Why I Left the Government Job: Demystifying the Decision

The decision to leave a government job is never an easy one. It signifies a significant shift in one’s career path and often comes with a mix of emotions and considerations. For me, the reasons were rooted in factors such as favoritism, factionalism, rampant corruption, and the absence of responsive channels for addressing grievances. I took the extreme step of taking Early Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) from the Government, but the choice was not entirely without its advantages, as I sought a more fulfilling and potentially lucrative career opportunity.

The Demise of Government Sector Dynamics

During my tenure, the Indian industry was undergoing a period of liberalization, and I received several job offers. Despite these opportunities, I chose to join Bharat Dynamics Limited in Hyderabad as a Junior Manager. However, the culture at my previous workplace in Bombay was slow-moving and did not foster a learning or developing environment. Working under the guidance of Late Dr. Abdul Kalam, who was our chairman, I found that the work culture was lacking, leading me to leave after a few months.

After leaving Bharat Dynamics, I joined Nitel, a joint venture between the MP State Electronic Development Corporation and PTI. Due to a lack of work, I pursued my MBA and then left the company when I had plenty of time. My tenure at Plasma Physics Laboratory was similarly marked by a lack of work. My experiences led me to realize that government jobs, while pensionable, often come with inefficiency, political affiliations, and a slow-moving environment. Without compromising my ethics, I made significant career moves that aligned with my goals and aspirations.

Called into Question: Scrutiny and Red Tape

One of the most frustrating aspects of working in the government sector is the overwhelming bureaucracy and scrutiny. In my roles, I often dealt with issues that were more about compliance and paperwork than substantive progress. For instance, a meeting convened weekly with no tangible advancements was a common occurrence. Leadership was often less than inspiring, and the smartest thing I heard from my boss was a quip about hair color, which does not inspire confidence in leadership skills.

The decision to jump into the private sector was driven by diverse factors. One significant reason was the promise of higher earnings and better future growth prospects. The private sector offers opportunities for greater job satisfaction and a more conducive work environment. Unlike the government, where progress and results-oriented work can be slow, the private sector often demands faster results and emphasizes growth and innovation.

Private Sector vs. Government Job: Pros and Cons

In the private sector, the pay is typically higher, coupled with better benefits and more flexibility. While government jobs are known for their job security and excellent benefits, they often come with stringent rules and regulations. For example, private sector employees might have the freedom to take free snacks without fearing the risk of breaking company rules, whereas in the government, even something as trivial as drinking water at a vendor fair could be considered a form of bribery – a serious offense.

Additionally, government jobs often require a layer of control and bureaucracy that can be unnecessary and cumbersome. For example, flying from New York City to Baltimore might require a roundabout route through Chicago or Atlanta, which is 6 hours longer but only 9% cheaper. The government focuses more on control than on expenses or income, leading to excessive scrutiny and red tape that can hinder efficiency and productivity.

Conclusion

The decision to leave one’s government job is a complex one, influenced by a myriad of factors. In my case, the issues of favoritism, factionalism, and corruption, combined with the lack of responsiveness and political considerations, made the government job increasingly untenable. However, the importance of aligning career choices with personal values and aspirations cannot be overstated. I made careful moves in my career, ensuring that they were in line with my ethical standards and professional growth, without compromising on job satisfaction or potential for future success.