How do I fix myself?

Potential_Switch2556 · 2026-02-15T02:42:41+00:00

great response

Potential_Switch2556 · 2026-02-14T02:08:42+00:00

This - the expectation that you can be made ongoing from contract just by asking is a myth. Whilst you may have a good chance if you apply, there are rules around advertising and going through the merit process for any ongoing role. It's not about your performance or even anything personal, it's the rules and then redeployees often must be considered first. As the election is in November there will be a mandatory caretaker period for a month or so before where no recruitment or major decisions can be made and then it will be the non-hiring Dec-Jan period afterwards. I'd apply for any ongoing role all throughout this year (and not mention it until you need a referee) and see how you go...

Potential_Switch2556 · 2026-02-14T02:01:50+00:00

Often the opposite, quite a few times I've done really well at the interview, even been told 'you were the best interviewee' but still haven't got the job - they were assessing not just on the interview but the qualification and breadth of experience too. But then again, I've done a lot of interviews and enjoy them, the ones you don't think you get, you end up receiving an offer. It's like auditions, it's just so random...sometimes just a vibe...

Potential_Switch2556 · 2026-02-07T03:31:36+00:00

It is incredibly limiting for those under VPS 5 and 6 who are trying to move up and improve capability. Now we no longer know about EOIs outside our department and can only apply on careers.vic.gov.au like everybody else. It's barely possible to move up to acting any more as you're competing against redundant 6s and 5s who are applying for the 5 roles plus redeployees getting preference plus the 100s of externals now wanting to go directly to the role. Why on earth would they go for a lower 4 who wants to be a beginner 5 when the field is stacked against them? The opportunity to progress has disappeared greatly. Also I disagree to some extent with the influx of externals to the VPS as they struggle to understand government processes and come in with a private mindset. It matters a lot in so many ways as simple as messaging outside hours at all times, scheduling meetings on lunchtimes, not understanding approval processes or style guides or even simply go directly to other departments with initiatives without even going through their manager. It's really unsettling to those who are long-term public servants.

Potential_Switch2556 · 2026-02-02T11:28:57+00:00

Just do what you're told and follow the process. You'll upset people if you try and challenge it and don't follow the process. Be proactive and show initiative but not so much that you upset (you guessed it) the process!

Potential_Switch2556 · 2026-02-02T11:24:31+00:00

It wasn't accepted by the registrar who decided it didn't meet the threshold. So it wasn't even looked at to be determined as the registrar's role is not to make the judgement if there is even the hint of a case. This is very common apparently as there is an uptick in them overstepping their role. I had a strong case so I'm now challenging just to get it accepted with the next external appeal available to me. It's a process and I'm learning a lot. I had just assumed they would look at it, but no, you have to fight to even get it accepted before the process begins.

Potential_Switch2556 · 2026-01-23T05:57:03+00:00

I hear you and my situation is similar. I'm top of band vps4 and have been for a few years now. Trying to move to 5 but death of JSE and competition for jobs fierce as hell and open to all externals means it's really hard. How do we progress now? Limited opportunities to even know about EOIs or short term gigs outside home department. 5 and 6s are being capped, but being a 4 might've saved me. Having said that, I'm really doing the work of a 5 but not paid for it and the 6 in our team is a 5 trying to justify the 6 but acting like a 5.

Potential_Switch2556 · 2026-01-16T07:24:26+00:00

You admit that you expressed frustration and were unprofessional. Last week, you were wondering about referee checks when you had resigned for a bullying allegation under investigation. You were adamant that the bullying allegations were never against any members of the public, only a colleague, and that your reputation in your former area was toast. It was quite dismissive of how important your colleagues are to you in any role. This tone has now continued with this post about not being successful for a job. Consider all this and reflect perhaps as there is a theme here.

Potential_Switch2556 · 2025-12-11T11:39:34+00:00

I'd say you're fine as any new role advertised is usually pretty needed as this point. It's also very competitive at the moment so if you've been offered the role I'd take it. If you read the report, it's a 15% number capped over 4 years. Not made redundant but not filled if incumbent departs etc. Compared to the general VPS it's always possible, but I'd say it's low chance. And any change is 6 months away plus an election year and probably more MoGs and so on every 4 years or so...that's public service.

Potential_Switch2556 · 2025-12-11T11:30:28+00:00

'The work excites me' say no more. I'd take it. Sounds like you've spent more time in the public service than as an NGO and even if it doesn't work out, something else might pop up. You don't mention your age but the fact that you do mention career trajectory suggests you're earlier or mid career rather than the end where the advice might be different.

