• Question: Do you think the time and effort that you put into your job is worth it and does what it is supposed to do to help the world aroud you?

    Asked by charlotteacb11 to Alex, Chris, Harriet, Jed, Ken on 14 Mar 2012. This question was also asked by hannahgrimes.
    • Photo: Alexander Zacheshigriva

      Alexander Zacheshigriva answered on 14 Mar 2012:

      This seems to be a question of efficiency. I think the effort that I put in is necessary to get the outcome that I need. I can not say that the industry or our company are 100% efficient. But I am sure that as time goes on we will be improving, as always.

      As a design engineer I do believe that my efforts are necessary to make things happen, which is one of the things that I particularly like about my job.

    • Photo: Ken Gibbs

      Ken Gibbs answered on 14 Mar 2012:

      Yes, it’s worth it to help people who do not have the means to help themselves. Just imagine a world where everyone fends purely for themselves. It would be total chaos and anarchy. I wouldn’t want to live in such a world.

      Does “aid” do what it is supposed to do ? Very often, the answer is no. Sometimes it is because we don’t make sure that the money is being used only for the purposes for which it was given (ie making sure the administration works properly). Sometimes there are “complicating factors” like drought or floods or famine. Later, you may get to hear of “risk analysis” which just means thinking up all the things that can go wrong, and making sure you’re ready for them before they strike. Too few people do a risk analysis. Sometimes the problem is just sheer greed and corruption. Aid workers have a lot to contend with, that’s for sure !

    • Photo: Jed Ramsay

      Jed Ramsay answered on 14 Mar 2012:

      One of my favourite things (that also really annoys my wife) is when I can walk down the river and point at things I have built! I may not have built them with my own hands, but I know that I was the one who planned things, got everything organised and in the end made sure it was built properly. I feel a great deal of satisfaction from this – so it is worth it for that alone. The extra bonus is that the things I build also are good for other people – whether it’s people who use the river for walking, cycling, boating or anything else. I have also helped to stop people being flooded and quite often made rivers better for wildlife too – so in conclusion – yes for sure my effort is worth it!

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