Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Q: Let’s be honest—is it actually possible to have a "life" when you’re a calibration technician in South Africa?

It is definitely possible, but it doesn't happen by accident. In our local industry, especially in hubs like Gauteng, Durban, or the manufacturing zones of the Eastern Cape, the work is often "feast or famine." You might have weeks where you are based in a temperature-controlled lab with a standard 8-to-5 schedule, and then suddenly, a major client has a shutdown or a SANAS audit, and you’re working around the clock. The key is to realise that balance isn't a 50/50 split every single day; it’s about managing the peaks and valleys of the production cycle.

Q: What are the biggest hurdles that stop us from switching off after work?

The biggest challenge is often the travel. South Africa is vast, and if you’re a field technician, you might spend four hours a day just navigating the N1 or N2 to reach a remote plant. By the time you get home, you’re mentally exhausted from the drive, not just the technical work. Then there’s the "documentation debt." Many techs spend their day doing the physical calibration but end up taking the certificate writing and data entry home with them. That’s where the lines get blurred and your evening with the family starts looking like a second shift.

Q: I’ve heard stories of techs missing out on family time because of "emergency" call-outs. Is that just part of the job?

It’s a common story. I remember a colleague, Thabo, who was halfway through a Saturday braai when a pharmaceutical plant had a critical sensor failure. Because their production line couldn't restart without a certified calibration, he had to leave. In South Africa, where manufacturing and mining are the backbone of the economy, the pressure to minimise downtime is immense. However, the most successful techs are the ones who learn to set boundaries. If you don't programme "off-time" into your schedule, the industry will happily fill it for you.

Q: With the current market showing 0 active jobs, there’s a lot of pressure to "over-perform" to keep your seat. How do you balance that with mental health?

That’s a very real concern. When the market is tight, there’s a temptation to say "yes" to every overtime request or extra project because you want to prove your value. But look at it this way: an exhausted technician makes mistakes. In calibration, a mistake can lead to a massive product recall or a safety hazard. Protecting your rest is actually a way of protecting your career. To stay competitive at that R27,119pm bracket, you need to be sharp, not just busy. Focus on upskilling in niche areas—like ISO/IEC 17025 compliance—so that your value is based on your expertise rather than just your willingness to work 70 hours a week.

Q: What are some practical ways to reclaim those evening hours?

First, try to "batch" your administrative work. If you can organise your day to finish on-site 30 minutes earlier, use that time to finish your reports before you even start the car. Secondly, use your commute productively but restoratively—listen to a podcast or an audiobook rather than ruminating on work stress. Lastly, have a "shutdown ritual." Whether it’s changing out of your work boots the moment you walk through the door or a quick workout, you need a physical signal to your brain that the "Technician" is off duty and the "Human" is back.

Q: Any final expert advice for someone feeling the burn?

My best advice is to treat your own energy like a piece of high-end equipment. You wouldn't run a precision instrument past its duty cycle without maintenance, right? You need the same care. Communicate with your managers about scheduling—often, they don't realise how much the travel is wearing you down until you speak up. Also, keep an eye on your finances. With an average salary of R27,119, budgeting well can reduce the "need" to chase every single hour of overtime, giving you the freedom to say no when you truly need a break.