If you’re just graduating college and looking for your first job, one of your main priorities should be finding an employer that’s going to help you grow. This can be especially difficult when trying to decide whether to take an IT job or a government job, two highly different types of jobs that each have their own unique pros and cons. However, figuring out which path to choose isn’t as hard as it may seem with the right information. The following are some helpful tips on deciding whether an IT job or government job would be the best choice for you.
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Are you an analytical person?
The first consideration should be what type of work you would like to do. If you are someone who likes solving puzzles and has a keen interest in technology, then an IT job may be a good fit. If you prefer a more social environment, with less long hours, then government jobs might be better for you. However, keep in mind that the pay isn’t quite as good as some other fields.
Do you want to work in a fast-paced environment?
If you want to work in a fast-paced environment and are prepared for a high level of stress, then an IT job may be right for you. However, if you’re looking to work in a slower-paced environment with less stress, then a government job may be better. To determine which type of job is best for you, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I enjoy solving puzzles?: If you enjoy solving puzzles, then an IT job could suit your interests and personality.
- Do I prefer a quiet office or do I thrive on being around people?: If your ideal workplace includes a quiet office where no one disturbs you while working, then a government job might be perfect for you.
What type of salary do you expect?
If you’re considering an IT job or a government job, both offer great opportunities and benefits. However, when it comes to what type of salary you can expect, there are some differences. For example, if you have a bachelor’s degree in IT and a few years’ experience in the field, it’s likely that your salary will be higher than someone who has only just graduated from college with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Similarly, salaries are much higher for those with ten years of experience as opposed to those who have been working for less time. In general, salaries range from 70K-120K depending on the level of education and amount of work experience.
Is job stability more important to you than having lots of perks at your new job?
What’s most important to you in your new job? Stability or a variety of perks and benefits? If you’re looking for stability, then a government job may be right up your alley. The government typically has fewer layoffs and less variation in paychecks than many other industries. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more perks and benefits, then an IT job might be what you’re looking for. If that’s the case, it can also depend on what type of IT jobs interests you.
Are you willing to put in extra hours when necessary?
Because IT jobs often require working long hours, it can be difficult to balance a job with family and personal time. If you are looking to work a 40-hour work week, then a government job may be more appropriate. Additionally, the potential income of an IT worker may not always match that of a government worker. The upside of an IT career is that you will have opportunities to move up in your field quickly and take on increasingly challenging roles.
What city are you currently living in, and what city do you want to live in?
Determining which city you should live in can be difficult, but ultimately it’s your choice. If you’re looking for a high-energy environment with tons of opportunities, Pune could be your perfect match. However, if you prefer a more relaxed lifestyle with low crime rates and less noise pollution, Delhi may be the place for you. And finally, if you are planning on starting a family soon, DC might not be the best option because its cost of living is higher than that of Pune. Finally, it’s important to consider what careers you’re interested in pursuing.
Will you be able to transfer your current certification(s) to your new job?
This question has a lot to do with what you’re trying to get out of your career. If you want to make as much money as possible, then go into IT. But if you’re looking for a stable job with a good work/life balance, then go into government. Both jobs have ups and downs, but it’s up to you what kind of life you want. The average salary for an IT professional is 80K while the average salary in Government is 40K. One of the major differences in these two careers is that employees usually stay at one company in IT while they can move around within agencies and departments in Government. Also, there are more companies working on implementing green initiatives than there are federal agencies currently doing so-go figure.
How much vacation time are you comfortable with taking per year?
For an IT professional, five weeks of vacation time per year should be more than enough. These types of professionals typically work long hours and don’t typically have a lot of downtime. For those that are looking to start a family, this type of schedule can be difficult. However, if you’re able to take some additional time off during the holidays or on weekends, it’s not as big of a deal. On the other hand, government jobs usually come with six-week vacations every year in addition to paid leave throughout the year. As such, it’s easier for these individuals to balance work with family life.
Will relocation be required?
The cost of relocation depends on how far away you are moving and what type of housing you need. It can range anywhere from 3,000 to as high as 50,000. If you do not have a family member or friend who will house you while living in the new location, then your employer will typically cover that expense too. When evaluating an IT job offer against a government job offer, it’s important to factor in all these expenses if they are not otherwise stated up front.