From janitor to lab technician: interview with Luminiţa Ţurcaşu, KWK, HS Sebes

Luminita Turcasu used to be a nurse, but she wanted a better paycheck and working conditions than she had in the healthcare system. She started at HS Sebes in 2011 in the maintenance and cleaning department, but soon she switched careers and is now a lab technician at the power plant.

How did you get to work at Holzindustrie Schweighofer?

I was a nurse before. Then I've been on maternity leave for 3 years. In 2011, when I came back, I realized that it would be very difficult with the money, the salaries in the medical system were very low. A friend told me about the good working conditions and wages here, she recommended me to the factory management, I came to the interview and I was hired. I started very motivated because of the good salary, but I stayed equally motivated along the way because I met extraordinary people who treated me with collegiality and respect.

Now you are a lab technician, which is a very big change in your career, isn’t it?

Yes and no. After two years of cleaning, I found out about this job. I already had the basics because of the nurse's experience. So I went to the manager and told him that I would like to become a lab technician. He showed openness and understanding, so I went to a training course in Targu Mures, with all expenses paid by the company.

Would you be willing to go through a new career change, if you had the opportunity?

Sure! I have always been an open, motivated, person, eager for activity, and I don’t think I would say no to a new challenge. Especially if I knew it was a step forward for me.

How is the work environment?

It was very good when I was in cleaning, I had very friendly and open colleagues, we got along very well, and it wasn’t a day without something funny. And also now, at KWK, even though I'm the only woman among 16 men, it is a very good environment.

Meanwhile, medical staff salaries have risen. Do you think of going back in the medical system?

I have former colleagues who keeps asking me if I don’t come back. But I am very good here, with a great staff, being very well treated, with real work satisfaction. I like to think that I have a very well established place in the factory.

Do you think your children will follow you in the career?

The oldest daughter, no. She is an accountant, she went to University in Alba Iulia. Not the boy also, he's in the military. The little daughter seems interested. But whatever she chooses, we will support her.

What was the hardest thing during the seven years you have been a member of the Holzindustrie Schweighofer team?

I can’t say that it was something hard enough to scare me. But I had some moments. At first, I was afraid that I am not cleaning well enough and I will be scolded. But those moments passed, because I was treated like a human, not as my job as a cleaning woman.

Would you recommend someone to do what you did?

Of course! Do not hesitate!

Would you like to share something with the colleagues?

If they really want something, if they do their job, if they work with the colleagues, if they talk to the management, they will find understanding and respect from everyone, and they will succeed in what they want.