The JobSync Blog
Private Sector Versus Government Jobs: Should You Go Public?
December 22, 2011
In this demanding job environment, jobseekers are exploring more options and broadening their horizons in search of employment. Under increasing pressure to find work – or merely in search of work with less pressure – many individuals are now looking into getting a job in the public sector. But is this right for you?
Recently, a Businessinsider.com piece examined this issue and found that many of incentives that once lured job hunters to work in government positions have disappeared. It’s no secret that federal, state, and local governments are feeling a financial pinch, and budget constraints have hit public sector jobs hard. Last month alone, the federal government experienced more than 18,000 job cuts. On the other hand, the private sector saw a jump in 206,000 jobs for the same period.
And what about all those notoriously cushy government jobs? Budget cuts and staff reductions mean fewer people are now doing the same amount of work that was done with more employees before. This has hit worker satisfaction in the public sector as well, where one analysis found federal agencies now trail the private sector.
So is there any reason to pursue a government position? The piece in Businessinsider.com cites one study that claims the public sector still provides a better opportunity to improve one’s skills. And despite the piece’s assertion to the contrary, government positions still pay better than their counterparts in the private sector. In fact, according to a USA TODAY analysis of government data from last year, federal employees earn higher average salaries than workers in the private sector in more than 8 out of 10 occupations. However, as the coffers of government continue to plummet at all levels, this could change very soon.
Still thinking of working for the government? Maybe it’s best to keep such thoughts private.
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