Is it better to work in the private sector or find government employment? This is one of the most important questions new job seekers can ask when looking at their career options. Public and private sector jobs have their own benefits and drawbacks and as such it is important to carefully consider each factor before deciding on a particular profession.
For those who are thinking of working for the government, one of the main benefits they can enjoy is job security. Unlike jobs in the private sector, government jobs are not as affected by the state of the economy. This means that you will still have a job even during economic downturns, while your colleagues in the private sector are more likely to be laid off and lose their jobs.
Besides having more security, another popular reason to work in the government is benefits. Of course, those who work in the private sector can also receive benefits, but most of the time, these do not reach the level or scope of those that civilian workers receive. Attractive government benefits include extended or lifetime health care benefits, paid vacation and maternity leave, and sizeable retiree benefit packages.
There are also two other lesser-known benefits of working in the public sector: good working hours and solid pay. Contrary to popular belief, government employees actually receive better compensation than their private sector counterparts. Public sector workers’ compensation is kept competitive to attract high-quality professionals. Regarding working hours, on the other hand, government employees generally have to stick to a regular nine to five hours and there is almost no need to work overtime, a really attractive perk for people who want to spend more time. . with their families.
Of course, government employment has some drawbacks. One of them is fewer promotional opportunities. Unlike the private sector, where you can move up the corporate ladder and get pay increases at a rapid pace, landing higher positions in the public sector generally takes longer.
In addition to being less likely to be promoted to a higher position, it can also be difficult to find and secure government jobs. Positions available in the public sector are very limited and most may require more experience in the field and specialized training (a master’s or doctorate, for example). Very specific qualities may also be required for certain government jobs; Public officials, for example, may consider only indigenous members of the Aboriginal community for a group-directed health care position.
