Public service refers to a wide range of services available to citizens in a community that are backed by local, state or federal governments and funded (in whole or in part) by taxpayer dollars. The most common example of a publicly provided public service is a utility, such as water, gas, electricity or health care. Although private providers may be responsible for providing these services, they are often subject to government regulation extending far beyond that which normally applies to most economic sectors.
While some critics claim that the size of our government is bloated, the fact is that public servants have many important responsibilities. From keeping our military trained and equipped to responding to natural disasters and setting standards for workplace safety, they work tirelessly on behalf of our citizens. And according to a recent survey, Americans are generally satisfied with their efforts.
One of the most obvious pros to working in the public sector is job security. There will always be people who need soldiers, children who need education, citizens who require medical care and cities that need workers to keep the lights on and roads paved. And, unlike in the private sector where performance is measured by year-end financial reports, a public sector professional’s accomplishments are reflected in real-life results that they see all around them every day.
But, there are also cons to working in the public sector, such as low pay compared to the private sector and long hiring processes (depending on the complexity of the position and negotiated contracts with employee unions). And, unlike corporate America where the “upward mobility” is clear, in the public sector it isn’t necessarily as clear and often takes much longer.