Vijay Garg
Government Sector versus Private Sector comparisons is a topic of debate which seems to be a never-ending topic. It is very difficult to take stand for either of these two forms of administration as both have both advantages and some limitations of their own. The reason behind this confusion is not unknown but something very obvious, as both provide scopes in different ways and have their limitations of own. Job satisfaction in a particular field varies with how content an individual is with his or her job and for both of these, different people have different views. Since the beginning, Government jobs in our country are the most sought-after jobs and most of the people preferred to take Government jobs instead of putting in risk their career to a private job. As the time passed, with modernization and globalization many Multi National Companies have entered into our country that offers lucrative packages along with other perks and thus luring the youth who even sometimes give up their Government jobs and enter into such companies.
A few years back, when our parents passed out from colleges, at that time there were not many choices for them and applying for Government jobs based on their qualification was the only choice. And at present time there is a change in scenario, today we can find many opportunities besides Government jobs. Generally, government jobs include jobs of the state government, municipal government, and jobs in the centre. Jobs in Government banks, Public schools, administration etc are all part of Government jobs. And private jobs include generally NGOs, MNCs, IT sector& ITEs and sole proprietor companies.
How to get these jobs?
There is a lot of difference between both types of jobs which may be either in the form of the pay scale, work environment or anything else. Like all other fields, there are also differences based on the application procedure for both of these jobs.
Government job
Those applying for a Government have to keep in mind a lot of things. Usually, application forms for Government jobs have fixed date of release, and also these come with a specific time period for a candidate to apply. Hence a candidate applying for a Government job has to keep these dates in mind. Generally, its bit tough to get a Government job, as there are many candidates applying for a particular opening, and usually these jobs are open at all India level, and candidates from all over the country apply, thereby making the competition tough. Hence there is a need for good preparation of those exams.
IAS, Banking, State Service and UPSC jobs are very popular in the Government job category and a lot of candidates study whole year to qualify for these examinations and competition is pretty tough. Candidates need to study regularly and keep themselves updated with basic general knowledge, current affairs, and reasoning skills etc to clear those exams. And once a candidate clears the written test, they have to go through a screening interview which is very important to get a job.
The main benefit of the Government job can be attributed to the job security. Basically, in a Government, you don’t have any fear of losing your job due to some petty issues with a co-worker or a senior, if you are doing your work well, and it also comes with an added advantage of pension and many holidays. But it is a fact that the work structure and work schedule in the public sector will be a bit dull side. If you are a person who loves changes frequently then Government job can be boring for you. Generally, people are not much professional as the job security factor is always there in the back of their mind. Hence there is an atmosphere of laziness in Government offices which may prove to be very boring.
Private job
Since the private sector is completely different for the public in every other way, the difference also lies in the selection procedure for the private sector jobs. Getting into the private sector, it’s a real professional way to get a job in the private sector. There are no such examination forms that one need to fill before getting into the selection process. Here you don’t have to give exams all the time, but yes if it is an on-campus job interview, you have to pass through an exam and the group discussion.
Most of the companies recruit graduates and check their attitude, technical skills & ability perform the work. Usually, selection procedure of private sector is far quick as compared to Government procedure that takes several months for the declaration of results, here opportunity is also huge. People can look for interviews every day until they don’t get the job. In the private sector, everything runs on the basis of performance of an individual, until the demand you have a job and may end up losing your job, once you are out of performance level. There are also chances that you might lose your Private sector job when demand is less or company is under some serious losses. Here there is a lot of competition and talent also exists, so you have to always be updated with your skills in order to retain your Private sector job and also your growth depends on your performance.
Noteworthy points for decision-making
Confused about which way to go? You need to make up your mind well before you start to prepare, as the preparation procedure for both is really different from one another. Before starting your preparation first decide what you want in your life, money or rest (relaxation) if your answer is money then go for the private sector and if you want a stable career then Government job is the best option. There are some other points also that you need to take care of:
Decide about the place where you want to see yourself after a few years, if you are ambitious and want to climb the ladder of life fast, then Government job is not your cup of tea. If you are a fast learner and growth is your passion then simply go for the private sector.
