What Is The Difference Between Government Jobs & Private Sector?

More often than not you may have considered this very question. Would you rather be part of government jobs or join the private sector? Each one has its advantages and disadvantages so it all depends on what appeals to you better than the other. If you prefer a more relaxed environment where pressure is only the one you create for yourself, then the government sector would be ideal. For those who prefer a fast paced environment, then the private sector becomes a more appealing place for you.

But this is just a snippet of the difference that exists between the two working environments and if you are prepared to make an informed decision you might want to go deeper into the subject. So what other differences exist between the two? Read on below.

Difference Between Government Jobs And Private Sector Jobs

1. The Salary
You will not be making an informed decision if you did not include the money factor to your list. When it comes to government jobs and the amount of money you earn, it will depend on your position and class of employment. The salary is usually preset and negotiating it is hardly an option. So if you want a salary increment, the best option will be to look for a promotion or pray that the current policy is amended.

With private sector jobs, the salary varies across companies and you have an option to negotiate a salary whenever you feel you deserve more. Big and prestigious companies will probably pay more that SMEs, but this again is not always the case. You can always ask for a higher salary either during the interview or a few months into your job, unlike with government jobs. Do not forget though that in government there will be allowances and numerous benefits like insurance cover, so be wise in your consideration.

2. Flexibility
If what you are looking for in your career is flexibility, then government jobs are your best bet when it comes to flexibility. Yes, the job may say you are required to work from 8 to 5, but implementation of this is something else altogether.

While working in the private sector may keep you on your toes with clock in and clock out systems, all you will need in government jobs is to organize your schedule. And within the day you might find that you have a couple of hours to spare, especially because your duties are not as diverse as in private companies.

3. Career Growth
Despite any objections you may have about what I’m about to say next, it is very true. Working for the government has more limitations than working in the private sector when it comes to growth. Where a government environment is relaxed and maybe more flexible, the private sector has a fast paced environment where you are on your toes all the time which in turn promotes creativity.

Government jobs are also territorial and any ideas you may want to pass across may be stiffled if the person above you in the hierarchy feels you are overstepping. But with the private sector, new ideas are always welcome.

4. Job Security
After all is said and done, the most important factor for all employees is the knowledge that their job is secure. No one can have full job security, yes, but government jobs are more stable than private sector jobs. Once you have gone through your probation period and are hired permanently, the grounds for you losing that job will either be gross misconduct or when your government employer is laying off staff because of the economy.

With the private sector however, being fired from your position can be from a wide array of issues. May be you are not Christian or muslim enough for the organization, maybe you are not performing as the boss would like you to (sometimes even the boss is not sure what they want) or maybe they don’t feel that your department is bringing in money anymore.

For government jobs, it’s all about providing services to the citizens of the country so no one will fire you for not making money.

What else do you think should be added to this list? Share with job seekers in the comments.

14 Comments

  3. I think the first introductory paragraph should not be that conclusive, actually the main contrast between them is ‘private’ title and ‘government’ title….

  5. Good to know …but whether or not government or private sectors are friendly, getting this job is hectic. would develop an article to educate on how employers would improve their performance if the employ fair disregarding the norm, ” whom do you know” many jobs seekers like us have attended several interviews only to hear that somebody to be employed was already known, really annoying.

  6. Comment
    Professional growth is well achieved in government jobs. They easily give study opportunities in government and those willing to advance normally take advantage and go far.
    Private sector professional growth is very limited and chances are rare to come by.

  7. Comment
    Professional growth is well achieved in government jobs. They easily give study opportunities in government and those willing advance normally take advantage and go far.
    Private sector professional growth is very limited and chances are rare to come by.

  8. It would have been ideal if u compared mainstream civil service whose role has been taken up by County Governments where tribalism thrives most than private sector institutions. Private Sector, Civil Service, County Govt jobs; this is my order for ranking job security if u are a professional not a job seeker

  9. hi,

    Nice article however at the end of the day we are all rewarded by what we do weather in the government or the private sector. We have people succeeding and also failing miserably in both sectors because of personal level issues. I strongly believe that self that should have been included at the last section of the article as advise and to avoid confusion.

  10. l work in Muslim company and am likely to be fired because an a Christian each time they don’t speak official

  12. This article seems to come from an old school of thought. I work in a goverment post but have more responsibilities as well as longer hours around the clock as compared to my colleagues in the private sector. One must learn to work under pressure and creativity is always appreciated if not expected.

  14. Thanks but one must be out to work not to relax at work whether in government or NGO and also you may earn more but minus good plan the money will be nothing.

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