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 searching for career options. Jobs in the public and private sectors come with their own benefits and drawbacks, and as such, it’s important to carefully consider each factor before settling on a particular profession.
For those who are considering 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 you’ll still have a job even during economic downturns, while your colleagues in the private sector are more likely to face layoffs and lose their jobs.
Besides having more security, another popular reason to work in the government is the benefits. Of course, those who work in the private sector can also receive benefits, but more often than not, these do not reach the level or scope of those that civilian workers receive. Attractive government benefits include lifetime or extended health care benefits, paid vacation and maternity leave, and large 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. Compensation for public sector workers is kept at a competitive level to attract high-quality professionals. When it comes to working hours, on the other hand, government employees generally have to stick to a regular nine to five and there is almost no need to work overtime, a really attractive benefit for people who want to spend more time with their families.
Of course, government employment comes with some drawbacks. One of them is the least opportunity for promotions. Unlike in the private sector, where you can work your way up the corporate ladder and get salary increases at a fast pace, getting higher positions in the public sector usually takes longer.
In addition to having less chance of being promoted to a higher position, it can also be difficult to seek and secure government jobs. The 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 offices, for example, may consider only indigenous members of the aboriginal community for a group-directed health care position.