Shall I apply for a job in the government sector?
By jearl02
@jearl02 (211)
Philippines
February 25, 2013 9:16pm CST
Hi mylotters. I would like to solicit bright ideas from all of you about the scenario that I will describe below.
I am 24 years old. I am married and my wife is presently pregnant with our 2nd child. I am presently a full-time employee of a Credit Union (cooperative here in the Philippines). Presently, we applied for a housing loan so we can move to a residence that we own. Though we expect an increase in expenses, we believe that my salary will still be enough to finance our daily needs.
On January 2011 I achieved my regular status as Accounting Clerk. On June 2012 I was promoted to a higher rank as Internal Auditor. By next month (March 2013), I will be promoted to a higher rank as Financial Management Analyst. The General Manager has believed so much on my capacities and entrusted me with the analysis of the data that he can use.
On October 2012, I took the Civil Service Examination. This is a relevant exam especially to those who will enter into any posts in the government sector. I took the exam to prove that I can pass it because it has a passing rate lower than any Board Exams. By God's grace, I passed the exam and was the top 8 in our region. I know that being on the top 8 will be a big help for me to easily gain a position on the government if I choose to. My wife and many of my relatives and office mates told me to apply in the government.
If I'll be hired in the government and achieve a regular status, I'll be sure of my security of tenure and a higher salary. However, I can't be sure how long will it takes for me to be on regular status and the starting salary of a job order status (not a regular status) is lower than my present salary. If I'll decide to move to the government, I have to leave my present job and I'm sure that I am happy doing my job here. Also, the General Manager of this institution has helped me gain this job and the promotion next month.
As for me now, I prefer to stay here as long as the operation is good and I can be sure that this institution will not close. Maybe by next year or 2 years from now I can give more importance on moving to the government sector. Am I right with this decision or shall I apply now for a job in government?
6 responses
@gavenkatesh (32)
• India
3 Mar 13
Hi Jearl,
First of all I would like to make a point before attempting o give a solution to your issue. Any decision that we take in life especially like you are in now have an opportunity cost to it. Although the government job is currently providing low salary, look at the job in terms of long term benefits, career progression and roles and responsibilities. And then compare your current job with the government job on these criteria and then finally take a decision.
But do remember that once a decision is taken by you it takes a lifetime to reverse the same.
@lampar (7584)
• United States
27 Feb 13
If you can , you should go ahead and apply for a job with the government, it is stable and provide definitive benefit to you and your family. Government job is much secured compare to private sector job, and best of all, you don't have to work hard and don't need very high qualification and highly driven to land yourself a government job and , you will automatically get promotion so long as you stay on the job long enough to rise up in seniority scale and can go to work every day. It is no harm applying for a government job since you are not guarantee will be hired, you can be turn down and get reject during the interview too like any private job. 
@beenice2 (2967)
• Sackville, New Brunswick
26 Feb 13
I can see that you have a choice here, but one thing you have to consider, you have to like what your doing, my husband is working in a job he hates and it makes him miserable,since years he want s to work for himself. If you can have a job that pays you well and is stable, that can have enough food for the week on the table well that brings less stress. The decision comes back to you.
@songst557 (232)
• China
26 Feb 13
It's really a difficult choice.
I'm in a private company,though not earn too much,I get well along with my manager,which is not easy,cause he's the first leader I think we both know each other in ten years,you know what I mean.
However,if I were in your situation,I will join the goverment,I'm not sure I'll fix goverment job or not,but what let me made this decision is stable.Goverment job in here can garentee stable in the rest of my life.
So,if the next question from your description got confirmed,I will quit my job.
Can you make sure you will change to regular status if you applied for goverment job? No matter how long it will takes.
That's all what I think,just for your information,hope you made a right choice for youself. :)
@jearl02 (211)
• Philippines
26 Feb 13
Thank you for your response.
If I am going to evaluate myself and the way I handle my job, I believe that it won't take too long for me to achieve that regular status if I'll transfer to the government sector. It is also because I now have the eligibility and the experience needed.
That is really true that working in the government guarantees a stable job and a good source of living and more benefits.
As of now, I have to prove one more thing here before I'll leave. I'm planning to prepare something so that this job will be easier for whoever will replace me.
Thank you so much for your advice.
@danix1982 (593)
• Philippines
26 Feb 13
you already decide.. just choose where you happy to work at and at the same time can provide your family in daily living, as you said that your wife is pregnant, yes its true also that if you work in government they can give you benefits and the assurance of regular status in the government,i just want to tell you that be practical for your family and choose which can provide you best. :)
