It was one of these special days in one life; a day when one chapter closes and another opens. This young man got his college degree more than three years back. But looking for a job had been one frustrating and unending again his life as it was difficult to find open doors. He scanned every vacancy notice published in newspapers and also pasted on walls in various parts of the city. College wasn’t even half difficult as the search for employment was. Coming from a struggling family who have done everything they can to see him through college one can imagine how bad his feelings could be at not being able to support them. With a younger brother and two sisters still in school his family’s tale wasn’t a very happy one. Though dad and mom always tried to put up happy faces in the presence of their children it didn’t always work. By the way it is heart wrenching to see so many college and other higher education institutions graduates out of work in these difficult times.
Finally nearly a month back that news his family, relatives and friends have been waiting for came; a mid-level private enterprise takes him in. As those who witnessed the whole spectacle told me the joy the news brought was so much so that there were much tears of happiness rather than boisterous laughter one would expect at such happenings.
“We are looking forward to your joining our offices.” Isn’t that nice! Isn’t that very nice, indeed! With such nice words you’ll probably be the happiest guy in town at least for a couple of weeks or months.
One thing missing was that those close enough who know about being new employee anywhere else failed to give him a few words of caution. You know, having gone through so much ups and downs the young man, by the sheer luck of being employed, might think everything would be sunny in the future. “I’m employed what more would I want?” Well, that would have been nice if being employed by itself was the final nail in the box of ordeals and problems anticipated or otherwise. It didn’t take long for the young man to realize that the initial broad smiles and strong, empathic handshakes weren’t meant to stay.
It’s not because the staff of his new employers are naughty or didn’t want him there. It isn’t because they have any personal thing against him. Being subject to those occasional side glances and stares as a new employee is mostly part of the game. There would definitely be those “Who’s this guy and where did he come from?” “Is he a relative of the boss?” “Was he sent from headquarters by the brass there?” “Maybe he’s sent not to work but to spy on us!” Though some of those behind such thoughts are outright malicious people who don’t want the good of anyone, most are just reacting based on past stories real or imagined.
Of course it has been some time in this country when we have been talking about job offerings. In many instances they advertise the vacancies just to make things appear legitimate as many believe. The posts, so the conventional wisdom goes, are already filled. In fact sometimes the requirements for prospective applicants are written in such interesting details you’d be pardoned to think the only part they missed is the name of the person! Ha! Of course, such a person would in some way be affiliated with someone on upstairs.
“Did you see the new lady in the finance department?”
“Yes, I did. What about her?”
“They say she’s probably the mistress of the boss.”
“You don’t say!”
“Well that’s the story that’s making the rounds of the office.”
Being a new employee isn’t always an event where you’d go running to your nearest supermarket, buy a bottle of champagne and just sending the cork up into the sky. “Hip, hip’ hooray!” It’d take some time for any new employee to see the real picture of his new work place. The young man I told you about despite having finally joined the work force after quite trying times now and then wears that frown that comes with being confused, so they say. Of course a few months later he would be part of the crowd. that’s it.
Many offices in this country don’t give the proper orientation to new employees. The new employee is just given the employment papers, assigned some table and chair and that’s it! I tell you despite the so-called digital age rushing toward us top speed, in many ways we’re still way back in doing things the way the times demand.
While we are at it is the debate about the benefits of being a civil servant or a private enterprise employee still on? I mean times have changed. Yes, we had our beliefs about a civil servant or an employee of a private enterprise. In the old days it was a big plus being a civil servant! Yes that was how the narrative went. You’re a civil servant? The three cheers for you. You have landed a lifetime job!
“Did you hear so and so has become a civil servant?”
“You mean he’s employed in a government enterprise?”
“Yes, he is.”
“What a lucky guy he is!”
At least once you’re a civil servant you’re almost sure to go all the way to old age and retirement, if you can make it that far. It’s supposed to be secure, buddy! Seldom would someone come and kick you out just like it happens in many poorly structured private enterprises. Seldom would you find your office sealed when you report for work some morning. Such things had been common in alter days.
People craved to be civil servants because of not beefy salaries, not wonderful working environments and not additional benefits. Once you make it through your retirement is assured! It isn’t interesting that the young who are employed as civil servants think of their old age retirement pay still decades away? yes, times have really changed. But times have changed.
BY EPHREM ENDALE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 11 FEBRUARY 2024