Dear Windrider,
Challenges of Switching to the Government Sector
Whether to pursue a career in the government sector is a decision you should have made right at the beginning of your career. You could face the following challenges for a mid-way swap:
- The PSU/Govt sector is highly bureaucratic. You will suffocate if you have an innovative or creative mindset. The culture is more rule-oriented than result-oriented, and there is no concept of customer satisfaction.
- Coming from the IT sector, you might be accustomed to long working hours. Additionally, you may be used to flexible hours, which will not be available in the government sector.
- Career growth and financial growth in the IT sector are rapid. Most IT professionals earn in 10 years what their parents, especially fathers, earned in 35 years (if in a government job).
- The culture in the government sector is significantly different. You will need to ingratiate yourself with your boss, and some level of sycophancy is expected. Feedback to juniors may be replaced with reprimands from superiors, and bosses may not seek feedback from juniors.
- The overall culture in IT is convivial, while the government sector culture is conservative.
- Promotions in the government sector are often delayed, sometimes requiring a wait of 5-6 years or more. Promotions can be based on caste, leading to quicker advancements for employees of certain castes.
- IT professionals often advance their careers by changing jobs frequently, whereas long tenures at the same place may lead to boredom.
- Learning from superiors is common in IT, but government officers may not actively mentor juniors. Often, officers use formal power over personal power.
Benefits of the Government Sector
Not everything is negative in the government sector. Generally, there is job security, a steady life, and easy access to bank loans. However, adapting to the government culture depends on your mindset.
All the best!
Regards,
Dinesh Divekar