Private Sector vs. Gov't Job (2009, apply, interview, profit)

[norcalmom101]

I have been offerred a private sector job that may have alot of opportunity for growth and promotion, but am also being considered for a State job for a similar rate of pay but with much better benefits. The private job is already mine, so taking it is a no brainer, but when it's time to interview for the State job, if I get offered the position, how will I choose?

[eofelis]

I'm a f/t college student (non-trad). I'm working p/t as an intern at the Bureau of Land Management (Dept of the Interior). I decided that I really would like a gov't job when I graduate, either at the BLM or some other agency. With my BS in geology (May 2009) I could get a high-paying job in the private sector as oil & gas is booming here right now.

I really like the work atmosphere and the type of people at the BLM. It's quite relaxed, not the profit profit profit attitude. My bf worked for the county here for a while and he said the atmosphere there was similiar.

I'll take lower pay for more long-term job security and the great benefits.

It may take me a while to really get my foot in the door at the BLM, but I'll keep at it until it happens, even if I have to take a private sector job for a while.

[killer2021]

government job definitely.

[Freezer41]

it will take months to get your govt job with all the paperwork you have to go through esp if you need a security clearance. take the private job for now but work towards the govt job

[norcalmom101]

Ok so are the votes for the gov't job based on benefits and job security? For what it's worth the jobs are in Idaho, and State job is non-union, but I have already met "lifers" in the course of my search. Just curious for reasons for taking gov't job. Thank you!

[bostoner]

Originally Posted by norcalmom101

Ok so are the votes for the gov't job based on benefits and job security? For what it's worth the jobs are in Idaho, and State job is non-union, but I have already met "lifers" in the course of my search. Just curious for reasons for taking gov't job. Thank you!

Yes, those would be the reasons. I just took a government job and I'm excited about it for the long-term job security and the awesome bennies, not to mention the regularly scheduled raises and the fact that it's a field I enjoy. But then I come from a mostly nonprofit background and dislike the private sector anyway. Too volatile. I've had three too many jobs where I've been laid off due to companies going under, being sold, or downsizing.

[norcalmom101]

Originally Posted by houstoner

Yes, those would be the reasons. I just took a government job and I'm excited about it for the long-term job security and the awesome bennies, not to mention the regularly scheduled raises and the fact that it's a field I enjoy. But then I come from a mostly nonprofit background and dislike the private sector anyway. Too volatile. I've had three too many jobs where I've been laid off due to companies going under, being sold, or downsizing.

Well, I'm with you there, I prefer service work and the agency I'm on the list for is Health and Welfare, but the position isn't the one I really want (caseworker) but it's in the same office and while at a lower rate of pay I'd probably get preference when a caseworker job opens. On the other hand I'll have to wait out the probationary period until I apply for another position, so could miss out the first time around on the position I want. The private sector job is medicare based and the company is expanding, but the benes just aren't there, although the opportunity to help expand is. Thanks for all the input!

[ron del]

Take the state job if possible. Private sector jobs come and go quickly. A friend of mine was heavily recruited for a private sector job, quit a good job for the recruited job and was let go after six months. Once you pass the probationary period with the state job you will be secure fro a long time.

[Southernkomfort27]

I'd go with the state job. It offers more job security, great benefits, and cost of living raises. Unless you're in Michigan...then all bets are off!

[norcalmom101]

So you would take the state job even if it paid a lower hourly....they just left me a message for an interview tomorrow, but I am working at the other job! Eek!