{"id":41102,"date":"2022-04-09T14:07:48","date_gmt":"2022-04-09T21:07:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/?p=41102"},"modified":"2022-04-09T14:08:01","modified_gmt":"2022-04-09T21:08:01","slug":"the-reasons-for-choosing-a-government-job-over-a-private-sector-job","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/the-reasons-for-choosing-a-government-job-over-a-private-sector-job\/","title":{"rendered":"The Reasons for Choosing a Government Job Over a Private Sector Job"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Reasons for Choosing a Government Job Over a Private Sector Job<\/strong><\/p>\n

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JAMAAL STAFFORD<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Jamaal W. Stafford is Maryland federal employment lawyer with extensive experience counseling and representing both employees and employers. He received his JD from the University of Virginia School of Law and is licensed to practice law in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Louisiana. He handles cases relating to discrimination, wrongful termination, sexual harassment, and other employment matters.<\/p>\n

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Most Americans work in the private sector, and most never consider working for the government. But, there are millions of jobs<\/a> in the public sector, and there are several benefits \u2013 including practical, financial, and legal benefits \u2013 of working for a government agency.<\/p>\n

Today, almost any job you can find in the private sector you can also find in the government. From graphic design to software development, and from engineering to management, government agencies employ civil servants in all types of occupations. As discussed below, there are several reasons to consider a government job\u2014although there are some countervailing considerations as well.<\/p>\n

10 Reasons to Consider Working for the Government<\/h4>\n

So, what are the benefits of working for the government? Here are 10 reasons to consider a government job over working in the private sector:<\/p>\n

Making a Difference<\/strong><\/p>\n

Working in the government allows you to make a difference. The government works for the people; and, by supporting the government\u2019s mission, you can have a positive effect on your own life and the lives of those around you. Even if you aren\u2019t leading an agency and making policy decisions or working alongside lawmakers to draft legislation, you can still feel proud knowing that you are playing a part in something much bigger than yourself or any one company.<\/p>\n

Of course, some companies make a difference as well. As is the case with most of the items on this list, the benefits of working in the government and of working in the private sector are not necessarily mutually exclusive. But, while understanding company leaders\u2019 true intentions can often be challenging, you can be confident that the government has the public\u2019s best interests in mind.<\/p>\n

A Clear Path to Promotion<\/strong><\/p>\n

When you work in the government, you have a clear path to promotion. You will enter the government at a certain level, and there will be higher levels that you can work to reach throughout your career as a civil servant. If you meet your agency\u2019s expectations and achieve your performance goals, you can expect to advance in your career if you wish to do so.<\/p>\n

While most companies also offer advancement opportunities, private companies don\u2019t have to be (and frequently are not) as transparent as the government with regard to their promotion standards and practices. As discussed in greater detail below, if you get passed over for a promotion opportunity as a government employee, there are generally clearer grounds and more straightforward procedures for standing up for yourself as well.<\/p>\n

Clear Criteria for Raises<\/strong><\/p>\n

The same considerations that apply to promotions also generally apply to compensation. As you advance through the levels of government employment, you can expect your compensation rate to increase commensurately.<\/p>\n

In the private sector, raises tend to be far less predictable; and, at many companies, they are contingent on the company\u2019s financial success in any given year. A major counterpoint, however, is that working in the private sector can be far more lucrative in many occupations.<\/p>\n

Paid Time Off<\/strong><\/p>\n

While most companies offer some form of paid time off (PTO), companies are increasingly blending vacation time and sick time, and some companies have taken the approach of giving employees discretion regarding how much time they take off from their jobs. While this approach is ostensibly intended to give employees more flexibility and improve their quality of life, it also draws a clear distinction between those employees who choose to take time off and those who do not.<\/p>\n

In the government, it is still standard for employees to receive separate allocations of sick days and vacation days. Additionally, while newer private-sector employees often need to work for a certain number of months or years before becoming eligible for full PTO, government employees are more likely to be fully eligible from day one. For example, when you work for the federal government<\/a>:<\/p>\n