IN RESPONSE to Mr Ho Kong Loon's letter last Thursday, I would like to offer my views as a non- teacher.

The attrition rate of about 700 out of 29,000 is not high compared to other professions. Other professions experience an increase in workload in order to remain competitive. For example, to cut costs, most employers expect staff to take on another employee's job at the same time, meaning most have to work late.

On the need to attend self-improvement courses, this applies to other professions. Everyone needs to upgrade. Moreover, most attend these courses at their own expense and in their own time.

All appraisals are subjective, and no one can avoid them. In addition, other professions face the threat of retrenchment and pay cuts when the economy is down. They also face stiff competition from foreign talent willing to accept lower pay.

There are pros and cons in every job, and no one escapes work-related stress.

Tan Lee Hwang (Ms)

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Apr 14, 2008.