To ask for a handhold?

[Newyearnewname20]

Been in my job in the Civil Service for about 18 months and feeling pretty deflated with it - think I’m just looking for some reassurance and advice. It’s actually really dented my confidence.

I really struggle with the technical aspects of the job, and I don’t have a background in the type of work this job is in. My colleagues all seem to either enjoy the job or have a background in similar work, so I guess I feel a bit alone in my experience as well. I really try my best, and I’m definitely effective at some parts of the job, but we’ve recently moved onto doing a new project, and I’m finding it very tough.

I also just feel so tired and frustrated at the way the public sector is being criticised and vilified by the government atm. I think some of their criticisms are valid, but I wish they would frame them more positively and constructively, rather than seeing the public sector as this horrible, bloated enemy that they have to fight against. I get that they’re doing this because it wins them points politically, but I just find it so cheap and cynical (and, added to that, they’re actively trying to find ways to make it easier for people in the public sector to be laid off or for their redundancy pay to get cut, whilst justifying ways to keep us our salaries below the cost of living).

An option I could take is to start looking for other jobs, but I feel a bit stuck and also just very very frustrated. Also worried about job hunting in this economic climate, as it’s already tricky and I’m sure it will get tougher, and I have 2 DC, so want to make sure I find something that fits in with my kids too.

Does anyone have any advice please? From practical advice to reassurance and a handhold, everything is welcome.

And if you’ve made it this far, thanks very much for reading!

Bump

As a fellow Civil Servant, I feel your pain. What Dept do you work in?

Thanks Fern. I’d prefer not to say the name of the department directly if that’s okay, but it’s one of the bigger departments, and it deals with prisons and the law. I’m sorry you’re also feeling the effects of what this government are doing - it really does feel utterly shit.

As mentioned in my OP, I don’t have a background in the work my department does (which I think is very specialist and technical) and I’m sure it’s at least partly because of this that I’m finding it very difficult to keep up the pace in my job. Any ideas on how I can improve/change?

You’re job/dept could be one that is heading for redundancies - you could ask HR?? No point leaving is redundancy is going to happens

dont compare yourself to others , you obviously have the skill set required otherwise you wouldn’t still have your job

Thanks Madonna - aren’t all the depts potentially at risk of redundancy though? Although that obviously depends on who gets in as next PM and what their plans are. Also, it all seems uncertain about redundancies atm because I reckon it’ll totally depend on who gets in as next PM and the strength of the unions on fighting the redundancies, so I think it’ll take a good while before any redundancies actually happen. Realise I could be mistaken though!

And the thing is I don’t actually think I have the skill set for the current phase of my job. I think this can be a common thing in the CS because we’re allowed to move to any department, and currently, we aren’t typically assessed in the job application process on our specialist skills for the new role but more on general behavioural/professional skills that will be helpful in the job we’re applying for.

OP Have you had a chat with your Line Manager? See what they say. Morale is pretty low over all the Civil Service at the moment . When it comes to redundancies, that could take some time ( been in a long time and seen things like this before).

are terms of employment poor in the Civil Service? From
the outside, based on people I know who work
there, it looks pretty good in terms of salaries, maternity leave and returning afterwards.. Genuine question.

Have a chat with your line manager about development courses? Or is there any online training that could help you?

Thanks Fern!

Potted - you’re right that some terms in the CS are very good (e.g. mat leave benefits, annual leave, pension). However, our salaries are generally low in comparison to people in the private sector with equivalent responsibility levels at the different grades, and due to pay freezes and inconsistent/insufficient pay rises, many civil servants’ salaries are below the rate of inflation, and the current government is planning to cut redundancy pay in the CS. The unions are helping to address this, and they are a good source of support, but I’m not expecting things to change for the better anytime soon, because I think this government is very against the Civil Service (I’m not trying to be goady or impartial - I’m just repeating what I’ve read and heard in the news and from union updates).

If you felt you could do the job do you think you would enjoy it? If so then ask about development options via your line manager. Is it a lack of subject background? Could you spend time shadowing people? Is it x skill you feel inexperienced in and could training help?
It is difficult if you cant speak to a couple of colleagues but a coach or mentor might help. They are different so depends on what you want the next steps to be.
Of course looking for a different job is an option but may taje time and you will be more likely to land a job if you feel more confident so I would say try all options as they can all help