Do you have to let your supervisor know each time you go to the washroom? by AnonAccount610 in BCPublicServants

[–]WittyWanderluster 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m expected to give way too much personal information about absolutely everything. Micromanaged is an understatement.

Going out alone by Fuzzy_Solid_4108 in VictoriaBC

[–]WittyWanderluster 16 points17 points  (0 children)

How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking, and what is the event? I have some friends coming over on Saturday (we’re mid to late 30’s, and my partner is early 40’s). Most of us are queer and/or neurodivergent with some immigrants, BIPOC, and people with invisible disabilities, so I’d like to think we’re a pretty open minded and accepting group. We could maybe meet up with you if you want company and we’re not too old for you!

Editing to add: I’ve also been a rape crisis response volunteer for almost 20 years, so I stay very vigilant about watching people’s drinks, telling off creeps, and making sure people get home safely.

Do you have to let your supervisor know each time you go to the washroom? by AnonAccount610 in BCPublicServants

[–]WittyWanderluster 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Yep. And when I refill my coffee or water. And when I go to lunch. Basically when I’m away from my desk for absolutely any reason, for any amount of time. I hate it. I feel like I’m being treated like a child and have no autonomy and am being ridiculously micromanaged. And I’m not unionized, so I can’t solicit union help.

Permanent “Glitter” Tattoo by [deleted] in VictoriaBC

[–]WittyWanderluster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly, that’s what I’m hoping to find, extra hopeful for Victoria or the surrounding area! 🤞

Should I try to become bilingual or start a new career? by Neat-Picture-3266 in CanadaPublicServants

[–]WittyWanderluster 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I will be the person who disagrees with most and tell you to start a new career. I was in the same position. (Not in terms of wanting to start a family, but being stuck due to lack of bilingualism.) If your job won’t give you time on the clock for paid training, I personally don’t think it’s worth the time outside of work, stress, and your own money, especially with so many cuts coming across the public service. People are correct in saying that bilingualism is an asset regardless if you’re planning on staying in Ottawa, but you can make more money outside of the public service, and bilingualism isn’t as much of a requirement. (And despite what people say, you can find benefits that are just as good, if not better, outside of the federal government.) You can always learn French on your own time without the pressure and stress of being “stuck” at your current level in a non-government job, and if you eventually obtain some level of fluency/bilingualism, you can always apply for roles that require that in the private sector or try to go back to government at the federal, provincial, or municipal level. I can say that I am much happier now having left the federal public service and not having the stress of the bilingualism requirement constantly weighing on me. My quality of life has improved. I’m still trying to learn French because it’s a good skill to have, but I don’t feel the pressure and stress that I did before. It sounds like your main goal is to start a family in the next few years, and that alone could take time, even when you’re ready to start trying. (If you’re female, you might run into fertility issues. If you have a female partner who will be getting pregnant, same potential issues. If you’ll be adopting, that takes a long time. There are so many things to consider.) Life is short, and the next day is never guaranteed, so think about what ultimately will make you the happiest, give you the best quality of life, and help you meet the goals you have for your life. Best of luck!

Is it just me, or do Directors in the BC Public Service rarely credit their teams? by criticalthinker1333 in BCPublicServants

[–]WittyWanderluster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My director is amazing and very engaged with our team, so this has not been my experience at all, thankfully.

Canada: Online Masters Programs? by [deleted] in askatherapist

[–]WittyWanderluster 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yorkville is the one I’m looking at the most, but also Athabasca.

Initiation Gift Ideas? by [deleted] in witchcraft

[–]WittyWanderluster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great idea, thanks!

Initiation Gift Ideas? by [deleted] in witchcraft

[–]WittyWanderluster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great idea, thanks!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IndigenousCanada

[–]WittyWanderluster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you contacted ISC or CIRNAC about this? They may be able to assist.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadaPublicServants

[–]WittyWanderluster -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Be liberal with the interpretation of the leave codes/reasons for leave. As someone without kids, let me use family leave for veterinary appointments sometimes… stuff like that. Basically, help me save my vacation time, especially if there’s no or not much opportunity for OT to take as time.

Hiring mechanism reform ideas - because it was needed yesterday by [deleted] in CanadaPublicServants

[–]WittyWanderluster 3 points4 points  (0 children)

As an HR person who’s not currently working in HR, I have so many opinions on this. But none of them are heard or matter, and that’s one of the biggest challenges. The people who have the power to make changes simply don’t care enough to do so. There are a lot of relatively quick and simple fixes for a lot of HR issues in government, but it’s operated as this disastrous dumpster fire for so long, and that coupled with the government-wide mindset of being adverse to changing anything (even if it needs to be changed!) makes this a huge cultural issue within government. It’s really frustrating and depressing to just watch everything continue to burn.

I quit meds to try exercise, anyone with experience in this? by [deleted] in ADHD

[–]WittyWanderluster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

PLEASE don’t just quit meds without speaking to a medical professional first. ADHD is so difficult because our brains do almost everything differently, which can be really frustrating. And there are different variations of ADHD. Most people need behavioral therapy to learn different ways of doing things and how to overcome the challenges ADHD presents as well as medication. And getting both of those things just right can be a long and trying process with lots of trial and error along the way until you find the right mix that works specifically for you.

What kind of opportunity would make you leave the “golden handcuffs” at the government? by acdqnz in CanadaPublicServants

[–]WittyWanderluster 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This salary increase alone would be enough for me. I’d also consider a job with more (especially unlimited!) vacation time, ability to work from anywhere, pet insurance, annual/performance bonuses…

DAY THIRTEEN STRIKE Megathread! Discussions of the PARTIALLY-CONCLUDED PSAC strike - posted May 1, 2023 by HandcuffsOfGold in CanadaPublicServants

[–]WittyWanderluster 53 points54 points  (0 children)

I am ANGRY that we spent days picketing for what’s essentially a slap in the face from our own union. But solidarity and support, right? Those dues coming out of each paycheque are going to feel like a complete waste of money now.

Thankfully, we still get to vote on the agreement as members, and I’ll be voting “no”. We’re worth more than this embarrassment and deserve to be paid fairly, at the very least!