During a recesssion the public sector looks like an attractive safe harbour to many jobseekers. Are there any downsides to working in the public sector? I've worked in both public and private sector organisations and here are some of my observations.
Public sector jobs tend to be more secure especially if you can secure a full time position. Governments need to ask the general public for their votes to stay in power and this is not very compatible with making people redundant. This can sometimes also have the effect of reducing the meritocracy effect in public sector organisations.
Bureaucracy was originally designed to maximise productivity by giving organisations structure and giving individuals well defined roles. Today bureaucracy is synonymous with inefficiency. Unfortunately many public sector departments have this in spades. This can make them very difficult places to work if you’re an enthusiastic self-starter.
I found the environment a stifling one in which many managers are more interested in defending their own turf than in getting anything useful done. These issues can be problem in the private sector as well of course especially in large companies.
It typically takes longer to climb the ladder in the public sector also with initiative and risk taking not necessarily being rewarded as much as they would in a small private business. In many cases simply the most senior individual or the one who has been working in the organisation the longest gets the promotion.
So despite the security, the benefits package and the well defined role there are still some reasons to take your chances in the private sector..
I would love to hear from anyone who had a very positive experience working in the public sector.
As we all settle back during the festive season don’t become too lax! Now is the prefect time to get your CV updated for the following year, even if you have a job. It is a good time to reflect on the experiences you have had throughout the year both in your career and on a personal level. Use those experiences and new skills and competencies to update your CV with good content.
It is ALWAYS good to have your CV up to date and ready to be sent to employers for application.
Give yourself a good early Christmas present - Register with JumpToJobs.co.uk to receive the latest jobs in the UK direct to your inbox and to find the job of your dreams!
JumpToJobs.co.uk currently offers 498,835 jobs from job boards, recruitment agencies and corporate websites, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Richard
JumpToJobs.co.uk
Although we are facing one of the worst economic downturns of all time its not a time to say ba humbug and cancel Christmas celebrations. Yes – Christmas is really a time for commercial profit but it is a time of celebration both religiously and perhaps more importantly for people to reflect on the year gone by. Unfortunately not all people are lucky enough to have people around them at Christmas, so count yourself lucky if you do.
It is also not time for employers to cancel Christmas parties either. Perhaps keep them from getting out of hand budget wise, certainly, but parties are important for morale. After all, without good morale what is the point?
Make one of your New Years resolutions to Register with JumpToJobs.co.uk to receive the latest jobs in the UK direct to your inbox and to find the job of your dreams!
JumpToJobs.co.uk currently offers 507,390 jobs from job boards, recruitment agencies and corporate websites, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Richard
JumpToJobs.co.uk
Younger folk seem to be very optimistic about the downturn and the possibility of tough times to come. I suppose it’s a good positive way to look at it and after all the world just doesn’t stop due to a recession. Jobs still have to be done.
It is a time to be careful though and consider the future…
Register with JumpToJobs.co.uk to receive the latest jobs in the UK direct to your inbox and to find the job of your dreams!
JumpToJobs.co.uk currently offers 497,047 jobs from job boards, recruitment agencies and corporate websites, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Richard
JumpToJobs.co.uk