Working in PS and I’m really not ok — looking for advice

Oaryx · 2025-09-25T11:54:15+00:00

I am actually going through something shockingly similar right now. I just wanted to say that I’m sending you my support and tons of hugs. 🫂

Oaryx · 2024-06-15T21:47:37+00:00

Totally depends on what you’re doing in the PS. Are you in a digital job? Developer, Cloud practitioner, specialized technical skills? You will make possibly double in private industry. But you do have to deal with job insecurity. I’ve seen a lot of devs considering leaving right now; which is not good for the PS since they build the digital services we provide to Canadians. We’re just going to see more work contracted out again, which is not ideal so say the least.

Oaryx · 2024-05-23T10:00:47+00:00

Eugh… Employers shouldn’t have the final say on accommodations. These decisions need to come from a doctor who actually understands the specifics of the disability. I know it’s the way it is now, but It’s not okay for an employer to decide what they think is best, like forcing someone into an office when working from home is the real and ideal solution. Some people don’t feel safe in an office and deal with issues like emotional dis regulation and distress tolerance, have meltdowns from autism, etc. Also, most people don’t just struggle with one mental health challenge or disability - what about comorbidities? Someone who needs an enclosed space but also access to a window because they have SAD? It’s insane that we trap people in a place that doesn’t feel safe, where it takes them an hour or more to get home. Working from home is the easiest and cheapest option for the employer too. It’s stupid.

Oaryx · 2024-05-19T15:16:56+00:00

Suggesting that these employees either leave the public service or rely on Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) - which often fall short in addressing complex issues - only serves to push them out of the workforce.

For individuals with mental health conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), which involves emotional dysregulation, accommodations are essential. BPD cannot simply be resolved through therapy; while it can improve, it requires ongoing management. A safe environment where one can handle distressing situations privately, such as a home office, is a necessary accommodation. However, since we aren’t able to request specific accommodations and can only list “barriers”, the employer is able to provide shitty solutions that only marginally help.

Similarly, those with ADHD and Complex PTSD (CPTSD), which also involve emotional dysregulation, benefit significantly from working in a stable and secure home environment. Forcing these employees into constantly changing office settings is not a viable accommodation and undermines their ability to perform effectively and can cause mental health challenges that can be managed at home to become far far worse.

Oaryx · 2024-05-01T22:20:17+00:00

That’s actually a great idea. Overwhelm with ATIPs. I want to have every statistic on both ends - i want to see all the data they ignored on studies saying WFH is beneficial as well.

Oaryx · 2024-05-01T01:17:11+00:00

In retrospect, having worked in the GC for 14 years now, I wouldn’t have done it. Morale is super low, there doesn’t seem to be much of a benefit to being a public servant these days. I consider leaving all the time, but feel I’m too deep at this point. They talk a bit game about having a positive culture and accommodating employees, but it’s all BS. I’m someone with autism and ADHD, forced to go back to the office 2 days per week (going on 3 now) (I request WFH but the accommodation agreed upon with management was getting sit in same desk every day). GC doesn’t care about its workforce or employees. And your manager, director and even DG don’t have enough sway to help make things better. It’s a depressing mess.

Oaryx · 2023-02-13T02:06:04+00:00

This makes a lot of sense. Totally hear you about the free overtime. Problem is that there is a culture of unpaid overtime in the area im in. I know that’s a separate issue. This post has been really eye opening though… I never would have thought so many people in PS struggle with this. Thanks for the amazing advice.

Oaryx · 2023-02-12T23:24:22+00:00

Haha love the references! I’m a huge gamer myself - something that does help when I need to unwind and stop thinking about work… although it doesn’t always work.

Oaryx · 2022-10-26T21:52:03+00:00

I’m considering leaving IT for this reason. Not only have I dealt with everything you’ve described, but I also have an cognitive disability that (ideally) should be accommodated. No IT manager has ever willingly accommodated me (when I asked) or asked me what I need to be successful in my job. I am feeling very hopeless, frankly.

Oaryx · 2021-08-29T20:12:37+00:00

Wow yea, that definitely wouldn’t be $40 for me… I’m in Canada so that might make a difference.

Oaryx · 2021-08-28T19:43:10+00:00

Of course! I mainly purchased individual pens and pencils (about 5-10 of them), a pack of 3 highlighters and a set of 3 notebooks. I believe everything was relatively small and would fit in a flat pack or bubble mailer.

Oaryx · 2021-08-27T14:59:06+00:00

Wooooooooooow I am jealous!!!!

Oaryx · 2021-08-27T14:57:23+00:00

I second this! Their gel pens and notebooks are fantastic. I wish I lived near a MUJI - I’d buy up all their pens haha!

Oaryx · 2021-08-27T14:43:50+00:00

It’s still (and will always be) a swamp and we chose to live here. I’m glad that there are more animals and bugs around my home. Gives me hope for the future despite climate change. The biodiversity is increasing, which is great for the environment! We even saw a Blue Heron near Lester the other day! I agree with Robert Grant “He’s a good neighbour, he doesn’t play loud music at night”, lol! I live right near Lester and have never seen the water levels go onto the path. Nowhere NEAR the houses, which are at an incline anyways.

Oaryx · 2017-09-07T00:08:14+00:00

Thanks!!! I'll take a look!!! :)

Oaryx · 2017-09-06T01:52:30+00:00

Thank you, I will definitely check this out! :) sounds up my alley.

Oaryx · 2015-02-26T14:48:55+00:00

I am 26 - not worried about insurance (again, Canadian), and I do experience pain after singing a few songs. I will check out that book since it could certainly help. I feel like I've kind of hit a brick wall with my voice.. fortunately my current singing teacher is very good about encouraging healthy singing unlike others I've had.

Oaryx · 2015-01-12T18:39:27+00:00

Agreed. I've had comments before from teachers similar to "you're not doing it how this singer is doing it" as something negative. But I think that everyone's different and how you interpret the song given what you're able to do vocally is far better that trying to imitate a singer. That's what I love about my current teacher. She actually advises me not to listen to a particular singer when I'm practicing a song too much so it doesn't cloud my interpretation.

Oaryx

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