Some popular myths about government jobs

Government jobs are very lucrative. Thousands of applicants sit for the exams, but only a handful make the cut. Over the decades, the work culture in government offices has changed. It is difficult for a layman to understand the system in these offices. Thus, there are numerous myths that do the rounds. Here are some common misconceptions about public sector jobs in India.

1. Fixed working hours

Normally, public sector offices remain operational from 10 in the morning to 6:30 in the evening. Staying back in the office, to finish pending work is common in private office. People, working in government offices don't have to spend one minute more after 6:30 pm. It is a popular myth. Employees, holding high posts need to stay back on daily basis. If there is a lot of workload, then government employees must work beyond the fixed hours. The organization pays them for their extra efforts. In public and private offices alike, there are no fixed working hours.

2. Highly attractive salaries

Most applicants pine for a government job for the attractive salary and benefit packages. But it is a myth that all government servants get fat salaries. The pay package depends on the post, and the responsibilities that come with it. The salary of a bank clerk is far less than that of a SBI PO. The officer needs to carry out complex tasks, and needs to take up more responsibilities. As he puts in far more effort, he gets compensated adequately. Clerks need to work for longer hours occasionally. But it is a regular thing for officers.

3. Employees are not answerable

People believe that there is less scope of answerability in government jobs. Whether it is private sector or public sector, one has to answer to his/her seniors for any task. Both public and private sectors are equally strict when it comes to taking any action against a wrongdoer. In private sector, the termination process is finalized within few days, whereas in public sector offices, the accused employee appears before a committee, and then steps are taken accordingly.

4. No targets to meet

People who work in private sector have to meet targets. The targets differ according to work his/her profession. A common myth states that government employees do not have any targets. It no longer holds any truth, at least in the banking sector. Bank managers are given targets, which then get transferred on to the clerks. Each has to sell a fixed number of policies or open accounts. Even a SBI PO has to meet targets.

5. Permanent and secure

Permanency and security are other myths related to government jobs. If any government employee is accused of an illegality, or is found incapable of carrying out his/her responsibilities, then he/she will be demoted or terminated, as suited by the committee. Each person needs to perform to retain the job.

6. Slow workflow

Gone are the days when work in the government sector took months. It may still be true in courts, but the scenario has changed in offices. Each department has to follow a system. A file has to pass through several departments to reach its destination. With new rules in place, the work pace in public sector offices has gone up by many folds. The system offers transparency, and prevents any mistakes. One mistake can have a negative toll on the life of an individual or the development of the nation.

7. Relaxed work environment

Employees, running around, with a serious expression on their faces, carrying files is a common sight in pervade offices. They hardly get time to talk to the person sitting in the next cubicle. But workers in government offices can relax with the newspaper, if and when the desire. Well! That is no longer a reality. The work environment in public sector offices has also changed over the few decades. Among other things, the SBI PO must also keep a watch on the conduct of bank employees, during the office hours.

8. Nothing starts on time

Another misconception is that nothing in the public sectors start on time. All meetings and activities get delayed. To break this myth, walk into any public sector offices. Gone are the days when government employees could walk into the office any time. New rules compel workers to start work on time. This makes the system more productive. If any worker breaks or fails to abide by the rule, they are called for questioning during annual meetings.

9. Low scope of creativity

People in public sectors often complain that they do not get adequate scope to flaunt their creativity. It is a myth. In fact, they can contribute their ideas openly, with an assurance that these will be considered by the seniors. Whereas, people laboring in the private sector, find it difficult to get to the managing directors. Even if they have a good and creative idea, it might never reach the board. If it does, the directors have the freedom to ignore it without any explanation. Only they have the power to take the final decision. In public sector, you can place the notions without fear. SBI PO candidates can implement temporary rules, without clearance from seniors.

10. No working on weekends

Most government offices remain open from Monday to Friday. But it is not so for all public sector organizations. Most departments, operating under the central government remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Offices under the state government have half-days on Saturdays and full off on Sundays. Public sector banks, like SBI give every alternate Saturday off, apart from full off on Sundays. It is common for private sector employees to rush to their office on off days to tackle work pressure or to finish incomplete tasks. People have a myth that government employees need not face such situations. Government employees, placed in mid and high management posts must report to office on Saturdays as well as Sundays, if need arises. They may have to work on designated holidays as well, if they have any serious matter at hand.

Author Bio:

Bhola Meena has founded 3 major Internet-based companies-GetMeCab, HinKhoj, and OnlineTyari. His latest venture OnlineTyari helps over a million students every month in their government exam preparations. He has 7 years experience as Tech Lead at Microsoft and he is an IIT-Kanpur Alumni.