Best Careers 2009: Government Manager

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I am 32 with an MPA and an MUP and I run a Village of 7,000 people. The salary isn't worth the stress of making everyone happy, managing personnel, and the never ending night meetings. Sure, the flexibility is great, since night meetings happen (sometimes till 2 AM), I can take Fridays off or come in late to work, but doing so under the critical eye of the public always makes me feel guilty. As if taking Friday off after putting in 70 hours was somehow taking advantage of the system. Every day is differnt, but it definately feels like the grass is greener on the other side...

none of WI 5:26PM November 10, 2009

I have heard about these 3 issues plaguing certain government jobs, especially town clerkships and such. Any comments?

LittleSue of NY 3:19PM September 29, 2009

I have a MPA and a BBA..I have been in state govt for three years and looking to move up...There are good and bad issues with working in govt...for me low pay and lots of work, but you really do get to help and work with a lot of people. I enjoy making a difference in the lives of others. Which is very rewarding but at the same time i need to be abled to live above paycheck to paycheck.
Its hard to help others when you are stressed at work and your own families well being.

Bosslady of GA 11:26PM September 19, 2009

I've worked for both sides and all I can say is that there's some differences, but if I had been given the chance to serve more years to the public sector I would have continue to do so, but unfortunately, my contract has ended and really love the job I was doing, the stability, all the benefits and holidays that the state government has to offer. In the corporate world I've learned the importance and the real deal of work ethics, integrity and that there's more to it than meets the eye.

Bernie of HI 3:57PM August 28, 2009

aDROze

Ysqlnyhx of NM 5:42PM July 13, 2009

For govt. jobs, you cannot beat the local level, especially in the management area. Sure, the Feds are gonna be hiring, will not outsource, baby boomers are retiring, blah, blah. But the same goes for the local level. City and county managers make good money ($70-$100+ doq) and hire people to do most of the work. For example, I am getting my MPA right now, from a reputable school, and am interning for a city manager in a nearby small town (pop. 3500). He makes $90,000+ a year, has a city car, excellent benefits and can take off basically whenever he wants. That, my friends, is where it's at. Find yourself a nice little town, schmooze it with the city council and manage the hell outta the place.

Rob of GA 1:37PM June 26, 2009

I am a new citizen of US. I am a scientist and a program manager having executed scientific programs and conducted lab-research for over 15+ years in the private sector profit/non-profit. I do believe wherever you are you should work hard and you will get rewards for your efforts. I have been downsized out of my job several times due to "re-structurings" with several others in the row, despite working 50hrs/week, giving up vacation time etc.
In public sector jobs are relatively stable. Now, I have started looking for public jobs. I still believe that a public career is much more rewarding than a private career, in terms of stability and work-life balance. If I had the option, I would have joined the Feds long ago....

lostinMA of MA 10:56AM June 24, 2009

I am a new citizen of US. I am a scientist and a program manager having executed scientific programs and conducted lab-research for over 15+ years in the private sector profit/non-profit. I do believe wherever you are you should work hard and you will get rewards for your efforts. I have been downsized out of my job several times due to "re-structurings" with several others in the row, despite working 50hrs/week, giving up vacation time etc.
In public sector jobs are relatively stable. Now, I have started looking for public jobs. I still believe that a public career is much more rewarding than a private career, in terms of stability and work-life balance. If I had the option, I would have joined the Feds long ago....

lostinMA of MA 10:51AM June 24, 2009

nice Bob, Nice Bob!!!!!!!
I wanna b a firefighter

jose of CA 2:56PM June 05, 2009

i cannot believe the clinical therapist careers are being deleted, what abaout those soldiers who need mental help after coming from the war. and here school students college students who need help to control anger, and are commiting suicide? I think deleting clinical therapist is wrong.? we need more therapist to help people....

carito of NC 11:50PM May 16, 2009