Jobs in Nepal: Expectations Vs Reality

Rolling Plans Pvt. Ltd. Jan 30, 2021 7974 0

The game of expectations vs reality when it comes to jobs in Nepal isn't as fun as you might have expected it to be. 

 

It usually ends with glass shattering noises in your head because you have been hit pretty hard with the realization of reality. 

 

Whether you are someone recently starting on your first job or considering different employment opportunities then it's a possibility that you are preoccupied with being intimidated.

 

The nervousness mixed with excitement is normal. But something abnormal would be setting weird expectations for yourself and other aspects related to your job. 

 

Expectations vs reality

 

It's given that candidates applying for jobs in Nepal have their expectations regarding the job and then get hit by the wave of reality after they have experienced the real world of jobs.

 

Sometimes knowing the reality can be good for you, it can awaken you to the things you need to pay attention to.

 

While other times, it can be shocking and reality can make it harder for you to leave behind unhealthy patterns of expectations and wishful thinking. 

 

Say, you landed a job of your dream but along the way, you filled it with bizarre expectations and realized the job became something distinctive from what you had expected.

 

Starting on any job can be terrifying for anyone, but it's the expectations that you set for yourself that will help you persevere and also preserve your happiness. 

 

There are some facets of the jobs that people usually tend to set expectations that turn into different realities.

 

These nine major features of jobs in Nepal and their dissimilarities in expectations vs reality.

 

Qualifications

 

Expectations

 

You are likely to underestimate your abilities, especially in your first job. 

 

You will be worried that you are going to mess up big time on your first day and somehow end up getting fired. 

 

You expect yourself to excel right away at everything while also thinking that you don't have any ideas about real work. 

 

Reality

 

Fear of failure comes with each life change you have and not just when you start a new job and it's normal.

 

It's not to say that you aren't going to make mistakes. You are. Time and again. But that's how you find out what works and what does not. 

 

Your employers wouldn't have hired you if you didn't have any values to add to the job and the company. Maybe you haven't realized your potential yet. 

 

Project management

 

Expectations

 

You expect the timeframe of a project to be estimated with accuracy.

 

And once the project is completed, you presume it to take your team and the company to great heights right off the bat. 

 

You will proceed to follow a particular process and consider sticking to it throughout the project.

 

Reality 

 

Not all projects will be completed in due time. Some of them might require you to extend the deadline. 

 

Similarly, all projects simply cannot be a success because some will be a total failure. And it is better to prepare for it than lose your hope over not having your expectations met. 

 

The same process that worked before might not work again. The compatibility between a process and a project needs to be calculated. 

 

Dealing with people

 

Expectations 

 

People whose job titles are the same must possess precisely similar skills.

 

People are certain about what they want from their fellow workers.  

 

Disagreeing with your coworkers might mean there is something wrong with you. 

 

Reality 

 

While the skills can be quite similar, the level of competency can often be unmatchable.

 

Oftentimes people figure things out as they keep on working together.  

 

You won't always agree with your colleagues and neither will they because of incompatibility of thoughts and other things. And that’s fine. 

 

Work environment

 

Expectations 

 

People expect themselves to be flexible with the new schedule right from the start.

 

Performance enhancements and signs of thriving in the job by the end of the first week. 

 

The work setting will be filled with the aroma of the coffee, enthusiasm, and good energy.

 

Reality

 

It is going to take some time to adjust to the new work schedule.

 

Good things take time. So does progress. It might take weeks and months.

 

While the coffee is obvious, it is also clear that sometimes the environment will be filled with stressful times. 

 

Teamwork/ collaboration

 

Expectations 

 

Everyone will be equally involved in bringing something really valuable to the table.

 

Strong relationships will be formed and will be continued outside of work too.

 

Collaborating in a team will inspire creativity and lead towards greater productivity.

 

Reality

 

Everyone will indeed be involved but not everyone will be contributing equally. 

 

Working relationships can be maintained but they don't usually exist or last outside of work. 

 

Not everyone is made for working in teams. Some people are more productive when they are working alone. 

 

Office culture

 

Expectations 

 

You are worried that you will be laughed at or made fun of for being uninformed.

 

You are upset that you won't fit in and might have to eat alone in the cafeteria.

 

You are anxious about people not understanding or being respectful of your culture etc.

 

Reality 

 

If some concepts/terminologies confuse you then you should ask your supervisor to help you understand. Nobody becomes an expert suddenly.

 

As long as your intentions are clear you will find people to fit in with you. 

