Move from public sector to private?

Just wondering how wise it would be at the moment, considering I was lucky enough to get a job in the private sector in the first place. My background is that I left a well paid engineering job in 2006 (after 10+ years) to join the public service as a clerical officer. I wrongly assumed there would be promotion prospects and revelled in the opportunity of a complete change of career. The economy went bust.

Now I find myself stuck indefinitely in a dead end job with no prospects heading into my late thirties and watching people in the same office as me on twice my wages doing half the work. Bear in mind none of this would bother me if there was a light at the end of the tunnel. I am extremely motivated and efficient, but this is sucking the life out of me. I know I am lucky to have the job but as time goes on and my wife’s job is at risk, I can’t help feeling as family we would be better off on social welfare than one crappy wage which would leave us only slightly better off coming into the house.

Opinions would be appreciated.

shoestring said:

Just wondering how wise it would be at the moment, considering I was lucky enough to get a job in the private sector in the first place. My background is that I left a well paid engineering job in 2006 (after 10+ years) to join the public service as a clerical officer. I wrongly assumed there would be promotion prospects and revelled in the opportunity of a complete change of career. The economy went bust.

,,, I can’t help feeling as family we would be better off on social welfare than one crappy wage which would leave us only slightly better off coming into the house.

Opinions would be appreciated.

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Did you mean 'public' sector? Anyway, you would be wise to hold onto the PS job at the moment. I don't think you can just leave the PS and get social welfare! If you can get a job in engineering again or whatever field you wish, then maybe it is worth a chance. Personally, I think the public sector as a career is going to get tighter and less attractive in the next 10 years or so.

My friend left the Public Service years ago to work in private sector and has had a great career, but he had a 'private sector' type of motivation.

The short answer is that yes, you need to look for a new job. You should immediately dust off your CV, start checking the job ads, get in contact with a recruitment company and see if there are any jobs out there for your education / skills and experience.

There is high unemployment and it can be tough, but you are the captain of your career and you need to try to drive in the the direction that you want.

Your job move 5 years ago has not been a success, but you have 15 years experience, there could be something else out there, but you will have to find it and go after it.

Just starting this and getting motivated to find another job might give you some drive and direction, which you do not have.

Good luck and I hope it works out,

Slim said:

Did you mean 'public' sector? Anyway, you would be wise to hold onto the PS job at the moment. I don't think you can just leave the PS and get social welfare! If you can get a job in engineering again or whatever field you wish, then maybe it is worth a chance. Personally, I think the public sector as a career is going to get tighter and less attractive in the next 10 years or so.

My friend left the Public Service years ago to work in private sector and has had a great career, but he had a 'private sector' type of motivation.

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As he pays PRSI A he can leave but will have to wait for 8 weeks (I think) for JSB. I pay PRSI D so have no entitlement to JSB.

Good job I suppose as after 20 years in the public service, I have a 'public service' type of motivation which is no good it seems.

Thanks for your replies. Sorry slim, worded it incorrectly should have said 'considering I would be lucky enough to get a job back in the private sector in the first place'. I didn't even really think of agencies, I gave up of them when I was looking for a job the last time, but now I'm in a secure job (granted that's driving me mad) at least the ball is in my court. Leaving to go on social welfare is something I could have done years ago but not now.

Not all public sector is the same. Yes I know there are places that can suck the life out of you, especially on a CO grade. But equally some places are dynamic with a totally different culture. I would look at a transfer before jacking it in.