Public sector to Private sector
Discussion
Just after some experiences from people who have moved from the public sector to the private sector and largely stayed doing the same function/job after the jump. There are some opportunities I would like to progress at the moment but I'm intrigued as to how others found the switch.
On a personal level, I would consider myself to be more than capable at a working level having worked alongside private sector colleagues in the past and I know my industry sector well with some good relevant qualifications.
The move is less financially motivated but more associated with quality and quantity of work.
On a personal level, I would consider myself to be more than capable at a working level having worked alongside private sector colleagues in the past and I know my industry sector well with some good relevant qualifications.
The move is less financially motivated but more associated with quality and quantity of work.
I made the move, but also changed areas. I've not regretted it for a second, but the difference was as stark as that between night and day. In the public sector, for me, advancement was about spine points, time served, etc. in the private sector, it was only about results, and massive advancement was possible very quickly. On the other hand, being let go with little warning was also now part of he deal.
Working in the Public sector to many is classed a s a "safe bet"(verging on a "good dodge"). But moving to the Private sector, your employer will expect results on a consistent day to day basis.
You won't however have to wait for someone to die or retire to move up the scale and if you're really good, real fast track is very do-able.
Although my son never entered the Public sector, he turned university down, and opted to volunteer in a charity shop for a yr to get experience. He was then accepted by a leading chain for fast track, he stayed with them for a year before going to a large international "name" and after a yr "on the phones" is now dept head......age?.......21!
It's all there for you in the private sector.
You won't however have to wait for someone to die or retire to move up the scale and if you're really good, real fast track is very do-able.
Although my son never entered the Public sector, he turned university down, and opted to volunteer in a charity shop for a yr to get experience. He was then accepted by a leading chain for fast track, he stayed with them for a year before going to a large international "name" and after a yr "on the phones" is now dept head......age?.......21!
It's all there for you in the private sector.
I made the move a year ago and stayed in broadly the same function.
Some things were better, some are worse.
Cons
Employers can be much less likely to agree to pay for formal training in the private sector, meaning that sometimes people just have to make it up as they go along.
Information sharing can be difficult because of the percieved potential for losing a competitive advantage - makes the previous issue re lack of training potentially a bit worse than it could be
The public sector people you're used to liaising with can take great delight in slamming the door in your dirty private sector capitalist face
Pros
If you can make a good enough business case for new equipment/staff/processes/product lines etc, then you could be weeks away from achieving them, rather than having to wait for the next budget to come round.
Heirachies and roles can be a bit more fluid
Some things were better, some are worse.
Cons
Employers can be much less likely to agree to pay for formal training in the private sector, meaning that sometimes people just have to make it up as they go along.
Information sharing can be difficult because of the percieved potential for losing a competitive advantage - makes the previous issue re lack of training potentially a bit worse than it could be
The public sector people you're used to liaising with can take great delight in slamming the door in your dirty private sector capitalist face
Pros
If you can make a good enough business case for new equipment/staff/processes/product lines etc, then you could be weeks away from achieving them, rather than having to wait for the next budget to come round.
Heirachies and roles can be a bit more fluid
crazycarb said:
You won't however have to wait for someone to die or retire to move up the scale and if you're really good, real fast track is very do-able.
This, very much this.crazycarb said:
Working in the Public sector to many is classed a s a "safe bet"(verging on a "good dodge"). But moving to the Private sector, your employer will expect results on a consistent day to day basis.
You won't however have to wait for someone to die or retire to move up the scale and if you're really good, real fast track is very do-able.
Although my son never entered the Public sector, he turned university down, and opted to volunteer in a charity shop for a yr to get experience. He was then accepted by a leading chain for fast track, he stayed with them for a year before going to a large international "name" and after a yr "on the phones" is now dept head......age?.......21!
It's all there for you in the private sector.
thanks, the think is, i actually feel very constrained at the moment and really would relish being held accountable for results and, given my age (32), i feel like i dont want to waste this enthusiasm. i can progress up a grade in my organisation quite easily, it might take anohter year or two but its not going to be too taxing. from there on in it will get difficult, not least becuase of the huge reforms affecting some areas of the public sector in the coming years. You won't however have to wait for someone to die or retire to move up the scale and if you're really good, real fast track is very do-able.
Although my son never entered the Public sector, he turned university down, and opted to volunteer in a charity shop for a yr to get experience. He was then accepted by a leading chain for fast track, he stayed with them for a year before going to a large international "name" and after a yr "on the phones" is now dept head......age?.......21!
It's all there for you in the private sector.
i'm absolutely not woried about those changes like some of my "less able" colleagues are, but i'm not sure if i can wait that long for them to come into affect. I like my department in one sense, its dynamic and has probably the most interesting of public sector projects, its the red tape, the attitude of some colleagues and the lack of dynamism i am geting frustrated by. some plans in the pipe line though, i may keep you updated if things go well!
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