Are you looking for a stable career with good benefits where you can make positive contributions to society? If so, public service might be an option to consider. Here are a few of the major benefits that the public sector provides.

1. Retirement Plans

Employees earn pensions after committing a set number of years to public service. Pensions usually provide a percentage of the highest salary earned. Employees might also contribute to a retirement plan that follows them throughout their career and accrues interest even if they leave for the private sector or pursue self-employment. Employers often match contributions up to a certain percentage.

2. Health Care Coverage

Health care plans for public sector employees typically have low copays, small if any deductibles, coverage for a wide range of health services, and affordable options for adding family members and dependents. Vision and dental are also typically included at a low or no additional cost.

3. Paid Time Off

Federal and state holidays are another perk of working for the public sector. There are 10 federal holidays that nonessential public employees take off annually and receive normal pay. Individual states may have additional days included in their paid time off plans. Some organizations even offer increased pay and incentives for employees who volunteer to work on holidays.
The public sector also provides excellent accommodation for sick leave, vacation time, disability pay, maternity leave, and other personal leave of absences. The government tends to value work-life balance and encourages healthy habits, spending time with family while grieving, and taking responsible care of children and dependents. Many organizations also offer free or discounted memberships to fitness and recreation centers to promote employee well-being.

4. Community Revival

Those who choose to dedicate their knowledge and skills to the public sector have the opportunity to work directly with communities and influence their growth. Public administrators can plan for development, revive broken community systems, strengthen economic potential, and help individuals of all ages and walks of life.

Many public employees have an educational background in public administration from a four-year college. Those who wish to continue their education or those who received an undergraduate degree in a different field sometimes go back to school and complete a post-graduate degree program. These days, students tend to work full time while taking classes online. Click the following link to find out more about the online masters in public administration program.

5. Security and Order

Every community has its challenges, and crime is always one of them. Lawyers, policymakers, and political leaders enforce federal and state legislation and develop local policies to create a sense of order in the community and system for punishment. Again, many employees who desire to create change while advancing in their career earn a post-graduate degree in law or policy. For example, click here to learn about USC’s masters in llm online program.

Is the Public Sector Right for You?

If you’re considering a change to the public sector, think about your long-term goals and career interests. There are plenty of organizations that need skilled professionals to maintain order, enforce policy, and help local communities thrive.