Govt Jobs vs Private Industry

I am currently studying towards a MCSE. After working in a big box store, I decided to take an entry level test for a State job. After waiting for 2 years, I finally began getting calls and eventually landed a Clerk position for the State of New York. It is an entry level position which has nothing to do with IT. My boss found out about my computer knowledge and put me to work. I have been reassigning printers, setting up network shares, and teaching co-workers about how to put their files on the network share. I also have been teaching supervisors about permissions. Now eventhough I enjoy doing this, it is obvious that I am doing some of the same work that people getting paid 2x my salary are. When open positions come up, you can't just apply for them. Your name has to be on a list after you took a test for a certain position. Some tests are given once every 4 years. I was lucky enough to join right before an IT Specialist test was offered. I took the test and now on the list. I could be called in 1 week or I could be called in 3 years.

Say I have my MCSE by next year. I know private industry pays much much more than the Govt, but would it be worth staying with the Govt because of the excellent health benefits, retirement, etc....????

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Comments

garv221

That’s a tough question. For me, there is no way in hell I would waste up to three years waiting for something. Gov. jobs are good if you have a good position. I would keep the job you have, get your MCSE & look at other options. Don't settle, if your worried about retirement or health care just cancel all your worries out by hitting the pavement, getting certified, being motivated and getting a really great job elsewhere. Makes things happen for you. gl

tunerX

Switch to a federal government job. CECOM is government based for the Army. You get the same GS ratings and once you get to a certain point, the only way to lose your job is pretty much by dying. As you increase your education through degrees and certifications then you will get better promotions.

PawNtheSandman

Well right now, the only way I can lose my job is by beating up a coworker

lancebukkake

tunerX wrote:

Switch to a federal government job. CECOM is government based for the Army. You get the same GS ratings and once you get to a certain point, the only way to lose your job is pretty much by dying. As you increase your education through degrees and certifications then you will get better promotions.

i used to think that too...i was working for the Department of the Navy as a GS for 10 years- had a good job, good salary then one day i witnessed a co-worker getting sexual harrassed by the boss, the co-worker pressed charges and i testified...i lost my job and no one helped. but now i work for a fortune 500 company in tokyo and making more than i ever was as a GS. working for the Government isn't as good as it all seems - at least for me it wasn't - ironically losing my job helped me out big time.