If you want to live life peacefully even with low salary, go for Government job since there are no targets or major projects and there are no such big issues in Government department is you are running late, however, you cannot expect the same in a private job, where work efficiency and speed are something really worthy.
The main advantage of a Government job is peace of mind whereas disadvantages are compromised with salary, complacency, unwanted job locations, higher bureaucracy etc. In your private sector job, everything is based on your performance, you opt for slow work then your bonus also comes at the same speed, however, if you are quick at your work, so is your promotion. Your hard work in the private sector is directly proportional to your growth.
The main disadvantage of a private job can excessive work schedule and bossism but it pays in the end, if you can take workloads then there is no doubt that company would do everything to please you in return. One has the freedom of changing job easily whenever one gets a good offer. Your growth is always in your hands in the private sector.
Finally, it’s the state of mind of a person which makes any job good or bad. God has created every person with different temperament and features, something useful for me can be useless for you or vice-versa. Hence one needs to go through his needs, interests, and calibre before selecting one option.
Advantages and disadvantages of government and private jobs
Various advantages and disadvantages of a government job are:
Advantages
Stability, Flexibility, Benefits like pension, Job security, Time-off, Lots of holidays, Comparatively low pressure, Long span job.
Disadvantages
Slow growth, Less salary, Capped earning potential, Low level of control, Lazy work environment, No appraisal for hard work, Tough selection procedure.
Various advantages and disadvantages of a private job are:
Advantages
Faster selection procedure, Higher pay, Opportunity for quick growth, Appraisal for hard work, Fast-paced work style, Good working environment, Your work determines your growth.
Disadvantages
Tough competition, No job security, Great workload, Work time is quite high, No pension or any such benefit, Very few holidays.
What Influences candidates towards government jobs?
Government jobs have always influenced most of the candidates in our country looking for a job. Traditionally, government jobs have also been considered safe with no or little threat of job loss, especially when job opportunities in the private sector were not. Also, there is no fear of job loss due to recession under the government section. There was a time when governments, both Central and State, were the biggest employers in our country, but the scenario seems to be changing. It was believed that bagging a government job would make their or their children’s lives more secure since there was no fear of job loss, once you enter into the government sector. Nevertheless, Government jobs have traditionally offered many perks over private jobs. Here are a few job benefits and reasons for choosing a government job over a one in the private sector.
The pension, which is one of the attractions and a safeguard for the future.
Financial services, such as personal loans at a low rate of interest offered by the respective department where the employee is working and also low documentation fees.
Promotions and pay raise offer immediate social recognition/status to employees at specified intervals.
Higher positions often entail unmatched administrative power and facilities.
Relatively stronger immunity against job loss and no effect of the recession.
More relaxed, congenial working style.
What influences candidates towards private jobs?
There is a strong share of the private sector in providing employment in the country today. The private sector offers the maximum number of employment opportunities with unlimited growth opportunity. This is true for any developing or developed country. Private sector jobs, even though they do not guarantee job security, offer high career potential growth opportunities with some really big payments, which is by far the biggest reason for the popularity of private sector jobs along with the huge demand that they create. The private sector offers no job security but still, candidates often opt for private sector employment because of their fast-paced and modern recruitment procedures. The main advantage is that, in the private sector, true talent is recognized and sought out by various selection techniques and there is also the provision of growth for the best people. There is unlimited growth scope and you yourself determine your growth speed in a private sector job. Some basic facts of private sector jobs are:
Selection procedure provides an even playing field for all applicants and everyone gets equal opportunity to perform. There is no favouritism or autocracy. This is unlike the government sector, where the selection is often made based on seniority or knowing someone in a particular agency.
True talent is unearthed before the selection through interviews and brainstorming.
Higher starting salaries and high growth opportunities.
Fast paced working style and environments give employees higher job satisfaction and motivation to perform well.
(The author is retired principal, educational columnist and can be reached at [email protected])
