Is a Career in the Public Sector Right for You?

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Have you ever considered working in the public sector? When it comes to choosing your future career path, there’s no perfect solution – the right fit for you will depend on your individual circumstances, priorities and career goals. To ensure you have all the facts, here are a few of the key advantages of government jobs for you to consider.

Find Balance     

Maintaining that perfect work/life balance is a key goal for many employees – and that’s where jobs in government often reign supreme. A long history of employment awards and agreements means that public sector jobs tend to be more reasonable around hours; commonly, you will get a 35-40 hour working week, which allows a good ratio of work to free time. Compare that to many roles in the private sector, where employees have been known to pull up to 60 hours a week.

In addition, it’s often possible to accrue overtime and take flexible leave. This makes it easier to find and manage an ideal balance.

Stability

Public sector jobs provide a lot of security, as government organisations won’t go out of business. They may change over time, but they’ll always be around in one way or another. Not only that, but the ever-increasing population means the public sector is continuously growing and expanding. In comparison to the sometimes-volatile private sector, there will always be a demand for skilled talent in government jobs. As a result, the prospects for long-term job security are excellent.

The hours in government jobs also tend to be more predictable and steadier, and you’re less likely to be sent on travel assignments or face permanent schedule/location changes than in the private sector. Given your pay check and location are more reliable, it will allow for more opportunities to save and plan for the future.

Make an Impact

Many of us want to change the world at least in a small way. We may not all get the chance to be superheroes, but many public sector jobs provide the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.

These types of public roles are a great fit for people who are motivated to make a positive impact, or otherwise benefit those around them – coming home with a rewarding feeling and the knowledge that they’re doing good. Due to this, public sector workers often have a sense of pride and purpose in what they do, resulting in them being happier while they are at work.

Enhance Your Resume

Many public sector jobs provide excellent opportunities to gain experience and build useful new skills. In a government job, there are frequently challenges and complexities that vary from those that you would see in the private sector, such as complex stakeholder management.

Given the unique learning opportunity, you may find that – even if working in government jobs is not your long-term goal – a few years of experience in this kind of role can bolster your resume and help you impress future employers in any sector.

If a job in the public sector sounds like the right fit for you, the team at First People Recruitment Solutions have a number of opportunities available across Australia to suit your career goals. Get in touch with our friendly team and kick-start your public sector career today.