MAS for Mid Career Professionals

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Wow.. A great example of standing in solidarity with the organization to the extent that it's laughable. If you are a HR rep, would prefer HR to perform more value added services for MAS' long term growth and do more for staff instead of attempting to "cover up". Life must be good there.

I'm not from HR. HR is just like any other department. Their staff agenda are driven by what helps them to showcase, clock KPI and get promotion. They will provide staff value-add only if it helps their KPI. So my conclusion is that there is no KPI on long term growth for them from the top

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I really want to serve the public and be proud of what I am doing.

Unlike many others here, salary is not a big issue for me.

But everyday, my morale gets drained.

I want to get things done, but in front of me, there are 99 layers to clear. These are simple things. I do not need so many layers. These extra layers do not value-add at all, and I say this without mincing my words.

The process is a disaster. Bosses here have become so risk-averse, asking tons of immaterial questions. It has made life a nightmare for officers who want to get things done. Some things are simply unknowable until we try. Yet the bosses insist they have to be known before we even try. Can anyone see how ridiculous this it? Many of my colleagues just accept it and smoke their way through. But I want to do the right thing. Unfortunately, doing the right thing here is very hard here. People only hear what they want to hear. Taking the path of least resistance is the easiest thing to do, but it is often the wrong one. But hey, why try so hard right?

I work in a regulatory department. When I liaise with foreign counterparts, I find their thinking to be a lot more mature. They are able to evaluate situations holistically. They also have a lot more trust in their colleagues. This is unlike here. My bosses are so focused on narrow points that they miss the bigger picture. They have trouble accepting that what we currently have is in not ideal compared to foreign jurisdictions, so they force themselves to justify it. They are so afraid of explaining our regulations that our most common suggestion is for the other party to seek legal advice. They have so little trust in others that they even want to get involved in areas where there are already plenty of experts sitting in.

With each passing day, I find my desire to do the right thing dissipating. Unfortunately, this has been difficult for me. I cannot live with contradictions, but my colleagues don't have this problem at all. They have absolutely no qualms providing suggestions that are half-baked and will only lead to greater problems down the road. Every time I do this, I find my soul shedding a tear.

My colleagues are very friendly and nice people to talk to. But I cannot understand why MAS works in such a bad way. Is it unique to MAS? Is it to unique to the Public Service? Is it unique to Singapore culture? I really don't know. The same colleagues tell me not to feel bad about it. If anything screws up, it is on MAS, not me. That is true, and perhaps necessary to convince myself to take the path of least resistance.

Alas, I hope for sunnier days, but all I see are dark clouds on the horizon.

This not only happen in your dept..... fyi

Originally Posted by Unregistered

MD already say look at other things for satisfaction instead of money. Like the satisfaction of working for MAS and serving the public. Its like being a commando. You don't do it for the money. You do it for the Honour & Glory!

One trick is to go outside for 1 year, get pay increment.
Join back, and get another pay increment.

This is not uncommon if you look around, there are staff returning back after going out and come back, their salary is much higher compare if they are to stay in the same organization.

Hard truth, loyalty will cause you to "lose" money

Had a round 1 interview on last Friday. If they do not call me by now, does that mean I am out? Felt that I didnt do well last week too..

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Had a round 1 interview on last Friday. If they do not call me by now, does that mean I am out? Felt that I didnt do well last week too..

Still early. Wait another 2 weeks. In the meantime, continue to apply. Next 2 weeks won’t have interviews cus of wind down.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Had a round 1 interview on last Friday. If they do not call me by now, does that mean I am out? Felt that I didnt do well last week too..

Don't worry too much it is still early. I had an rnd 1 in Oct and they only got back regarding rnd 2 early Dec. Rnd 2 will be in Jan lol. Year end they are likely busy too.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

A number of my friends in MAS are just waiting for their next bonus/promotion before departure. Do be careful about providing feedback upwards. Some have already left as upwards feedback were met with reprisals/contained.

But can move or not? Mostly no hard desirable skillsets especially if you have stayed there for too long

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Seems like the thread name can be changed to "don't bother joining MAS as a mid-career professional"?

I think so too. Sounds like mas dont treasure mid career hires

Originally Posted by Unregistered

MAS is not paying competitively. Many have gone to private sector with pay raise of at least 30%.

Sounds fake. Most have no skillsets. Why would pte sector pay a 30% premium? 😂

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I think so too. Sounds like mas dont treasure mid career hires

Obviously they value their scholars and graduate hires more than others. Mid careers are known to be a tier or 2 below unless you are specifically headhunted by them.