A coworker said this of government work, do you agree?

[Deja Q]

He said the reason why turnaround is so high in government is because private industry pays more.


I have to disagree; I have witnessed many a state and local government do more to whittle away workers, particularly more experienced/better paid ones. They also bring in far more outsourcing (sometimes offshored outsourcing) then advancing their employees' abilities. Just like what happens in the private sector.

It's a load of bunk, what's being said in the media.

[OKNancy]

1. As a former high school history teacher

FORMER... I work in the private sector now. I make twice the money with half the hours.

[Deja Q]

2. Then why won't government hire some good people or train those with a

history of being technically savvy people?

Forgive me, my skepticism. If the government won't even bother, then I can see why people would leave. But with the increase in offshoring, combined with what little is out there, we'd be better off dead.

It's also not what you know but who you know... I've only started learning that the hard way; and as an Aspie it's damn hard enough trying to get to know anybody without them thinking you're a maladajusted freak.

[deadmessengers]

3. I agree with your co-worker.

I worked for the New York City public school system doing I.T. support in the district headquarters. In November of 1994, after 3 years, I accepted a buyout (4 months salary) in lieu of threatened future layoffs. I used my buyout money to move to a cheaper place to live (Atlanta), got a private sector job and promptly doubled my old government salary. Actually, I quadrupled my salary, if you factor in the cost of living difference between Atlanta and NYC.

In the meanwhile, my former co-workers who stuck around in their government jobs saw pay increases of about 15 to 20 percent in the 5 years after I left, and most of them are making about 30-40 cents on the dollar of what they would make in the private sector. With a pay disparity like that, it doesn't take long for all but the most risk-averse to jump ship.

[rucky]

4. I didn't know it was high.

I always had the impression that government workers keep their jobs longer than most folks.

:shrug:

[annabanana]

5. my honey has been at it for 35 years..

The public sector still has a few actual pensions available here and there. It's way more valuable than a bunch of other private industry perks...

[Spinzonner]

6. Don't you mean 'turnover', not 'turnaround'

Both words, but different points.