Working in the private sector vs public sector: Which is better?

[lion paw]

Which do ya'll prefer? In some cases, the private sector tends to pay more than the public sector. However, the public sector seems to have more job protections (depending on where you live). So sherdoggers, which do you prefer and which sector do you work for?

 

[Katsumi Yamada]

I've worked in both and I prefer public sector...it's much less stressful.

I'm in the construction industry.

 

[Phr3121]

Working in the private sector vs public sector: Which is better?

It depends on what you will be doing for each. I've worked both and also believe that there is more job security in the public sector. I worked for the military (public) and later the aerospace industry (private).

 

[Fuzzybabyducks]

public usually is more secure and has good retirement depending on what you do. I was lucky have a 401k and a retirement from my job but newer employees only get the 401k they dont have the other retirement anymore

 

[Rav1nHunter]

Public is easier private makes me more money - I choose money.

 

[JSN]

Public if you're a worthless piece of shit and private if not.

 

[Ceez]

Public if you're a worthless piece of shit and private if not.

 

[BlacknBlue]

It is tough to break it down along those lines because private sector companies especially are all over the map in how they treat their employees. Some are great, some less so. Even in public, a lot depends on where you work as things can be very different depending on the state or local municipality you might work at.

That said, I have worked both as well (accountant). I am currently in the Public Sector and it has way better hours, a lot more time off, I pay almost nothing for health care, and get a good pension (with health care) when I retire.

It is a no-brainer for me as the value of the extra benefits far outweighs the additional salary I would make in the private sector. You experience may differ.

 

[DrVanNostrand]

Public sector are a bunch of muppets

 

[loyalyolayal]

Public if you're a worthless piece of shit and private if not.

 

[cobrinski]

independent consultant for the public sector!

 

[Jack Reacheround]

It's all about preference. If you are more risk averse, and want stability, public sector is the way to go. You usually get a good retirement plan with all your benefits too. But that, along with the relative job stability, comes in lieu of higher pay. In the private sector, you generally don't get the kind of stability and benefits you have in public, but get paid considerably more.

 

[KBE6EKCTAH_CCP]

I have never been in the public sector but have been in financial services for big, bureaucratic institutions.

In my experience these organisations are highly inefficient, and regulated, with a bunch of lemmings trying to play the ridiculous political game, while at the same time being scared of their own shadow.

I can't begin to imagine the public sector.

 

[Boomslang]

In the public sector it’s near impossible to get fired, no matter how incompetent you are.

 

[SammyPops]

Depends on specifics. You are never getting rich in the public sector, if you say compare high end professionals such as lawyers or finance.

but if you are a low level type job person .... go civil service. I know a girl who never finished her undergrad but can speak/write French. She works for the eds in Ottawa as a front desk/admin. she earns like $65K, plus job security, solid gold benefits and DB pension.

 

[burningspear]

Socialism>Capitalism in the workplace, it's a no-brainer.

 

[Agent Mulder's Hair]

It depends on what you will be doing for each. I've worked both and also believe that there is more job security in the public sector. I worked for the military (public) and later the aerospace industry (private).

I'm in the aerospace industry too. Avionics tech. What do you do? Just curious.

 

[boingyman]

I'm in healthcare. For my profession both are good in Northern California. I'm technically work for a company that's in the private sector, however my actual work is in the public sector. Basically I'm a contractor at a military hospital. My wife is a federal employee. I was actually offered a federal position recently, which is still up for grabs, however the top pay is still $15k less than what I make. On the otherhand when you take into consideration of the better benefits, job securty and potential to move up, I may apply and ask for the top step as well as more accrued vacation. I think it's worth it in the long haul.

 

[Satsui Ryu]

I prefer job security over making more money so public.

Would hate to have to uproot my family because my company was bought or they wanted to save a few bucks by "restructuring."

 

[Phr3121]

I'm in the aerospace industry too. Avionics tech. What do you do? Just curious.

I worked for NORDAM and DeCrane Aerospace in Brazil. I was involved with the building of the interior part of the Embraer Legacy 600 and the Lineage 1000, both are the private version of commercial jets.