Which field is better for future: IT Sector or Government Sector?

 Government Sector

Every year, a large number of engineering graduates sit for prestigious government exams such as UPSC, SSC, RBI, etc. For many years, Public sector jobs are the most sought-after career option for candidates and in the last few years, the Government is offering various career opportunities for tech graduates in various public sectors such as DRDO, ISRO, etc. Even many working professionals quit their well-doing job in the private sector to get into a government job. However, there are various reasons behind it such as job stability, no hassle at work, and many others. But there is one thing that everyone must keep in mind the recruitment process for government jobs is quite lengthy. You have to go through various levels of written tests followed by the interview and medical examination that almost take 8-10 months or even a year. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of Government sector jobs. 

Advantages of Government job

1. Retirement

Many government jobs have a special pension or retirement plan structured to ensure you collect a monthly income for the rest of your life. This income is often similar to what you receive in your last years of work. While pensions and employer-sponsored retirement plans reduce in the private sector, it's a significant benefit in the public sector.

2. Stability

Working in the public sector is typically stable. Once hired, you can enjoy considerable job security from layoffs. Many people who work in the government have long careers and work till retirement age, while others leave when they want. This job safety is a significant benefit that is relatively uncommon in the private sector, as it's often volatile and prone to occasional downsizing, restructuring, and layoffs.

3. Work-life balance

Working in the public sector is typically very consistent. Employees work hard on their tasks during the set hours with minimal to no overtime work for many roles. The government expects its employees to spend quality time with their families or engage in personal pursuits rather than work after their work hours.

4. Broad job range

At all levels of public work, there's a wide range of available jobs. Regardless of the educational qualifications, level of expertise, skills, or training you have, there's always a position that fits your abilities. The government hires people with low education and post-doctoral degrees to work in their respective capacities for the overall running of their departments.

5. Work Stress Level

Jobs in the government have a relaxing work environment. The workload is minimal which allows employees a stress-free working environment. The best part is that even if the workload is too much, the time frame to complete the work is reasonable. Contrary to this, private company employees can have a stressful work life in many industries. The main reason is the cut-throat competition among private companies where each firm wants to be ahead of another. As this can only be done by delivering more with less than their competitors, it directly impacts workers who are then stressed with tight deadlines and regular work pressure.

Disadvantages of Government Job

1. Lack of growth

One potential downside to a government position is the lack of job growth for some specific occupations as compared to the private sector. Based on the way the government is organized and the way labor is divided, some roles won't have the same opportunities as they might if they worked for a private company. Lawyers, for example, don't have partner-equivalent positions in the government as they do in the private sector.

2. Hiring process

The hiring process for government jobs is often very lengthy. Most people apply for government jobs through a single website. From there, an initial group of hiring managers reviews all the applications and determines which are the best before sending the documents to the actual hiring agency. Then, candidates can expect several rounds of interviews before finally receiving a job offer.

3. Slow job growth

Job growth in government is usually slow-paced for some specific occupations compared to the private sector. Based on government structure and division of labour, you may not have the same opportunities in some roles as you might if you worked for a private company. For example, lawyers don't have partner-equivalent positions in the government as they do in the private sector.

4. Bureaucracy

The government is a highly regulated and procedure-driven organization. It can take much longer to achieve goals or affect change in some roles than it does in the private sector. Bureaucracy in government work can affect employees' job satisfaction.

Advantages of IT jobs

1. Hiring demand. Every organization in the world needs IT staff members for something, whether it’s engineering new products, improving security, or just helping to manage the devices and applications within the organization. Accordingly, demand for IT professionals is high and continuously growing. If you have the right skillset and you’re willing to keep growing and improving, you should never be out of a job.
2. Career flexibility. Let’s say you begin a career in IT, but you stop enjoying it—either because it’s become monotonous or because it no longer offers the growth potential you want. Many of your skills are transferable, and as we covered above, there are dozens of IT jobs to choose from, so it’s typically very easy to change roles. If you’re still not sure what you want to do for the rest of your life, IT can afford you peace of mind that you’ll have flexibility in the future.

3. Competitive salaries

   Many IT career paths offer high salaries, surpassing $240,000 per year. For example, an IT project manager can earn an average salary of $286,236 per year. A software engineer can earn an average salary of $261,444 per year. With more credentials, higher education and more experience, IT professionals can earn high salaries and gain access to competitive bonuses and compensation packages from growing IT companies. Some IT jobs also offer flexible schedules, allowing professionals to work on their own time and retain a healthier work and life balance.

4. Continuous learning

   The IT field offers an opportunity to continuously learn new skills, methods and information about the field and emerging technology. The technology field often evolves rapidly, with new technology entering and exiting markets quickly. IT professionals can commit to continuous learning in their field, acquiring new knowledge as new technology emerges and learning from other experts in the field through collaborative projects, apprenticeships, conferences and other events. IT education programmes also evolve as technology changes, presenting new opportunities to gain credentials and increase your competitive advantage.

5. Many job options

   One of the main benefits of getting a job in the IT sector is the numerous jobs available. The IT field offers entry-level technician or support roles, mid-level design and development roles and management roles. With so many job options, you can find the right career path that matches your natural skills and interests. For example, if you're interested in cybersecurity, you can pursue a role as a cybersecurity professional. Having multiple options can also mean that switching careers is simpler. Many basic IT skills can transfer from one job to another, making your base skills more universal.

6. Access to new technology

   Working in IT can allow you to work with new and emerging technology, potentially becoming the first person or team to work with specific tech. This can be exciting for someone who enjoys technology and is interested in how it progresses and evolves. Working as an IT professional can also allow you to influence the new technology, putting your own creativity into the project. Some IT professionals even create technology that becomes a part of the public's daily lives, making it crucial to everyday existence.

7. Potential career growth

Working in the IT field can also provide an opportunity for career growth. As you grow your skills and IT knowledge, you might become a more attractive candidate for employers looking to fill higher management positions. You can work as an IT project manager, earning a higher salary and organizing projects for maximum efficiency. Many IT jobs offer a clear path of advancement that you can follow for a higher salary and more responsibility. Employers often hire within the IT field, choosing candidates from their internal talent pool to reduce external training costs and recruitment costs.