I was getting a higher salary in my private job when I made a transition to this public sector job in May, 2016.
Let's discuss a few things before coming to any one-sided conclusion whether the 70K private job is better than 40K government job.
- There is more at stake than just money.
- If you come from a typical middle-class family, the society expects us to crack a government exam to get tag of a successful career.
- So, since childhood we have been prepared for targeting merits and ultimately a government job.
- Government job comes with a host of other complementary benefits.
- Like medical facilities for self and dependent family members lifelong, financial and job stability.
- I even got easy loan approval for my younger brother's graduation.
- Job stability comes with some other side effects.
- Job stability has been institutionalized by various means like time-bound promotions instead of merit-based promotions, perks and bonuses depending not entirely on the performance of an individual.
- This leads to a little or almost no motivation to investment in the upskilling and learnings the latest technology and trends.
- It also leads to unskewed distribution of the work load where some are overburdened and others are free to work-at-ease. More work doesn't mean better future benefits.
- There is an evident glass-ceiling unless you come from an influential background.
- It is very difficult to get to the top management you have someone known at the top or approach to top-level influence..
- Only the performance and upskilling can take you so-far in life.
Let's come back to question,
Which one is better, a 70K private job or a 40K government job?
The answer is both ‘yes' and ‘no'. It depends on your personality and your priorities.
My early stage career priority was to have a settled place to live with my mother and younger brother, to provide some roof over my family after my father's demise.
So, I chose a public sector firm that provided a township and a safe place to stay. It also had provided medical facilities that were easily reimbursed within a few days. My mother's health was deteriorating and she got good medical care once she started living with me here.
Here is a click of Ravan from the dussehra puja celebaration in the township.
Here is another recent photo of our township that clicked after morning walk.
Now after working for more than six years in this firm, my priorities have changed. I don't want to be in my comfort zone. I can afford a transition in my career. Moreover, I don't feel motivated enough with the work culture here.
I am investing in leaning new skills and trying to hone the skills that I already possess.
Wish me luck and if you are looking to hire, I am ready to switch.
-Pankaj Prasad , Assistant Manager-National Fertilizers Limited