ADVICE NEEDED!! GOVT or PRIVATE SECTOR - Salary.sg Forums
Salary.sg Forums  

Go Back   Salary.sg Forums > The Salary.sg Discussion Forums: > Income and Jobs

Income and Jobs Discuss jobs, career options and of course salaries




ADVICE NEEDED!! GOVT or PRIVATE SECTOR

Reply
 
Thread Tools
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 16-08-2016, 01:48 PM
Verified Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 11
Nickiboo9393 is on a distinguished road
Smile ADVICE NEEDED!! GOVT or PRIVATE SECTOR

Hi to all, have been reading this forum for almost a year now. Is hard to believe that it is my turn to hit the transition of my life to decide whether to continue or pick a different career path. A short summary of my background which would hopefully provide professionals in the working field to advice me further.

I am a Male Chinese 23 years old. I was formerly a SAF enlistee which shortly joined SPF upon my SAF POP with a diploma from NYP as a Regular SGT. What i seek then was a stable income and of course undeniably the sign on bonus. Some of you maybe wonderin why i made a moved that most people strongly discourage. To me back then i did not want to survive on my NS income for 2 years... and then after ORD still dont have much savings.. work part time and study at the same time or to survive on my parents allowance and study my degree. Especially with a GF to support also with a sign on bonus it can greatly boost my bank balance then. To add it was almost impossible for a dip holder to draw 2k+ salary in private sector.

Back then i was 21 when i enlisted (Sec 5 n Poly route) i calculated. After ORD i should be about 23 and then using the earliest time to start my degree in SIM (GPA Low) i should be graduating at 25/26 and then step into the workforce that age too with peanuts in my bank and 0 work experience. So.... i do it the hard way the path that few has successfully survived (IMO) I chose to sign on at 21 and then served my MTE scheme for 5 years inclusive of NS fortunately for me i managed to complete part time degree programme at SIM University of Manchester BSC in Management (HR) and graduated with a class of 2nd upp honours.

Finally... this year is the final year of my bond. My current drawn is $29XX before CPF. Thus... am considering if i should continue andbe a SO mata (taken aback as the Direct ASP route is gone and all class hons degree has to joined as Insp but different salary of cos) or... to opt for civilian career with MHA HASE scheme as what im considering is not to put these dreadful 5 years experience with MHA to waste.. but still the purpose of this thread is to seek professional and serious advice. Please enlighten me kum xia!!😁

P.S just incase some of u r wondering why not SAF reg but SPF reg.. i hate book ins too the max and to me exp from SPF beats SAF. Pay wise yes sgt in SAF draws 2.4k starting i draw 2.2k starting but is fine to trade for freedom.

Reply With Quote
  #2 (permalink)  
Old 16-08-2016, 02:12 PM
Unregistered
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I think you need to consider which route will maximise your chances of success, given your background and experience.

Government job is fine, but the environment is designed for scholars to win. If you're not an overseas scholar, there will be a ceiling for your career progression. If you don't mind the slow and gradual increase in salary, and value certainty of (relatively) low pay compared to your scholar peers, then it's a good route to choose. Limited career progression, will struggle to be "comfortable", your kids will probably still be caught in the poverty cycle (slightly exaggerated).

The private sector feels like a better option, although your background may make it difficult since you will be competing for jobs with the local grads (NUS / SMU / NTU). Not to say you can't make it, but it is an uphill battle because you need to overcome the market prejudice of a SIM degree (in some firms).

Why not even the playing field and try being your own boss? Can be real estate agent, or financial adviser. It is a purely sales-driven job, where it depends on how hard you are willing to work. Grads or not, scholar or not, there's no advantage. Downside is you actually have to work very very hard, and that earnings at the start could be uncertain, but the upside is tremendous. Given that your alternative to earn $3K-$4K in 2-3 years' time, I think the opportunity cost is relatively low.

That's what I would do if I were in your position. Hope this helps.

Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old 16-08-2016, 02:30 PM
Verified Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 11
Nickiboo9393 is on a distinguished road
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered View Post
I think you need to consider which route will maximise your chances of success, given your background and experience.

Government job is fine, but the environment is designed for scholars to win. If you're not an overseas scholar, there will be a ceiling for your career progression. If you don't mind the slow and gradual increase in salary, and value certainty of (relatively) low pay compared to your scholar peers, then it's a good route to choose. Limited career progression, will struggle to be "comfortable", your kids will probably still be caught in the poverty cycle (slightly exaggerated).

The private sector feels like a better option, although your background may make it difficult since you will be competing for jobs with the local grads (NUS / SMU / NTU). Not to say you can't make it, but it is an uphill battle because you need to overcome the market prejudice of a SIM degree (in some firms).

Why not even the playing field and try being your own boss? Can be real estate agent, or financial adviser. It is a purely sales-driven job, where it depends on how hard you are willing to work. Grads or not, scholar or not, there's no advantage. Downside is you actually have to work very very hard, and that earnings at the start could be uncertain, but the upside is tremendous. Given that your alternative to earn $3K-$4K in 2-3 years' time, I think the opportunity cost is relatively low.

