Moving from government job to private sector--what's it like?

[Anonymous]

I am considering this move. And I am wondering how it went for anyone who has done the same. I imagine that is highly variable -- depending on your agency and your private sector destination, but I am interested in your reactions.

[Anonymous]

Good luck, OP! I'm considering leaving the government as well.

[Anonymous]

Don't. You actually have to WORK for living.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't. You actually have to WORK for living.

Um...I already do, and so do all other feds I know...

[Anonymous]

The biggest difference is the P&L factor. (That's Profit & Loss.) Most private sector employers operate on an employment-at-will basis. If the company you are working for has a bad year or restructures, you could be out pretty fast. Government workers don't have to think about revenue as the source of their salary as long as the government keeps collecting taxes. You loose that job security when you go to the private sector.

[Anonymous]

Crazy to leave the guaranteed retirement income.

[Anonymous]

I'm considering leaving also. I feel like my job is dead end and need to get out.

[Anonymous]

I left fed government for private sector. I work a lot less and have WAY more work flexibility in the private sector (work from home, etc.). On the other hand, my private sector job is boring and I have no sense of mission.

[Anonymous]

How many years in, and does your spouse have a government job? I always thought the best option was one spouse with the government job and benefits, and one making private/contractor money. It also means that you will always have at least one income.

[Anonymous]

culture shift

If you're going to make a career move, start with a non-profit instead.

Moving from govt. to private can be brutal as there are "unspoken" rules you'll be breaking.

[Anonymous]

We are looking to leave private and move to government. The annual contract renewals are stressful - especially last year with sequestration. DH was out of work for 3 months and didn't get back pay.
Plus, the insurance costs! I could get Federal Ins. for our family for under $400/mo with a $250 deductible.
Right now our best option in private is $980/mo and a $3,000 deductible - INSANE.

[Anonymous]

I looked at going the other way. I work in support of the gov't; I assume that is the direction you are thinking.

The biggest difference is time accounting: In the contracting world, it is critical to have a project to work on; down time is very bad. If you have down time, you better be trying to find something to fill it in, or be willing to take leave (with or without pay).

From what I can see, for Govies, the Government figures the hours are already spent: that your time is free. In private industry, time = money.

[Anonymous]

Don't. You will work for a living. And you can get fired.

[Anonymous]

Depends on if your moving from a union job to a non-union job. Being in a union is vastly different than non-union. Union is much more seniority based while non-union is much more performance based.

[Anonymous]

I am a fed also thinking of leaving. I worked in the private sector before taking my fed job 4 years ago. I work harder as a fed, with slightly better benefits but less salary. Working in the private sector had more flexibility, I think. It is true that as a fed you dont have the profitability thing hanging over your head all the time. In the private sector that occupies a large part of your consciousness.