Pros: interaction with the public, professional clients, and co-workers.
Cons: insufficient cultivation of human resources, infrequent pay increases.
My typical day at work began and ended as an eternal optimist. Opening several software packages and preparing to complete each and every task that comes across my desk is my ultimate goal, although experience tells me the overwhelming number of things to do within an eight-hour workday will result in greasing the squeaky wheel and distinguishing a
– more... number of small fires. As my "to do" list grows, I become accustomed to the fact that, on any given day, the multitude of interruptions will prevent me from spending the time required to accomplish the most important items on my list of priorities. But, my enjoyment of serving the needs of those who enter my office remain my focus.
During the almost thirteen years I have been employed with the City of Alexandria, I have learned more than I could possibly articulate here. With all the trials and tribulations of working in City Government, one can easily overlook the forest for the trees. For those citizens who needed my assistance, I learned that the issue they face, their progression towards opening their new business operation, or their working through the myriad regulations of building a structure in the special flood hazard area, is the most important item on their list of priorities. By the Grace of God, I strived to be the best at what I did; the most accurate, the most thorough, and the most productive, conscientious employee I could be, all while I built a rapport with the person who would temporarily sit across from me in my office.
During my tenure at the City of Alexandria, I have been blessed with two, very intelligent, caring, and personable Managers. My first Manager is a Superintendent, my second is an Assistant-Director, but both have a genuine appreciation for the people whom they manage. Secondly, they have a broad understanding of the work their employees do, they value the input they receive from their employees as it applies to suggestions about improving working conditions, and having the necessary tools & equipment to get the job done. Finally, regardless of the intensity of their workload, their door is always open towards developing a relationship with their employees, where mutual trust and respect are commonplace. Unfortunately, members of the Administration of City Government look with disdain upon the general workforce, as they strive to micromanage every facet, without a clue as to what it is like to walk in the shoes of those who carry out the duties of their respective workday responsibilities.
For the most part, I would characterize my co-workers as "true public servants". Of course, I witnessed those who reported to the workplace only to wait on their next paycheck. But, those were few and far between. In contrast, so many of my co-workers have a wonderful work ethic, deserving of recognition, incentive pay increases and promotional opportunities.
The hardest part of my job is leaving the office at the end of the day, knowing you are further behind than when you arrive that morning, coupled with the knowledge the Administration will do nothing towards providing the necessary workforce to get the job done, accurately, timely, and professionally, albeit the number of attorneys on contract with the City of Alexandria has increased to unprecedented levels.
The most enjoyable part of my job is completing a task, helping a client work through an issue, and leaving my office, knowing I have done my very best to get the job done. – less