Popular Post DavidJames Posted September 19, 2013 Popular Post Report Share Posted September 19, 2013 (edited) Hi all,I have seen a number of conversations about on employment prospects, people experiencing bullying and prejudice and general anxiety on whether we'll "fit in". I have just this week passed my one year anniversary working here and though I would share my experiences.My observations:1. Spend the first few months in wall flower mode and observe how others do things.2. Forget me and focus on we. You do not need to self promote like you do in SA. Performance is recognised.3. Head down, bum up. Just get on with what you need to do work wise. Recognition will come.4. Don't take anything personally. You may feel vulnerable being fresh off the boat. Aussies are direct and can nitpick over inconsequential detail. It is not because you are a Saffer, it happens to everyone, get over it.5. Have a sense of humour, especially about yourself. Aussies love taking the p*ss, it shows they like you. (They must bloody love me!). It is when they stop taking the mick that you need to worry. Also, feel free to give itstraightback, they kind of expect it.6. Most important - we have a reputation for performance and get given tough assignments because we deliver.Anyway, am loving the work environment. I have never felt more accepted than here. I have also been promoted 11 months in, so my efforts are being recognised.Good luck all, it's a wild ride! Edited September 20, 2013 by DavidJames 20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreaL Posted September 20, 2013 Report Share Posted September 20, 2013 Absolutely spot on David, especially 2 and 5.If you try and promote yourself and not be part of the team ( there's no I in team) you'll make yourself a target.Sense of humour, self depreciating and taking the p**s.......probably the most important part in acceptance, once the Aussies give you a nickname you know you're "in". 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yolred Posted September 20, 2013 Report Share Posted September 20, 2013 Thank you for sharing.It gives us hope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toitjie Posted September 20, 2013 Report Share Posted September 20, 2013 Thank you for sharing. I have been more than a little worried about the fitting in...but wallflower I can do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikeleigh Posted September 20, 2013 Report Share Posted September 20, 2013 Thanks for that, all makes sense, everyones ride is different, its what you make of it.............I have no option to make it work, this is a one way trip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darbia Posted September 20, 2013 Report Share Posted September 20, 2013 Thanks for the positive post Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bams Posted September 20, 2013 Report Share Posted September 20, 2013 Thanks!!! I love to hear from people who are there and have been there for some time.Bum up head down is what we are SO used to and hard work doesn't scare us.Looking forward to my first nervous day... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snkc Posted September 20, 2013 Report Share Posted September 20, 2013 Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcK Posted September 22, 2013 Report Share Posted September 22, 2013 Great post and I can identify with it so much...Have earned my nickname after just 4 months in my new job so must be doing something right...I do agree on Aussies being nitpicky - initially found it to be a tad overkill and took it personally only to realize that's just how it is done mate! I guess coming from Africa we had more of a "boer maak 'n plan" approach to dealing with work issues and situations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HadEnoughofJuju Posted September 23, 2013 Report Share Posted September 23, 2013 Hey David thanks for sharing. I must be well liked by my boss then, he can't stop taking the micky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B007 Posted September 23, 2013 Report Share Posted September 23, 2013 Yes thanks for your post. As some times I get a bit worried with what I read on the forum but the way you explained it, it makes sense don't take everything personal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidJames Posted September 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2013 Oh and stay positive, whatever it takes. You can't always choose what happens to you but you can choose how you respond. Be kind to yourself and your loved ones during this time of readjusting and finding your feet.Don't be afraid to ask how things are done. I find my Aussie workmates very supportive of one another and very welcoming to someone who makes the effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen_PFR Posted September 25, 2013 Report Share Posted September 25, 2013 As an Aussie, agree completely with the OP's comments. We really do only take the mickey if we like you Sounds like you've settled in well. Well done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GideonVD Posted September 25, 2013 Report Share Posted September 25, 2013 Well, I've been working now for a month and all I can say is, it will be confusing as hell. Dificult to let go of your reference framework for the RSA office environment. But I reckon I'm getting there slowly, my collegues now chat more freely and we all make jokes. I still try maintain a wallflower approuch, but it is difficult. I sometimes wonder each morning, "Will I make it?". :| Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emille Posted September 26, 2013 Report Share Posted September 26, 2013 my advice is that if you are a manager, be very very careful on how you manage people - you ask people to do things you dont tell them - if you know what i mean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elliemellie Posted October 17, 2013 Report Share Posted October 17, 2013 I have been here almost one year - working hard, but no complaints. People are more informal here, very first name approach. The slang is also something to get used to , but I'm getting there. No worries, too easy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elliottdean Posted July 7, 2014 Report Share Posted July 7, 2014 Very good advice, thanks so much for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funtobeaussiechick Posted July 11, 2014 Report Share Posted July 11, 2014 Exactly how it is. Get to work on time, don't complain about anyone and how they do their job. Just do your best. At the office party let your hair down and have a few drinks. Dont say when I was in SA this is how we did it, uh. uh, no no. If you work hard you will get some form of recognition. Do not be a tall poppy. Do not think that anyone is beneath you. Dont think you dress better, have better manners or speak better, it will show and it wont go down well. yes...no I..only we..the team and us...If you dont understand please ask...dont be shy either...confidence wins here. Once you are accepted...then you can start having a few jokes about your cultural differences which will actually amuse you how funny SA's actually are...take life too seriously. Anyway I agree totally with the above comments...just had to add to confirm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monsta Posted July 11, 2014 Report Share Posted July 11, 2014 Maybe its just me... but Aussies seem to like me more when they know I am South Africa. We have even had people strike up conversations with us just because they heard our South African accents.I would just like to add one important point. In South Africa, you are put on a pedestal if you are skilled at something. That's because there is such a skills shortage and replacing someone skilled can be very hard.In Australia its no big deal if you are a Charted Accountant or highly trained IT person. Thanks to the VISA system, they can always replace you with someone more skilled. As DavidJames pointed out, you want to be that person who is fun to work with and the person who always gets their job done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish Posted July 11, 2014 Report Share Posted July 11, 2014 As an aussie I suggest you bring home made baked goods every Friday for morning tea...this would get you in my good books for sure... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreaL Posted July 12, 2014 Report Share Posted July 12, 2014 As an aussie I suggest you bring home made baked goods every Friday for morning tea...this would get you in my good books for sure... As an Aussie.................LOL.....did you see that coming Fish? I've been an Aussie for a couple of years now................I concur................................you will only get on in the workplace if you bring huge quantities of delicious food.....................don't take yourself too seriously.................and never think you are above any task Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronwyn&Co Posted July 12, 2014 Report Share Posted July 12, 2014 (edited) As an aussie I suggest you bring home made baked goods every Friday for morning tea...this would get you in my good books for sure... True! For those that don't know...'morning tea' is a bit of an institution in the Australia workplace. It takes place at around 10am and involves cakes, biscuits, anything like that. Tea is not really the point...'Tea' on the other hand means supper. If Australians invite you for tea at 6pm there is no need to go to Maccas on the way. Rather take a bottle of wine and some nice crisps & dip or something similar. Edited July 12, 2014 by Bronwyn&Co Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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