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What are the upsides and downsides of working for a large company or government agency?
This is part of our professionals series, where we ask professionals what they think students should know
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5 answers
Chirayu Rupani
Data Analyst
295
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
Working for a large company or government agency has its upsides and downsides. Here are some of them:
Upsides of working for a large company or government agency - Large companies and government agencies tend to have more stable job security and benefits than smaller companies or startups. Large organizations typically have more opportunities for growth and advancement, as well as a clear career path. Large companies and government agencies often invest in their employees' professional development and provide training and learning opportunities. Large organizations have more resources and support for their employees, such as HR departments, IT support, and employee assistance programs. Working for a well-known or prestigious organization can enhance your professional reputation and provide networking opportunities.
Downsides of working for a large company or government agency - Large organizations can be bureaucratic and slow to make decisions, which can hinder innovation and creativity. In large organizations, employees may have less autonomy and decision-making power than in smaller companies. Large organizations may have rigid work structures and policies that limit flexibility and work-life balance. With more employees, there may be more competition for promotions and job opportunities. Large organizations may have more office politics and power struggles, which can lead to a toxic work environment.
Upsides of working for a large company or government agency - Large companies and government agencies tend to have more stable job security and benefits than smaller companies or startups. Large organizations typically have more opportunities for growth and advancement, as well as a clear career path. Large companies and government agencies often invest in their employees' professional development and provide training and learning opportunities. Large organizations have more resources and support for their employees, such as HR departments, IT support, and employee assistance programs. Working for a well-known or prestigious organization can enhance your professional reputation and provide networking opportunities.
Downsides of working for a large company or government agency - Large organizations can be bureaucratic and slow to make decisions, which can hinder innovation and creativity. In large organizations, employees may have less autonomy and decision-making power than in smaller companies. Large organizations may have rigid work structures and policies that limit flexibility and work-life balance. With more employees, there may be more competition for promotions and job opportunities. Large organizations may have more office politics and power struggles, which can lead to a toxic work environment.
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
57
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Interesting question. Especially right at this point in time. If you follow the news, jobs in the private sector are dwindling. People getting payed off (sacked). Especially in the tech area. Of course, in the long term, that will change. So when thinking about this, you need to keep a close eye on what's going on in the private job market. I would get in the habit of scanning the news every day. There's always something. And there are news sources that will offer their information free of charge. Sign up and make it a fifteen minute daily habit. The knowledge will grow.
By and large, the private sector pays better but can be very unstable.
On the other hand, the public sector pays less, but tends to be very stable. Of course, that depends upon whether y0u're interested in a Federal position or one in a state. And it depends upon the state. Especially now. And what you could be asked to do. What your comfort zone is. But in most states, once in, provided you are not grossly incompetent and/or unwilling to "play by the book", you in all probability can make a career out of it. Just find an agency that interests you.
I have spent most of my life in academics. But I was lucky enough to work for a state agency (Assistant to the Bureau Director of Local Affairs and Development) for fifteen months. In my experience, in the first six months I learned ninety percent of what I needed to know. Both with regard to the job and if I felt comfortable in it. I have no regrets and I learned a lot about administration of state law and how to work with colleagues and the public in general.
In my opinion, what any individual wishes to make of a career depends upon how much money they wish to make in an environment that can collapse in a matter of weeks or months and one with career stability. The Feds or a state? You have some exploration to do if you decide to go that route.
One more thing: Scott's answer is worth taking a close look at.
By and large, the private sector pays better but can be very unstable.
On the other hand, the public sector pays less, but tends to be very stable. Of course, that depends upon whether y0u're interested in a Federal position or one in a state. And it depends upon the state. Especially now. And what you could be asked to do. What your comfort zone is. But in most states, once in, provided you are not grossly incompetent and/or unwilling to "play by the book", you in all probability can make a career out of it. Just find an agency that interests you.
I have spent most of my life in academics. But I was lucky enough to work for a state agency (Assistant to the Bureau Director of Local Affairs and Development) for fifteen months. In my experience, in the first six months I learned ninety percent of what I needed to know. Both with regard to the job and if I felt comfortable in it. I have no regrets and I learned a lot about administration of state law and how to work with colleagues and the public in general.
In my opinion, what any individual wishes to make of a career depends upon how much money they wish to make in an environment that can collapse in a matter of weeks or months and one with career stability. The Feds or a state? You have some exploration to do if you decide to go that route.
One more thing: Scott's answer is worth taking a close look at.
Terrell Holmes
Compliance Analyst
16
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Terrell’s Answer
Upsides and downsides of working for a large company
1.Chance for medical benefits
2. 401k
3. Chance to grow within the company
4.Ablity to obtain skills from other departments
1.Chance for medical benefits
2. 401k
3. Chance to grow within the company
4.Ablity to obtain skills from other departments
Scott Ebert
Retired
7
Answers
Greendale, Wisconsin
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Upsides and downsides of working for a government agency.
1) Better benefits than working for
a private agency. Usually more vacation time and sick leave. Health insurance is better and cheaper.
2) Government employment does provide pensions as well as 401k/403b opportunities.
3) Most non-executive government jobs are union jobs, and provide protection for employees against maltreatment by management.
4) Often able to retire earlier and receive full benefits upon retirement.
5) More opportunities for transfer or advancement.
6) More objective treatment.
Downsides:
1) Pay is generally less than private agencies
2) Pay raises are generally less, and are often determined through collective bargaining.
3) More protection for workers can result in employees who are allowed to be obnoxious or permitted to behave poorly for extended periods of time without being admonished.
1) Better benefits than working for
a private agency. Usually more vacation time and sick leave. Health insurance is better and cheaper.
2) Government employment does provide pensions as well as 401k/403b opportunities.
3) Most non-executive government jobs are union jobs, and provide protection for employees against maltreatment by management.
4) Often able to retire earlier and receive full benefits upon retirement.
5) More opportunities for transfer or advancement.
6) More objective treatment.
Downsides:
1) Pay is generally less than private agencies
2) Pay raises are generally less, and are often determined through collective bargaining.
3) More protection for workers can result in employees who are allowed to be obnoxious or permitted to behave poorly for extended periods of time without being admonished.
Joseph Maltby
Analysis and Management
19
Answers
Richmond, VA
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
I'd add a few things to the other answers.
Work-Life Balance: Government work is more likely to be a 9-5 and it's hard to be forced to work longer hours. This means the private sector may be better for someone early in their career or without many other obligations, while government may be better for someone with a family.
Purpose/Mission: While there are plenty of people doing good, important work in the private sector, the primary driver is always going to be profit. Government (along with non-profits and such) is focused on a mission and serving people, so if you care more about making an impact on people and the world, it may be a better choice.
Pace of Change: Government moves and changes slowly, is constrained by a lot of rules that don't apply to the private sector, and tends to be behind the private sector when it comes to technology and practices, so if you want to move quickly and come up with totally new things or if you don't have a lot of patience for rules and processes, you may be happier in the private sector.
Work-Life Balance: Government work is more likely to be a 9-5 and it's hard to be forced to work longer hours. This means the private sector may be better for someone early in their career or without many other obligations, while government may be better for someone with a family.
Purpose/Mission: While there are plenty of people doing good, important work in the private sector, the primary driver is always going to be profit. Government (along with non-profits and such) is focused on a mission and serving people, so if you care more about making an impact on people and the world, it may be a better choice.
Pace of Change: Government moves and changes slowly, is constrained by a lot of rules that don't apply to the private sector, and tends to be behind the private sector when it comes to technology and practices, so if you want to move quickly and come up with totally new things or if you don't have a lot of patience for rules and processes, you may be happier in the private sector.