Why Most Prefer Government Jobs in Developing Countries

The work of government employees impacts the lives of every citizen, and the lives of people around the world. You can play a vital role in addressing pressing issues, from homelessness to a country’s security.

Great benefits & competitive pay…

Average government salaries are competitive with the private and nonprofit sectors. Pay can also increase fairly quickly for top candidates with strong education and experience. The benefits, including health insurance, retirement and vacation, are extremely competitive with, if not superior to, other sectors.

Location…

Where do you want to work and live? Whatever the answer, chances are you can find a government work there. Most people in Government Jobs prefer to get themselves transferred to the location that they live in.

Jobs for every interest…

Government is also a great place to combine your skills with your interests. There are government jobs suited to every interest and skill.  For example, you could use your mathematics background and your interest in the environment by working as an accountant at the Environmental Protection Agency, your engineering degree to improve airport security, or your biology degree and interest in medicine to conduct cutting-edge medical research at the Medical Research Institute.

Job security…

Government work is steady and secure, an attractive selling point, especially when economic times are tough.

In Sri Lanka, based on conversations had with several youth in various parts of the country, most people prefer the Government jobs mainly due to;

1. Pension

2. Higher Income at Entry level compared to private sector

3. Job security

4. Considered as a qualification if the individual is looking for a partner (esp. in villages)

5. Greater number of paid holidays (compared to private sector)

6. Less work pressure (KPIs compared to private sector)

7. Ability to get transfers to the location where you live

However, they also fail to realize that;

1. The individuals can become political victims when politicians change

2. They lose the precious youth wasting without much exposure

3. Income would be less compared to private sector in the long run

Currently (according to stats) Sri Lanka has over 1.4 million people working in the government sector of the 8 million total employed population in the country.

No matter what you want to do, chances are you can do it for the government. You just need to make sure you are willing to put up with the negative aspects in exchange for the positive ones.