hi all, i joined the ministry at MX12 even though given my experience and output i should be at MX11. i was new the civil service having previously worked 4 years in private sector in the same field so it was direct relevant work experience. at the point of offer i wasn’t clear on the MX schemes and also didn’t feel like i have a good reason to argue for higher rank since I am new to CS (i am in a ministry). So while I understand that there are some rules for promotion, and that it is basically not possible to be promoted after only 2 years, somehow I have seen people in ministries getting that kind of promotion, especially within my own ministry. so strange… my directors also agreed that my output is definitely above MX12 level but nothing can be done because of the rules, and now i’m thinking that even if i wait one more year, i might still not get promoted and i have wasted three years at this rank when my peers in private sectors are already in managerial roles… 😪 this system, sigh… i actually do enjoy my work environment here so it feels like a pity as i’m considering returning back to private for higher pay + managerial position.