Choosing your career is one of the most challenging decisions you’ll ever make. It affects your entire life, from the amount of money you earn to how stressed you are on a daily basis. A lot of thought needs to go into it so that you can enjoy the highest quality of life possible. It might just be that a government role gives you the career that makes you the happiest. If you choose the right government job, you could end up fulfilled, inspired, and with enough money to live more than comfortably. Not fully convinced? Here are some of the best reasons to choose a government career.
There are Plenty of Different Options
A government career isn’t a single path. There are many different sectors and roles within those sectors to choose from. Whether you have a passion for education, healthcare, or law, there is a government role for you. Here are just some of the options:
- Education
- Public Health and Safety
- State and Local Government
- Human Services
- Transport
- Law
The education you need will depend on which path you choose. If you decide you want to work in the public health sector, you might apply for an online Masters in Public Policy and Leadership. This course will teach you how to lead change and empower communities.
The Benefits are Excellent
One of the best things about working for the government is that you can guarantee amazing benefits. Benefits are a big deal when it comes to career choice. You want to know that you have great medical and life insurance and that you have plenty of money for your retirement. Work in a government role, and you don’t have to worry about that, thanks to the sector’s generous benefits.
A Good Work-life Balance
You might assume that working for the government means that you will be busy a lot. While there will be days where your workload is high, there is a definite focus on work-life balance. That means you will work hard while at work, but you will also be given enough time to yourself for your personal life. That’s not always something you can be sure of while working for a private company.
You Become A More Open-minded Person
Government roles typically involve working with people. More importantly, they involve working with different kinds of people. The chances are that you will meet and get to know individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. This will expand your understanding of humanity, and you’ll end up a more open-minded person because of it.
The Chance to Earn Big
There are plenty of different salaries on offer when it comes to government roles. The good news is that a lot of them are very well paid! If your career goal is to earn a high salary, then you can do that while working for the public. Here are some of the best-paid government jobs:
- Federal Judge – $231K per year
- Air Traffic Controller – $120K per year
- Computer Scientist – $104K per year
- Civil Engineer – $88K per year
- Medical Officer – $106K per year
These roles require higher levels of education than many other government jobs. If you want to earn big, though, they make an excellent career goal.
You Get to Work with Different People
If you’re the type of person who enjoys working alongside a variety of people, a government career is surely the path to take. Many government careers, from nursing to police officer roles, involve working as a team alongside co-workers as well as with the public. You will need to interact with people daily. For many people, this is a huge bonus, as it means you get to learn about different perspectives while enjoying the company of others. Plus, you get to enjoy being part of a team.
There Are Plenty of Government Jobs
When working toward a new career, there is always the fear that there won’t be enough jobs once you are qualified. Luckily, there are plenty of government jobs available. If you are motivated, qualified, and passionate, the chances are you will get the role that you want.
Take law careers as an example. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor, law careers are projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030.
The Chance to Work Abroad
You might assume that working for the U.S. government means that you have to stay in the United States. While most government roles require you to, not all of them do! There are plenty of excellent government roles that allow you to work overseas. So, if you like the idea of moving abroad, remember that a government role won’t necessarily stop you!
The Development Opportunities
Working for the government means having development opportunities come from within. You might start with an entry-level role. Over time, you will gain experience and develop enough knowledge to climb the career ladder and end up in a high-paying job that suits your skill set. As you already work for the government, climbing the ladder within government becomes easier. It’s good to know that if you put the time, effort, and work in, it will be noticed.
It Is A Stable Job
The government always has jobs, and they like to keep and develop their own employees. When you work for the government, you’re not taking a risk with a company that might go bust. Instead, you are working for the people that run the country. It gives you a lot of stability, which can help you feel more secure and comfortable in your career.
Work in A Respected Role
Many government jobs are highly respected. Working in the law or health industry will quickly gain you the respect of your peers. After all, it is important work!
For A Real Challenge
Some people like a career that doesn’t challenge them mentally. They’d prefer to sit back and do the bare minimum. In that case, this benefit will not help you. If you enjoy a challenge, though, then the fact that working for the government presents challenges each day is a good thing.
Yes, many government roles are challenging. That makes them all the more satisfying and rewarding, though. When you overcome those challenges and push through, you will feel fulfilled with your work. Plus, challenges keep people focused and stimulated. It’s better to face a challenge than to be bored all of the time when you are at work.
The Chance to Make a Real Difference
Working for the government means you have the chance to make a real difference in the world. Whether you help people improve their health, make the streets safer, or come up with new laws, your actions have a tangible impact on the world around you. If you are a passionate person who wants to make the world a better place, a government role can fulfill your career aspirations.
How to Secure A Government Role
Now that you know how beneficial a government career is, you likely want to know how to secure one. Here are some ways to do so:
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Choose the Right Position
As previously mentioned, there are various government jobs to choose from – plenty of which are vastly different from the next. It would help if you chose a career that allows you to use your skill set. Once you know the role you want, you can work toward getting qualified for it.
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Work on Your People Skills
Many government jobs require you to speak with people all day. For this reason, you must work on your people skills before landing a role. You could do some volunteer work or even join a debate class to practice your public speaking.
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Prepare for An Interview
Once you land an interview, you need to make sure that you know how to impress. It’s important to prepare a selection of questions to ask the interviewer. Doing so will show you that you are interested in the career and not just showing up on the off chance! Your presentation is essential, too – dress appropriately for the job.
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Make Connections
The right connections will land you an amazing role. Whether you are in education or an entry-level position, make sure you make a good impression on everyone you meet. It takes just one person to recommend you for the right role.
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Work Hard!
Sometimes, it simply takes working hard to secure the role of your dreams, and that includes government work. In the beginning, you might not get the job of your dreams. Working your way up means putting in all of your efforts every day. Make an impression and you increase your chances of working your way up the career ladder.
Whether you choose to become a local politician or a nurse practitioner, deciding to work in a government role might be the best decision you ever make. When you choose a government position, you can enjoy a competitive salary, a work-life balance, generous benefits, and more.
