Originally Posted by shaz

Hello! I'm a 32yr old guy and working in a large Ministry for the last 3.5 years. Was previously in a Stat Board for about 2 year. Crazy work hours so I took a pay cut in 2007 to go to Ministry. I've a Aussie degree (pass only & did in Australia). Here's my salary progression for 5.5 years:

26: Sep 2005 (Stat Board): $2700
27: Dec 2006 (Stat Board): $2900
28: Jul 2007 (Stat Board): $3250
28: Aug 2007 (Ministry): $3025 (MX13)
29: Apr 2008 (Ministry): $3500 (MX12) - x 3 month bonus
30: Apr 2009 (Ministry): $3650 (MX12) - x 3.5 month bonus (B grade)
31: Apr 2010 (Ministry): $4000 (MX12) - x 4.5 month bonus (B grade)
32: Apr 2011 (Ministry): $4500 (MX11) - x 4 months bonus (B grade) - so far

Despite being a normal pass degree holder, you can see that the Ministry gives me a better than average grading and I even got two promotions within 4 years. I seriously worked hard but I have the advantage of working in HQ and rubbing shoulders with my Director and DD. As long you work hard (and smart), bosses see your good work (not just own boss but those from other departments), then you'll do well. Obviously, can't fight scholars who can be a Dy Director at my age or earlier. I just aim to be in the middle management and be happy with the decent pay and good working hours.

Need to be realistic lah...