When you join the public sector, you do it because you want to make an impact, to make a change. But we know how hard it can be, sometimes. You might feel like all your work doesn’t pay off or that you’re not recognized. Whether you are new in the public service or need to recharge your motivation, in this article, you’ll find five reasons why working in the public sector is a great idea.
1. It gives your life a sense of purpose
Since I heard of the Japanese concept of IKIGAI, I’ve been attracted to it. IKIGAI means having a sense of purpose, a reason why you wake up every morning. The IKIGAI combines what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. For me, the public sector is my IKIGAI. After talking with many public servants around the world, I’ve concluded that I’m not alone. For many of us the public sector is not only a profession but a vocation, it’s our passion and our mission to make the world a better place.
2. You’re making others’ lives better
If you want to make an impact the public sector is the place to be. It’s hard to think of any other organization that can reach as much people as governments do. When public policies are well designed and implemented, they are an unbeatable force of change. Just think about the impact of having a new hospital could have. When you are part of the public sector, you become an agent of change, even if you can’t see it directly.
3. Working in the public sector keeps your mind active and adaptive
I once heard that when you’re not learning, you are slowly dying. I have good news. One of the best things of the public sector is that there are always opportunities to learn more. Just think of all the challenges you face daily as a public servant. Some might seem small, like how to write a policy brief, and others can be complex, like approving the budget for a new project. Regardless of what you do, being able to constantly learn new things, keeps your mind active and adaptive.
4. It forces you to be resourceful
In the public sector, you have to do more with less. You learn how to find innovative ways to solve old problems. Your capacity to come up with new ideas might challenge you, and surprise you at times. There are always opportunities to put this in practice, for example when working with others, even when you don’t feel like it, because there’s always something bigger than yourself.
5. There are many opportunities, you’ll find one that fits your passion and mission
The public sector is broad. There are different sectors to choose from. From social issues to complex macroeconomic problems. Just imagine from education, health, to finance, planning. There is something for everyone. Find the one that fits your interests and abilities best. Also, the public sector can allow you to find a career path with more stability.
A quick story about my public sector journey
Perhaps the best way to illustrate all these points is a quick example. When I was Minister of Planning and Development of my country, I visited different government projects to check on their progress. One of them was a School in the Andes, for indigenous communities of the area.
While I was there, I decided to go and visit the school where the kids were having classes at the time and talk to them. They said they had never seen what was about to become their new school and that they would like to do it. So, I gave them a little tour.
I wish I had recorded that moment. The faces of those kids, when they went to their new school for the first time. It was the perfect mix of happiness and amazement that only kids can show. They seemed so proud, surprised, expectant to study there. To my surprise, I saw the same expression in their teachers and the few parents that were around at the time. How much hope, desire to dream big could a school bring.
I promised to keep it short, but this is one of the many moments that have marked me and showed me why I chose the public sector. I know that not all of us have the chance to see it so close. But, I must warn you. Moments like this require you to leave the comfort of your desk and go and talk to people, the people you serve. Do it, get involved, and try, even if it’s not part of your daily job. It will change the way you see your job and you.
The privilege of working in the public sector.
Working in the public sector is a privilege, that entails lots of responsibility. Those of us that have the opportunity to be public servants don’t take it lightly. We know that what we do has a purpose that is bigger than ourselves, we work to improve people’s lives even when we don’t see it directly. Our work forces us to find the best of us, to find solutions, to adapt to the circumstances and to keep finding ways to serve better. The public sector has lots of opportunities to fit your passion and mission too, you’ll find yours. And one day, you’ll realize, you’ve found your IKIGAI, in what you thought was just a job.
