Job Order

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I am employed in a government institution with my position labelled Research Associate I. The words research and associate, together – sounds fascinating, right? But no, I now associate those words with exploitation. What do I get from this job given that I’m under job order? Aside from additional knowledge about drugs, I’m paid a gross amount of Php 13, 500.00 a month (NO WORK, NO PAY and we receive no benefits) and I get my time spent while waiting for my dream job. I can also resign anytime despite my contract covering six (6) months (but I opt not to because I have honor for my word). What do I do in this job? Just refer to my previous blog entry (http://ang-externaldrive.blogspot.com/2013/08/on-my-way-there.html). I am already in my 5th month in this job and so far, I’m hating it. At the same time, I’m glad because I’m getting closer to the day when my contract ends.

I have been through a lot in this job. I had a lot of “required” overtimes. I even experienced staying awake for more than 24 hours in the office on a weekend. I was imposed to do my predecessor’s backlogs (and they’re a lot that the papers can fill a room!). This is repetitive work. This is routine. I feel the atrophy of my cerebrum and the slight fade in my knowledge about nursing. I do my job well. In fact, I get praises from my boss and some semi-bosses; but those are not enough. I’m not fulfilled. I’m not happy with what I do. I’m undeniably unsatisfied.

In addition, this job is the same with the other staff members with regular positions. By the way, those with regular positions have higher salaries, are not on “no work no pay” policy, and receive benefits. This leads me to the point that I, technically, am supposed to be paid as much as those with regular positions. I cannot help thinking about how corruption contributes to this. They say that this government institution does not have enough funds to add regular positions, thus relying to job orders to compensate for the manpower needed. The funds wouldn’t be that scarce if it weren't for those who steal – be it in this institution or in the government that allocates budget for this institution.

With those said, I am certain that this job is not worth staying for. I feel unhappy, underpaid, uncompensated, underemployed – EXPLOITED.

I do not deserve this. No one deserves this. Five months ago, I just wanted to enjoy and be productive while waiting for my dream job. Five months ago, I thought that I’d be happy with any job as long as I do it well. Five months ago, I thought I’d be paid enough for my job since it was well done. These were until reality in the world of employment slapped me and almost killed me. I realized that I should know what I love to do. It’s from there that I can determine what job fits me and how I plan to “play the job”.  I learned this the hard way and it’s in these hard ways that most people learn effectively. 

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