Bored survivor

Survivor role.


Is there an uglier term to describe a job? Possibly a redundant job would be up there along with 'The enemy  upon us. Hands up those who want to join the forlorn hope - where do you think you are going Private eotp?' Comes from the Dutch vorloren hoop meaning lost heap (though heap of what isn't specified. Who goes round losing heaps?) See, a blog on life's silliness and education as the same time. EOTP - double benefit. Buy one get one free.


Here's some definitions from the web

• A survivor is a person who copes with a bad situation or affliction and who gets through.
• To remain alive or in existence.

Glad we got that sorted out then. I think the second one best sums up the excitement of taking a job cos you just gotta eat, you just got to pay the bills. All the rest is way down the priority list.To remain in existence. And that is largely what you have to do, survive.

What are the pros of a survivor role then?

Money

Money

and money

That's it as far as I can tell, oh and getting away from your partner for a few hours every day so that everyone's sanity is preserved. Mainly. There is a philosophy that says potential employers prefer those already in jobs as it shows grit and determination to turn an honest hand to to goodly toil in times of adversity. I say does it cocoa. It seems to me that potential employers no longer regard you as a higher paid employee once you enter survival mode but as someone who has failed in your career and cannot therefore be paid any more or allowed to progress once again. Let me give you an example from the wacky world of higher education.

I was taken on in my role even though I am vastly over-experienced for the position. I know it, they know it. I needed the money, I'd been unemployed for four months and the other candidates were dire I was told. Makes you feel good doesn't it? No wonder I have self-esteem issues these days. Now, I want to apply for higher graded posts to escape this hell of boredom. But I'm not allowed to apply for jobs that are more than one grade above that I'm on even though I may be the best qualified candidate because 'it's not policy. This is how the conversation went;

'So even though you agree I'm the most experienced candidate and meet the role competencies you will take on someone who is less capable than me because he/she is already on a higher grade than me?'

'Yes.'

'This is an HE establishment, don't you subscribe to the philosophy of applied knowledge?'

'What, oh look a squirrel.'

'We work for a reputable, well known business school that promotes the concept of talent management and having the right people in the right job.'

'Tra la la la la tum te tum.'

I give up. How do you deal with this mindset? Them is the rules. No actually they are not rules but policy but you might as well walk to your car, get in and scream at the top of your voice for all the difference it makes. How do I know that? Because I do it regularly that's why and nothing changes.

I'm here, I'm bored, I'm a survivor. I don't know where I am but I know the name of the creek.

1 hour 36 minutes and 10 seconds before I can go home. 

Not that I'm counting.