A few people who made the jump from private to public are those who yearn for a better work-life balance (and of course to get married and have kids). I cannot say for all but it seems those whom I know made the switch are much happier, although they took a pay cut.

The first thing is that you have to get adjusted to the work culture and have the "civil service" mindset. Usually in your first 1 or 2 years you will get all sorts of activities and tasks which are not really part of your day-to-day job, just to test you and boost your portfolio.

But depending on which stat board you join, some do really value your experience and knowledge gleaned from the "outside world".