2 answers
Godolias
Student
Woodland, California
1
Question
Updated
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What are the most significant differences between working in a government role v.s the private sector?
My major allows me to work in either environments but I’m curious to know what each is like. Which has better benefits short-term and long-term?
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2 answers
Yao Lawrence O. Cunningham Bey
Transportation-community relations
4
Answers
Chesapeake, Virginia
Updated
Yao Lawrence O.’s Answer
Great question. When I first started working for local government after working in retail for 10 years was the fact that there are less politics involved in government believe it or not most government jobs rely on testing but you still need to make connections and network. Don’t let anybody tell you that government is easy because it’s not. It’s very demanding also benefits are very very good in the private sector. You have to pay out when I was working in government after a certain timeframe, it was paid. I think 10 years in government also provide you the chance of moving laterally and working in your chosen field. I hope this helps.
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
194
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
I have worked in the "governmental environment" throughout most of my career, normally in classrooms, but also in a state bureaucracy.
First, under most circumstances, there is a good deal of employment security, though that would also depend upon if said "job" is on a local, state, or national level, and the particulars of the agency.
I therefore know less about the private sector, but I do know some of what goes on.
I have a colleague, an economist, who works with the legal community involving suites at law involving employees and their difficulties with their employers, There is a full range of cases, bordering on the unpredictable. And this is the "private" sector.
On the other hand, many individuals are highly successful and earn more than a decent living, both monetarily and emotionally.
Yet the private sector is not conducive to everyone. Much of it, I would think, depends upon one's personality.
And that is something only you can answer. I would think. Perhaps consulting with family and close friends may help, as they undoubtedly know you well enough to give good consideration to your concerns. Or maybe not? But many people are able to connect to certain family members and friends.
Regardless, in my opinion, there is a very distinctive set of differences between public and private.
But in the end, it is up to you as an individual.
But not being fulfilled in one area certainly does not mean you cannot be fulfilled in another. Could take some work, and you have started that by asking your question.
First, under most circumstances, there is a good deal of employment security, though that would also depend upon if said "job" is on a local, state, or national level, and the particulars of the agency.
I therefore know less about the private sector, but I do know some of what goes on.
I have a colleague, an economist, who works with the legal community involving suites at law involving employees and their difficulties with their employers, There is a full range of cases, bordering on the unpredictable. And this is the "private" sector.
On the other hand, many individuals are highly successful and earn more than a decent living, both monetarily and emotionally.
Yet the private sector is not conducive to everyone. Much of it, I would think, depends upon one's personality.
And that is something only you can answer. I would think. Perhaps consulting with family and close friends may help, as they undoubtedly know you well enough to give good consideration to your concerns. Or maybe not? But many people are able to connect to certain family members and friends.
Regardless, in my opinion, there is a very distinctive set of differences between public and private.
But in the end, it is up to you as an individual.
But not being fulfilled in one area certainly does not mean you cannot be fulfilled in another. Could take some work, and you have started that by asking your question.