 

It is always best to set boundaries and let people know if they are being disrespectful to you. Also, you can complain to HR regarding such issues. 

 

Work Ethics

 

Expectations 

 

If I am not glued to my computer from start to the end then I am wasting time.

 

I should take on bigger projects to impress my supervisors and intimidate my colleagues. 

 

How do I find more chances to prove my worth and stand out from the crowd? 

 

Reality 

 

You do not have to be confined to your desk tapping away at your computer all day.

 

Your senior will assign you higher projects once they do your performance evaluation and think you are ready for it. You need to be patient.

 

You will find amazing opportunities as you work along and give your best each time. 

 

Workload

 

Expectations 

 

You might expect to be swamped with work since the beginning. 

 

The pressure with deadlines and everything will be overwhelming. 

 

You assume the workload to be too much to handle.

 

Reality

 

Entry-level jobs are unlikely to be too demanding.

 

You are allowed to take your time with work. Breathe. 

 

There won't be anything you can't handle. You just need some time to adjust. 

 

Positivity

 

Expectations 

 

You are positive that your new job will be a certain way.

 

You are hopeful to the extent that you are too hopeful.

 

You have set extremely optimistic expectations that are too good to be true.

 

Reality 

 

Your job might be something else than what you have thought.

 

It's good to have hope but at times job life can be a downer and you better be prepared for that too.

 

Your unrealistic expectations won't be met so you need to set realistic expectations. 

 

Reality checks that job seekers need

 

Whether it's searching for a job or applying for one in Nepal, you might be approaching some of the aspects of job-seeking unrealistically. These reality checks are for job seekers in Nepal who are having trouble landing a job.

 

You need a reality check

 
  •  if you are only dedicating a very limited time of yours to job hunting

 
  • If you aren't treating job search like its a job of its own 

 
  • If you aren't visiting company’s websites to find job openings 

 
  • If you aren't ready for effective networking 

   
  • If you haven't updated your resume with your recent accomplishments 

 
  • If you are waiting for hirers to contact you simply because you have shared your resume on some job board 

   

Honest job Description

 

If you look at job opening ads in newspapers and magazines in Nepal, most of them have such idealistic views. 

 

It's not to say that the description is entirely false but more often than not, they are not completely true either.

 

So this gives rise to the very issue this article is trying to focus on. The problem of setting unrealistic expectations when it comes to jobs in Nepal.

 

Job descriptions are focused on selling you this perfect dream of a job. That you will achieve so many goals while also managing to leave a great impact in such a short period. 

 

Again, in no way do we mean to discourage you but it is crucial to show the real side of the job world in a way that still holds the attention of job seekers.

 

This is because, if the expectations are unmet then it is only going to kill productivity, creativity, and collaboration. 

 

So job descriptions should be honest. And once the person is hired then their expectations won't clash with reality. 

 

Setting expectations of employers and employee at a job

 

Likewise, a similar environment should also be created among employers and employees. 

 

Here is how expectations between employers and employees can be set: 

 
  • Communicating about the company’s objectives and how both parties can work on attaining them

 
  • Employers being receptive to employees’ ideas and vice versa.

 
  • Employers guiding employees without being necessarily asked for it. 

 
  • Employees being able to ask for guidance when required.

 
  • Changing unrealistic expectations set by either party through effective communication. 

 
  • Employers validating employees' work and giving feedback from time to time. 

 
  • Gaining insights on what motivates both employers and employees. 

 
  • Holding one another accountable when they are being unrealistic. 

 

How to set realistic job expectations

 

When it comes to jobs in Nepal you can never be too careful while setting realistic expectations. 

 

Plus it is also your responsibility. Because if your expectations aren't met, it's you who you are going to be mad at. 

 

Thus, this is how you can set realistic job expectations yourself.

 
  • Don't expect too much or too little. 

 
  • See if your professional goals can be achieved through your job.

 
  • See if your values align with the company you want to work for. 

 
  • Don't fall for the job description. 

 
  • Consider a job that can help you develop personally and professionally. 

 
  • Build your network. You will need it.

 
  • Be patient. 

 
  • Determine your path and focus on your goals

 

Jobs in Nepal come with their requirements. They can expect something that you could be overlooking and you might have prepared to offer something that your job won't be needing. 

 

And this is where you strategize your career in such a way that your expectations will be met with the reality of the job you apply for. Good luck! 



​​​​Team Rolling Blogs
Head/Editor : Pravash Rai
Team Leader : Roshan Kalauni
Writers : Lachana Shakya, Birat Bijay Ojha & Shikshya Subedi
Designs : Beena Koju

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