Public vs Private

amandacat

I've previously worked for the DWP and also in a school. I've been working for a private company for the last 5 years.

The benefits of working for DWP/school was that there was a better pension, much more sick pay- 6 months full compared to the 3 weeks in the private company I work for. Maternity/paternity leave was better.

The disadvantages I found to be that internal promotions weren't fair e.g. It was a case of your face fitting and you were offered it without there being an internal advert and interview process. That was in the DWP not the school. In my private company there are much fairer internal promotion systems in place. I also have a higher salary in private and pay rises have been better. My annual leave has been 25 days in both sectors.

I found in the DWP there was a very hierarchical feel with managers being very strict. However there was less sense of urgency around things that in private.
It may just be the private company I work for as they're all different but there is more of a feel of everyone working together regardless of the managerial level, managers are more approachable and things feel relaxed in that respect. There is more pressure and urgency around targets but I prefer that even if times it is more stressful.

it may sound silly to consider this important but you weren't allowed hot food at your desk in the DWP. Things like that are unimportant at my current company, less rules make for a more relaxed environment.

Murphybear

Best job I had was academic related in a University. Good rate of pay, very generous leave (30 days plus 8 days bank holidays plus all working days between Xmas and New Year). When I suffered from depression diagnosed by GP they paid for private counselling. I started out with a 1 year contract and got called into the Deans office one day (mad panic, what had I done ). He offered me a permanent contract without having to undergo an interview:D


I also enjoyed working for a charity, lovely working conditions and met really interesting people but lower salary so I taught evening classes to afford holidays and a car