Government Job vs. Private Job

Choosing between a between a government job and a job in the private sector may be a bit difficult. They may both invariably fall broadly into the same category of career. But the significance of the matter arises when candidates are faced with this question at the beginning of their careers.

What Influences Candidates Towards Government Jobs?

Traditionally, government jobs have been considered safe with no or little threat of job loss, especially when job opportunities in the private sector were not. There was a time when governments, both Federal and State, were the biggest employers. Then, job seekers and believed that bagging a government job made their or their children's lives more secure.

Nevertheless, Government jobs have traditionally offered many perks which private jobs do not. Here are a few job benefits and reasons for choosing a government job over a one in the private sector.

1. Pension; this is one of the attractions.
2. Financial services, such as mortgages at a low rate of interest offered by the respective department where the employee is working.
3. Promotions and pay raises offer immediate social recognition/status to employees at specified intervals.
4. Higher positions often entail unmatched administrative power.
5. Relatively stronger immunity against job loss.
6. Some governments promise employment to relatives of employees.
7. More relaxed, congenial working style.

Are There Any Negatives To Government Jobs?

Of course, there are a few downsides to government positions, too. Government jobs offer a low starting salary, in comparison to private employers. Salary hikes are sometimes meager as they are regulated by standardization. Career growth opportunities can be few and far between, as promotions are standardized and often based on seniority. Another aspect of government jobs is that they may be perceived as less challenging. A common complaint about government jobs is that the routine and mundane nature of the job often leads to complacency.

Private Sector Jobs: Why Should You Choose Them

The private sector offers the maximum number of employment opportunities. This is true for any developing or developed country. Private sector jobs, even though they do not guarantee job security, offer high career potential growth opportunities. This is by far the biggest reason for their popularity along with the huge demand that they create. Job seekers often opt for private sector employment because of their fast paced and modern recruitment procedures. In the private sector, true talent is recognized and sought out by various selection techniques.

1. Selection procedure provides an even playing field for all applicants. This is unlike the government sector, where selection is often made based on seniority or knowing someone in a particular agency.
2. True talent is unearthed before the selection through interviews and brainstorming.
3. Lucrative starting salaries and high growth potential through what is called "merit based" promotions and salary hikes.
4. Fast paced working style and environments give employees job satisfaction and eventually fosters loyalty and dedication.

There are downsides to private sector jobs as well, such as long working hours-depriving employees of a meaningful family life. Mental stress and early aging are said to be byproducts of private sector jobs.

Author Resource:-> Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.