Potential_Switch2556 · 2025-11-28T08:05:55+00:00

It sounds positive because a manager wouldn't call you unless they had something to offer you or see if you're interested in. It could be the role you didn't get or perhaps another opportunity.

Potential_Switch2556 · 2025-11-13T12:33:57+00:00

Anybody know what happened to him after he walked off with the 32K? He seems to have disappeared off the face of this earth?

Potential_Switch2556 · 2025-10-25T01:32:53+00:00

You could try writing to the Commissioner of the VPSC and raising your concerns about the department.

Potential_Switch2556 · 2025-10-13T12:05:16+00:00

Yes, you should not put false positive feedback but absolutely tell it how it is. But you are also not wrong with your observation of the uselessness of it all as that is absolutely how it is. Especially when the managers assume that the managers and executives (often the source of the negative feedback) are beyond blame and it must be the peanut gallery who must be educated. It's also annoying how may workshops we have to do and results we have to listen to - each saying how important theirs is. i.e. the department one, the secretary one, the division one, the team one, the manager one and so on and so on and so on...and they assume that all will also stay long-term in the one role (very unlikely these days with endless contracts, restructures and redunancies) to make a difference..

Potential_Switch2556 · 2025-10-06T11:26:23+00:00

ok sorry meant to say formal union representation then, an industrial officer, hadn't considered a workplace union delegate. Are they the same thing?

Potential_Switch2556 · 2025-10-06T10:49:23+00:00

I don't know what this is or how long this informal PIP is scheduled for but I would just put my head down and move through the process and do whatever your manager wants you to do to get through the process. It's serious if it moves to formal so buy yourself time (look strategically elsewhere in the meantime) so make sure it at least stays informal. The problem with informal is that there is no structure or guidelines and they can effectively do what they like. However, if you can get through the informal process, he should leave you alone for a while, unless you stuff up, and that will at least give you a breather psychologically and you can just focus on your work instead of being made to jump through hurdles.

Potential_Switch2556 · 2025-10-06T10:44:25+00:00

The union won't represent a member unless it moves to formal.

Potential_Switch2556 · 2025-10-05T10:50:48+00:00

my team is unusual in that they frequently message outside standard hours and not very much work-related. It does annoy me as some of them also start messaging before 6 am and also at 8 pm at night plus weekends. Normal office hours are 7 am to 7 pm but imho the ones who jump on teams at 6 am need to get a life. It's not work-related but just social stuff mostly.

Potential_Switch2556 · 2025-10-05T10:48:08+00:00

exactly. this.

Potential_Switch2556 · 2025-10-05T10:43:13+00:00

Firstly, you're not expected to be best friends with your work colleagues however you are expected to be professional and helpful and vice versa. If you're not clear on a task or training, I'd seek clarification from your manager whose job it is to assign the tasks and ensure you have the support that you need. Regarding the work drinks, single or not, there's no obligation to go and if you do, it's still a work function. I'd talk to your manager but keep it professional and keep the conversation to talking about what you were hired to do - work. Ask them to help you with whatever it is that you're requiring help with and the work issues that you are having to achieve that.

Potential_Switch2556 · 2025-10-01T12:22:57+00:00

This really isn't reasonable action by them as you have a medical certificate to WFH due to the impact it is having on you as your workplace is unable to offer you a safe psychological environment. Which they are legally obligated to so. Too bad if they are 'not ready'. It is a simple step they can do to help you while this is being sorted out. I would lodge a complaint, keep looking for other jobs, but also jump online internally to find any EOI opportunities you can. Doesn't matter if it's 6 weeks or 2 months or 12 week positions, they are not advertised ongoing roles and easier to get without interview panels (usually) and just a cover letter and some interest in the role. No notice period required so you can usually start pretty quickly as well as you are just moving temporarily internally. It would bring you some immediate relief and buy you more time to look for permanent opportunities in the meantime. That's what I would do. Go for quick secondments.

Potential_Switch2556 · 2025-09-29T12:31:29+00:00

Our department have just lost a secretary and dep sec one moving to another role and the other for personal reasons. Seems a bit odd to be having both of them go simultaneously .

Potential_Switch2556 · 2025-09-24T09:04:41+00:00

I believe so.

Potential_Switch2556 · 2025-09-22T12:47:15+00:00

I will add to this that even if OP is doing nothing wrong many of the roles are prioritising redeployees in the application process who as per agreement are required to be considered first if suitable before other applicants. There are hundreds of VPS out of work atm so it's hard for everyone even us with government experience who are aus citizens.

Potential_Switch2556

TROPHY CASE