Arnold DavisThere are many different roles in the government. Some involve policymaking, others focus on programs, and still other jobs are more administrative. Regardless of your job title, government institutions are always hiring.
Government employees enjoy a higher degree of stability than private sector workers. However, some government jobs have a ceiling on earnings and salary growth may be slower than private sector wages.
Stability
Despite the recent government shutdown, many federal jobs offer stability and great benefits. They are not at the mercy of contract renewals, insane insurance premiums or pay cuts like some private sector jobs. Moreover, they can easily maintain a work/life balance with the help of telecommuting and alternative schedules.
Government employees are also less likely to lose their jobs in recessions and economic downturns. Moreover, top performing government employees get regular raises which is not always the case in the private sector.
Moreover, working in the government gives you the opportunity to serve your country in different capacities. This is especially appealing to those who want to feel a sense of pride in their work. The downside of this is that it can lead to burnout if the work does not excite you. Nevertheless, it can be very satisfying to have a job that helps make your country a better place.
Flexibility
The government provides jobs for a number of different sectors. This means that you can find a job in the government that fits your skills, interests and career goals. Additionally, if you are looking for a work-life balance, you will be happy to know that most government jobs have regular hours and flexible schedules.
Another benefit of working in the government is that you are not as susceptible to layoffs as private sector employees are. While the government may close or change its structure, it will always need workers to carry out its essential functions.
This can make it a good choice for people who want to stay in their careers but are worried about the economy or who have family members who may be affected by layoffs. However, some people feel that working in the government can be more bureaucratic and hierarchical than private sector jobs. In these cases, it is a good idea to consider working for a smaller company.
Pay
While the government is not a place people usually think of when it comes to high salaries, there are some positions that pay well. Engineers, for example, have a chance to earn large salaries at government agencies. Likewise, metallurgists and nuclear scientists can also find good paying jobs at federal agencies.
As the biggest employer in the country, the government offers a variety of career options from health policy analysts to corrections officers. Even if the economy takes a downturn, the government does not usually shed jobs as quickly as private companies. This stability is important for many people looking to have a secure career. Studies show that employees at corporate firms are three times more likely to get retrenched than government workers. Of course, working in the government is not without its drawbacks. Bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating for some workers, while a lack of control can discourage some people from getting the job done effectively.
Benefits
Government jobs offer strong benefits, including subsidized medical and dental insurance, retirement pensions and tuition waivers. These benefits are usually better than those available in private sector jobs.
Our government needs a vast array of workers to carry out important functions, from ensuring food safety to investigating criminal activity and providing emergency care. Federal agencies employ a kaleidoscope of specialists, from mechanical engineers to transportation experts to lawyers and social scientists.
Summary:
Although many federal government jobs are based in India, most state and local agencies are located throughout the country. This allows employees to work close to home. In addition, many agencies allow workers to maintain a healthy work/life balance by offering flexible scheduling and telework options. However, the lack of control some workers have over their daily tasks can be frustrating. This is due to the fact that many major and even minor decisions must be approved by higher-level managers. This can lead to long wait times for approval of changes.