I have worked as a government employee for almost 29 years, having carried out various tasks. I also dealt with many kinds type of bosses; arrogant, greedy, friendly, intelligent but bitchy, etc. I learned a lot from my experience as a staff.

Currently, I lead 22 staff. It feels mixed every day. Sometimes happy and enthusiastic. Sometimes I feel pressured. But I believe that the turmoil of feelings must be controlled wisely.

There are actually many pleasant moments to be had as a government employee. Our workload is not as heavy as those who work in private companies. Government employees in Indonesia are very protected in terms of income, family allowances, and health insurance. It is not easy to fire government employees. Only severe mistakes can be a reason for dismissal.

Unlike private employees, who are relatively easy to fire or demote, civil servants tend to have more job security. Yet, the salaries of private employees, especially those working in large companies or state-owned enterprises, often exceed those of civil servants. All jobs have their pros and cons.

At certain moments, I take my staff to lunch. This is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and reduce the tension. Some of my staff who had a hard temper became more soft-hearted after engaging in relaxed activities together. I also understood them better.

This is worth a try, you know.

Daily writing prompt

Who would you like to talk to soon?

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I don’t have a daughter, so I share stories primarily with my two sons. My eldest son is more responsive and sensitive to my problems or lighter stories, so he’s the one I call most often when I want to share something.

Many people ask me whether I feel incomplete because I don’t have a daughter. I really feel fine. My two sons have different characters and complement each other in their roles as children. The eldest tells a lot of stories, and the youngest is quieter and works a lot. The eldest is a bit emotional, while the youngest is like a deep sea. It’s hard to guess what’s in his heart.

Every once in a while, I reach out to my second son to check on how he’s doing. Since he tends to be less responsive, I often end up writing him a lengthy WhatsApp message, almost like a letter. In these messages, I share my hopes for him and offer gentle guidance regarding his attitude. I believe that some of what I write must resonate with him, and for the rest, I leave it to my prayers. Only God can turn people’s hearts, right?

Daily writing prompt

What personal belongings do you hold most dear?

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I am currently obsessed with my large tote bag. Whatever outfit I wear, that bag is always suitable. I often place it on my lap when I sit down to cover my midsection.

I am the type of person who always carries a large bag. My confidence increases when I hold a large pouch. In it, I put items often needed, such as powder and lipstick, a wallet, a cell phone, a pen, a laptop, supplements and snacks, and other small items.

At home, I place my bag near my bed for easy access. If I suddenly want to take or put something, I can do it effortlessly.

My habit is different from those who never take bags when they go out. They only carry a wallet and a cell phone.

I often wonder if they feel confident enough to engage in activities outside with just such minimal belongings. Aren’t they annoyed if they suddenly need a pen or handkerchief, but there isn’t one?

If I disagree with a public figure’s opinion, I just tell myself, “Uhh, that person is weird.”

Or I will discuss it with people in my close circle. Just to fill the conversation, not to discuss seriously.

Why respond to other people’s opinions excessively? It doesn’t have much influence on me or others. It will actually make the public figure more famous (Sometimes that’s what they want, conveying controversial things so they become more well-known).

There are so many public figures who have this nature. Doing or saying strange things to get covered by the mass media. Yeah, like a drama queen.