A week on the Job

So today I sat at my desk. I am now respectably employed thank you very much. In the Nigerian Civil service no less. It has been interesting the kinds or responses I've been getting from my co-workers. Now, I'm working in the same organization where I carried out my youth service, so it’s not like I'm a total newbie. But, ever since I became a staff I noticed a few subtle changes.


It started on my first week on the job as a proper bonafide staff. It was the beginning of a new month and my colleagues had just received their pay slips. "So have you gotten your slip?' asked one of my bosses with a knowing wink, "They've started giving us o". I thanked him for the info and then politely reminded him that I was just resuming official duty and so was not yet entitled to any pay. I have to admit though that it did make me feel sort of like I had been accepted fully as a member of the Gang. Then, today, another superior spent a good ten minutes at my desk ranting about the institution, and I mean really raving. She got really deep into the personal intrigues and politics and opened up to me in a way she never would have when I was just another ‘Corper’. Again, it really helped foster my sense of belonging.

A few days ago, I had to fill out a form and I have to admit it did feel a bit weird to write down Civil Servant in the Occupation category. I kept thinking, I’m a Civil Servant? Really? Of all the professions I visualized myself in when growing up, and trust me they were many, I never, ever imagined myself in the Civil Service. At various points in time, I thought I would end up a Lawyer, Pediatrician, Actress, Writer, Detective, Journalist, Race Car Driver, Celebrity Chef, you name it, I’ve dreamt it. But no, the reality is a lot less dramatic.

I’m also finding myself dealing with totally embracing the work culture. I did a few internships in my time and I got to work at some really cool places. So I know a thing or two about office sleepovers and working through the weekend. None of that ever happens at my new office. My first week there, I was online at my computer a few minutes to 5pm which is the close of our working day when I suddenly noticed that the only sound I could hear was the tap of my fingers against the keyboard. I looked up and realized that the entire office had emptied out, walking out onto the corridors, I was shocked to see the entire floor was deserted, as I stood there staring incredulously, the lights went out, the maintenance crew was telling any ‘oversabis’ like me that it was the end of the working day. As I went back in to pick up my bag I looked at the time, it was 5:05pm.

Another thing is getting used to the fact that a huge chunk of the employees at my office are in an entirely different demographic. I am often mistaken for an Intern by other staff as well as visitors. One guy told me bluntly, ‘aren’t you a little young to be a staff here?” Ha! Excuse me but I didn’t know there was an age restriction on employment.

All in all, it hasn’t been totally, horribly, hair raising, suicide contemplating-ly bad. I’m sure I’ll get used to the idea of not having a proper job description, or a clearly defined role or function. Eventually, I am assuming that I too will become a clock watching, ground nut eating, Servant of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Cheers.