Lazy civilian work force.

2015-09-12T11:07:33-04:00

After leaving the Army in 1997. I noticed that I do circles around those who have never served. Also my coworker feels intimidated because of my worldly knowledge and skills to learn very quickly. He has been working their only 3 years before I started. He seems to have Napoleon syndrome also. I just bite my tongue because he never wants to work as a team like I do.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2015 11:41 AM

2015-09-12T11:41:33-04:00

SGT James Allen, I currently work in a department with 88 DA civilians and I'm the only green suitor. I've seen a lot of hard workers and I've seen plenty of civilians currently robbing the government, but the same thing could be said about many active duty military personnel.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 12 at 2015 11:42 AM

2015-09-12T11:42:42-04:00

Civilians have no work ethic. Especially the younger generations

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2015 11:45 AM

2015-09-12T11:45:53-04:00

Bear in mind "motivation" as a factor. Few people work in jobs they truly love or feel passionate about; they pick jobs because they need the money and they find a job that is close by, they can do well enough, and that doesn't force them to compromise their values too much. They work to do something that is frequently unfulfilling so that the person who runs the company can pursue *his* (or her) dreams, with yours not really factoring into the equation. In a lot of states, employment can be pulled away at a whim from the boss, too, so by the time all is said and done most people are just doing "whatever" to "get by".

I know this paints a bleak picture of the modern workplace, and I also know it doesn't apply everywhere. Some people are lucky enough to work in career fields they actually find engaging and interesting, but while those people are doing something cool, there's still the ones that are just checking a box. No kid grew up thinking, "Man, I can't wait to become an insurance claims adjuster!" or something like that.

Another possibility is is someone has a "coaster" job, where you find the work so easy you're done in a couple hours and can relax the rest of the day. If the job is dull or tedious, and the boss is satisfied, there's no reason to go out and take on even *more* "dull and tedious" for no reward.

Very little of what we do in the modern workforce is truly necessary for human survival, or contributes meaningfully to greater human endeavor. For every rocket scientist or AI programmer or brain surgeon there are countless people serving them lattes, vacuuming their floors, driving the buses, etc. You can gripe about them being "lazy" if you want but the truth is for many people there really is nowhere to go, no ladder to climb, so it isn't logical or realistic to expect people to bust their humps just to become senior Whopper-Flopper for that extra .50 an hour. Or, the next step up comes with so many headaches (managing other malcontents, perhaps) that they write it off as not worth it. When they balance the scales of their lives, that's the sober and rational choice they come up with.

If they're motivated, they'll do it. They'll find a better job or find a way to climb where they're at... but a lot of people just make peace with where they are and get comfortable, and find their rewards elsewhere.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Sep 12 at 2015 12:41 PM

2015-09-12T12:41:01-04:00

Watch your back and continue to bite your tongue. This type never learns.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 12 at 2015 2:41 PM

2015-09-12T14:41:04-04:00

Lets put this in perspective. You, a veteran and (for example) five other civilians all have the same job. Each of you puts in a 40 hour work week. During this week, you work circles around them. Let's say you are 50% more productive. At the end of the week, you all receive your paychecks. They are identical.. Who's smarter?

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Sep 12 at 2015 2:59 PM

2015-09-12T14:59:18-04:00

I know a lot are lazy

Response by Cpl James Waycasie made Sep 12 at 2015 7:52 PM

2015-09-12T19:52:15-04:00

Typically a lot of military personnel first entering civilian work forces find themselves in the same situation. There may be friendships at work among civilians but it's a different bond and attitude they have compared to military.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Sep 13 at 2015 7:26 AM

2015-09-13T07:26:28-04:00

It seems to be everyone for himself and do as little as possible. This doesn't sit well with most Vets who have been motivated to work together to accomplish a mission. I am sure it is part of the reason a lot of Vets have a problem in transitioning.

Response by SGT(P) Crystal Marie France made Sep 13 at 2015 8:32 AM

2015-09-13T08:32:30-04:00

Sounds like he is fearful of someone who outshines him. He better step up his game. ;-)

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Sep 14 at 2015 3:02 AM

2015-09-14T03:02:32-04:00

I don't think the civilian work force as a whole can be said to be lazy. I think that what it amounts to is the fact that civilians don't generally face near as much scrutiny during the hiring process as the military does. When it comes to service members you expect the best or at the very least you expect people to be able to perform at a level higher than civilians would. In many civilian jobs as long as you have a HS degree and aren't a wanted felon you can get hired somewhere and some places don't even look at those two things all the time.

Unfortunately unless you are the boss you can't really do anything about it. Just keep doing your job to the best of your abilities and let your actions speak volumes about you as an employee.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2015 1:18 PM

2015-12-17T13:18:26-05:00

It's sad to hear about situations like this happening to Vets. I've had it happen to me as well and I'm part of this "younger" generation (I guess). Civilian based jobs are held on emotions and opinions rather than working together to get a job done and done right the first time. It's unfortunate that Vets have to go through this and it's hard on us since we are so use to a specific way of doing tasks (depending on an admin aspect or special job). With your situation, he is intimidated since when he hears from you he hears of things that he wants to do; a lot of intimidation stirs from jealousy. Either he needs to grow up and deal or just leave.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2018 12:33 PM

2018-07-11T12:33:43-04:00

My personal experience is that work culture and risk is very different. The military cultivates a low risk environment with the ‘no failure’ approach to mission. You see this in the way we are taught to be heavily task oriented down to the minut detail and execute without question.

Civilians do no approach work that way. Work is a negotiation of partners and begins as a bargain. A trade of interests. They are hired for their skills and there is moderate risk because they have protection from labour unions and and contract agreements. Their goals are almost never a 100% No fail approach. Why? Because they aren’t in the military culture. Their is no oath. They have more autonomy and can limit themselves to do what is only in their agreement never push to exceed standards and still fulfill their obligations. They are retained for reasons of cost. I can tell you now that is costs more to hire a civilian than it does to get a soldier. ALOT MORE.

So when you say civilians are lazy, first take perspective. The conditions of employement and the context are not the same. Military is low risk high success while civilian is moderate risk due to mutual negotiations and employee protection from employers

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2023 9:25 PM

2023-01-04T21:25:40-05:00

SGT James Allen good work ethic can be learned at a young age.

In my situation my Dad & Brothers were hard workers who were reliable & always finished the job in a timely fashion. I learned by their example & didn't know any other way was acceptable.