Is Government Work Really That Bad? 5 Disadvantages of a Government Job
A steady paycheck, benefits, and job security—those are the
perks of working in government. If you have these things, then you’re very
lucky! Many people in this day and age are unable to find jobs that can provide
them with even two of these things. However, if you’re interested in working in
government but aren’t sure if it’s worth it, you may want to consider the
following disadvantages of a government job before you go any further with your
plans.
1) A higher risk of unemployment
With economic times changing, most government employees face
an increased risk of unemployment. According to a recent study by Georgia State
University and The Brookings Institution, more than 15 percent of state and
local governments faced budget shortfalls in 2012. This means that thousands of
public sector workers are at risk for being laid off. It’s important to
remember that even if you do manage to avoid job loss, your employer is still
at risk for it.
2) Lower salary than private companies
In most cases, government jobs pay much less than private
sector jobs. While there are some high-paying government positions, overall
government workers earn significantly less than private sector employees. This
is especially true for those who work at lower levels of government. This
discrepancy can be attributed to lower cost-of-living expenses in certain areas
and fewer opportunities for advancement.
3) More rules, regulations, and red tape
Rules and regulations exist for good reason, but they do
make it harder to get things done in some cases. If you’re used to working in a
business setting, where there are few rules, starting at a government agency
can be quite jarring. It’s important to know what you’re getting into when
taking on a job with more rules than usual. For example, a government job might
not allow outside work or require that all employees take time off during
certain holidays. This isn’t necessarily bad—many workers prefer such perks—but
it does mean you should look before you leap.
4) Lots of travel required to meet with clients
If you work for a company that has offices in multiple
states, you’ll most likely be required to travel frequently. This can make it
difficult to maintain a steady schedule and balance your personal life with
your professional life. Additionally, if you have family or friends who live
far away from where you work, they may not be able to visit as often as they
would like. When considering a government job, think about how much time you
will spend on planes and trains!
5) Fewer opportunities for advancement
One of the most frustrating things about working for
government is that you have few opportunities to advance as an employee. For
example, if you’re a lawyer in private practice, it’s easy to move up in your
field and become partner at your firm. But if you work for a federal agency,
there’s no such thing as becoming partner with your employer.