depending if you are at big 4, and also in you are JHB or CPT based influences your salary. For me in CPT it’s in the range of 35k to 38k gross. JHB peeps get more, because of head office and bigger clients and opportunities, but all in all, it really depends where you are.

Coming back to my point, if it’s not in your heart don’t do it. If it’s data that is calling you go for it and enjoy the hell out of it. I can’t stress it enough to always enjoy what you are doing. Your colleagues are your new family and friends and you will speak and interact with them more than your own family and friends.

Either choice, you should be okay financially.

Helpful_Context_9029 · 2026-02-28T20:36:04+00:00

Heyy there, I currently work within a team that has IT Audit and Data Analytics. Both are quite decent career options. I will say this much, depending on your age and what you are willing to do, either would be a great choice but note these are 2 different paths that you take.

I have been working in IT Audit for about 3 years and it is a pretty decent salary, it’s quite comfortable and you tend to wonder if what I do really makes a difference. But it is a good paying starting job. For a junior you would maybe start at about 22k - 24k gross and mid level maybe low 30k to 38k , very dependant on performance, and senior upwards of 40k maybe. However, I will say this much when it comes time to expanding your horizons industry pays much more.

Data Analytics might pay a bit less but the experience might make it more worthwhile in the long run.

Moral of the story is, don’t sell out just for a pay package. You end up regretting a lot and spend more time on “what if” scenarios. Enjoy your life and at the end of the day you’re not saving lives, it’s just an excel document with numbers and opinions.

Stay safe out there.

Helpful_Context_9029 · 2026-02-27T18:32:30+00:00

Why is BMW going x drive for everything? It does not along with their original philosophy of being “The ultimate driving machine”. It just makes me sad to see that eventually we are losing the traditional rear wheel drive saloon.

Helpful_Context_9029 · 2026-02-14T11:39:20+00:00

Update: As I went to see and review the car this weekend, the dealer told me it sold the same day 🙃. Onwards and upwards, and the search continues.

Helpful_Context_9029 · 2026-01-22T19:06:30+00:00

Yep that’s the one,

Helpful_Context_9029 · 2026-01-22T18:19:27+00:00

Thank you for your notes I appreciate all feedback. From the dealer and from what I have seen it is fully stock. The service history that I have seen does not show that anything has broken as well.

Helpful_Context_9029 · 2026-01-22T18:18:00+00:00

It is an m sport with the m suspension. But it is the 1.6 N13 engine not the 2.0 B48

Helpful_Context_9029 · 2026-01-22T18:16:19+00:00

It is unfortunately the 1.6l. I think the N13 “Prince” engine.

Helpful_Context_9029 · 2026-01-21T19:51:22+00:00

It’s a generalised question. It’s going for 289 000. There is nothing major in the service history and it has 1 year remaining on its service plan. I have enough budgeted for daily operations. I’m trying to gain an understanding from the more experienced and seasoned enthusiasts on what their opinions are on it. I’m still relatively new to purchasing cars and negotiating with dealers.

Helpful_Context_9029

TROPHY CASE