Thinking About Leaving Your Government Job for the Private Sector? Here’s What to Consider
If you’re a federal, state, or municipal worker feeling stuck—lacking motivation or happiness in your role—you might be wondering if switching to a private company or startup is the right move, either now or down the line.
Below, we’ll tackle your biggest questions about transitioning from government work to the private sector—including exactly how to make it happen.
“Should I Leave My Government Job for the Private Sector?”
Deciding to leave a government job for the private sector is deeply personal. That’s why experts recommend defining your “why” before even considering the switch—so you can determine if the move will actually fulfill that reason.
“Some people jump from sector to sector because they assume the grass is greener,” says Olivia Johnson, a Muse career coach who’s helped job seekers transition in and out of government roles and advised agencies on hiring. For instance, maybe you’ve heard tech companies pay more for your skills or experience level. But don’t rely on assumptions—get the facts. “Talk to people in your field who work in the private sector to confirm whether salaries are really higher,” Johnson suggests.
Ximena Hartsock, cofounder and CEO of job placement and upskilling company BuildWithin, notes that if you’re not advancing, gaining new skills, or taking on more responsibilities—and that bothers you—it might be time to leave the public sector (a rule that applies to any career change). “Staying in a stagnant job isn’t good because you’re not growing,” Hartsock says.
Pros and Cons of Private Sector Work
Just like the decision to switch, the advantages and drawbacks of leaving government work for a private company vary from person to person.
That said, many people consider these private sector benefits:
- Salary: There’s no guarantee a private company role will match or exceed your current pay, so always check salary ranges before applying. But, as Hartsock points out, “If you perform well, compensation can be higher than in government, where salaries often have caps.” Johnson adds that equity, health coverage, and other benefits can also make private sector packages more lucrative.
- Fewer Hurdles: Government work tends to move slowly due to bureaucracy and red tape. “The public sector is packed with regulations and sometimes rigid processes,” Johnson says. “In the private sector, there’s usually more flexibility and quicker decision-making.”
- Work-Life Balance: While government jobs were once seen as the gold standard for work-life balance (with predictable 40-hour weeks), Johnson notes that perception has shifted. “Many corporations now prioritize work-life balance and family over work—which is great,” she says. (Compare, for example, recent return-to-office mandates in government to private companies offering hybrid or remote setups.)
- Accountability: Hartsock says private companies often measure and communicate performance more transparently, which can be motivating if you like seeing your efforts rewarded. “If your performance is low, you’ll know immediately,” she says.
- Transparency: In many private companies, what you see is what you get—helpful if you’ve faced unexpected disappointments in past roles. “You can get a sense of a company’s culture and agility before joining,” Hartsock explains. “Government is much larger—you might not know what team you’re walking into.”
- Growth Opportunities: The private sector often provides faster career advancement. “In my experience, you grow quicker, develop hard skills faster, and face constant challenges,” Hartsock says. “It’s more competitive, which pushes you to improve. You build thicker skin.”
- Job Security: Government shifts can make public sector jobs unstable. “People used to see government jobs as more secure,” Hartsock says. “I don’t think that’s true anymore.”
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Potential Challenges in the Private Sector
On the flip side, former government workers might face these hurdles:
- Less Mission Focus: Private companies often prioritize profits over purpose, which can be discouraging if you value meaningful work. “If fulfillment drives your career happiness, the private sector might not be the best fit,” Johnson says. If you’re set on leaving government, she suggests, “look for a private role with some purpose to keep you engaged.”
- Faster Tech Adoption: With AI and other advancements, private sector workers must stay on top of tech trends—which can be intimidating if you’re not tech-savvy. “The private sector adopts new technology much faster,” Johnson notes.
- Frequent Change: Government roles usually stay consistent unless you’re promoted or switch positions. In the private sector (especially startups), your job might evolve rapidly without your input. “You’ll need more agility and adaptability,” Johnson says.
- Innovation Over Execution: Private companies often seek employees who generate ideas, not just follow orders. This can be tough for government workers used to structured processes. “If you’re accustomed to risk-averse systems with lots of approvals, the private sector is the opposite,” Hartsock explains.
- Job Security (Again): While private sector jobs can be less stable, government roles aren’t always secure either. “Startups especially can’t match the stability of a well-funded government agency,” Hartsock says.
Some of these “pros” might not appeal to you, while some “cons” could actually be perks. Ultimately, Johnson says, “It depends on what you’re looking for at this stage in your career or life.”
Is Switching from Public to Private Sector Difficult?
A full career change requires more effort than shifting to a similar role in a private company. “It’s more complicated if you’re switching fields entirely,” Johnson says.
Hartsock adds that government workers may adjust more easily to large corporations than startups, where culture and expectations are less defined.
Adapting to private sector norms can also be tricky. “Terminology and communication styles will differ,” Johnson notes.
How to Make the Move
If you’re ready, here’s how to transition smoothly:
- Research Online and Network
Once you know why you want to switch, use online and offline resources to find fitting roles. “You don’t want to jump sectors only to find things are the same—or worse,” Johnson says.
Sites like The Muse and Glassdoor offer employee insights. Even better? Message people at your target companies on LinkedIn for firsthand advice (and potential referrals). - Look for Government Contracts or Apprenticeships
Johnson and Hartsock agree: The easiest private sector roles for ex-government employees are at companies that work with governments—like consultancies, defense contractors, or nonprofits.
Apprenticeships are another option, offering skill-building and connections, even if starting pay is lower. - Highlight Transferable Skills
Many government skills—managing teams, leading projects, negotiating—apply to private roles. Make these clear in your resume, LinkedIn, and interviews.
Use keywords tied to your ideal job to rank well in applicant systems and catch recruiters’ eyes.
Take the Leap
If you’re hesitant, remember: Many have successfully made this shift—including Hartsock, who worked in public schools and D.C. government before moving to the private sector.
“Change is scary, but growth requires risk,” she says. “Government workers bring valuable skills—knowledge of regulations, how agencies operate—all of which are assets in the private sector.”