Government vs Private Job
My original answer posted on my Quora account on Jan 14, 2024.
The grass is not always greener on the other side, it is where you water it.
You have mentioned that you have decent pay in your current government job but want to switch to the corporate IT sector that relatively pays well. This means you have a desire to earn more money.
The corporate sector does pay well. Looking at the growth spurts in packages of IT professionals in the past few years, it seems all the more wise to be in the IT sector.
How a transition to the IT sector would look like for you?
The level of money you make in your corporate job depends on your skill set and position in the company. But this comes with a lot of responsibility and accountability to deliver. The lower your position, responsibility, and accountability, the lower your package. And remember, with incremental expectations your stress also increases.
At your age, with no experience in the IT sector, it would take you 1–2 years to get started. Again, the type of job you start at would be very basic depending on what certifications you complete to learn basic skills for getting started. The entry-level job would even pay you less than what you earn today in your government job. But with an intent to grow, and learn, and the level of effort you put in you could rise the ladder faster than others. But it would still take you 5–6 years to establish yourself in a good position.
Then you would again hit a growth barrier as you reach the mid-level plateau in corporate hierarchy. Now you would need an MBA to reach the lucrative paycheck segment of the IT industry.
Why would you want a transition to the IT sector after spending considerable time in Government service?
Everyone needs money- some more, some just enough. You too would have aspirations to own a decent house, car and some assets that can help you retire at peace. You would also crave living a rich lifestyle and helping out your parents, relatives, friends, or society.
Money is important. Your current job would not be able to fulfil your particular aspirations, at least legally. Government jobs have access to making money under the table which is a dangerous and criminal path to tread. You may lose it all with one stroke of bad luck.
What if you continue in a Government job?
Today you have a desire to earn more which may change a bit in 5 years. Today you may be ready to work 14 hours a day for that extra money but a time would come when you would want more freedom than long working hours.
The Central Government’s 7th pay commission pays its employees just enough salary to live a middle-class life. You may not be able to immediately buy a home with your savings but 2 decades of savings would help you own some assets.
With talks of the 8th pay commission, the salaries of government employees would further jump and make them more comfortable in terms of money.
Why things would not be so bad staying in a government job?
Job stability and security are the hallmarks of government jobs. I have seen top bosses in the corporates being thrown out of the company for failing to deliver. No second chances, just blunt lay-offs with no justifications. It gets even more difficult at the top positions to find employment elsewhere as positions are limited.
Government jobs are stable and give you the freedom and a sense of security that corporate jobs cannot provide. After the recession of 2008, the number of UPSC aspirants increased manifolds. The mass layoffs attracted people towards the security of government jobs. If you feel you will be content with your lifestyle 10 years down the line, you will be happy with your government job too. After all, a common man doesn’t need all that much money to manage basic needs and wants.
Why should you switch to an IT job?
If you value money in life over stability and security you should try a hand at the IT sector. No one knows how the future would fare but with an intent to learn and grow you would do well. Be prepared to face challenges and rise above them.
Good luck!