That's what I would do if I were in your position. Hope this helps.
Thank you for your prompt reply! Its a valuable piece of advice. But sales i have tried it before but it has never worked out well for me. Besides i believe that if i were to be doing sales it would not justify the purpose for the pursue of my degree. But still thanks!!!

Reply With Quote
  #4 (permalink)  
Old 16-08-2016, 02:41 PM
Unregistered
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

do correct me if im wrong...

so as of 2016, u are a 23 years old regular SGT in the SPF and earning $2,900 gross salary?
Reply With Quote
  #5 (permalink)  
Old 16-08-2016, 02:47 PM
Unregistered
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

"I chose to sign on at 21 and then served my MTE scheme for 5 years inclusive of NS fortunately for me i managed to complete part time degree programme at SIM University of Manchester BSC in Management (HR) and graduated with a class of 2nd upp honours.

Finally... this year is the final year of my bond. My current drawn is $29XX before CPF."



im the same poster as #4.
some of your figures dont tally or u are lying or i dont understand your story completely.

u signed on @ 21yo. MTE = 5 years. so u shld be 26 yo because 21 + 5 = 26
but u claim u are 23yo this year. so which is which?
Reply With Quote
  #6 (permalink)  
Old 16-08-2016, 03:00 PM
Verified Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 11
Nickiboo9393 is on a distinguished road
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered View Post
"I chose to sign on at 21 and then served my MTE scheme for 5 years inclusive of NS fortunately for me i managed to complete part time degree programme at SIM University of Manchester BSC in Management (HR) and graduated with a class of 2nd upp honours.

Finally... this year is the final year of my bond. My current drawn is $29XX before CPF."



im the same poster as #4.
some of your figures dont tally or u are lying or i dont understand your story completely.

u signed on @ 21yo. MTE = 5 years. so u shld be 26 yo because 21 + 5 = 26
but u claim u are 23yo this year. so which is which?
Hey there haha so sorry not lying n u understand well enough of my story it was a typo! I am 26!! Am working and typing this post thats why i made a typo sorry for that.
Reply With Quote

Reply

Bookmarks

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Private Degree accepted in Govt Jobs / Public Sector? almostironman Income and Jobs 32 21-01-2021 03:23 PM
Advice needed!! SPF Senior police officer vs. Private Sector Liquid Income and Jobs 65 31-05-2019 01:54 AM
Private to Public Sservice (Advice needed) kelvinchua Income and Jobs 2 24-09-2015 08:56 PM
Advice needed: Public or Private sector for Fresh Grad? clouds Income and Jobs 9 17-02-2015 02:27 PM
Career switch from govt to private sector geniuspear Income and Jobs 9 30-07-2013 02:51 PM

» 30 Recent Threads
Career as Teacher ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
10,855 Replies, 6,672,124 Views
NCS (SingTel subsidiary) ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
1,331 Replies, 1,142,597 Views
ITE Polytechnic Scheme ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
311 Replies, 369,474 Views
Q: Big4 - Yearly salary increment ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
15,322 Replies, 4,985,209 Views
UOB Management Associate Program ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
1,458 Replies, 784,883 Views
MAS for Mid Career Professionals ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
1,806 Replies, 1,045,541 Views
Why Is Having a Google Virtual...
1 Replies, 6,786 Views
How is life as a doctor in... ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
7,240 Replies, 3,400,010 Views
JP Morgan ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
199 Replies, 173,514 Views
GovTech ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
5,163 Replies, 2,164,970 Views
Shopee fresh grad pay ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
1,050 Replies, 440,837 Views
Mining Industry ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
80 Replies, 74,534 Views
Civil Service Performance Bonus ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
5,340 Replies, 4,772,987 Views
Civil Service Current Estimated... ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
171 Replies, 309,634 Views
LTA (Land Transport Authority) ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
680 Replies, 388,927 Views
Compare civil service salary ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
16,343 Replies, 12,458,489 Views
Lawyer Salary ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
21,015 Replies, 10,331,658 Views
ST Electronics ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
3,768 Replies, 1,545,533 Views
Is getting a PMP worth it ?
4 Replies, 7,176 Views
Visa Graduate Development Program ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
207 Replies, 134,735 Views
SIM-UOL fresh grad starting pay ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
6,922 Replies, 2,903,644 Views
Nparks ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
39 Replies, 34,437 Views
MINDEF DXO (All FAQ on it) ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
5,828 Replies, 4,657,737 Views
Constituency Manager (People... ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
989 Replies, 814,063 Views
Julius Baer Graduate Program 2023 ( 1 2 3)
21 Replies, 14,838 Views
Roles in accenture singapore ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
7,385 Replies, 2,325,167 Views
HTX (Home Team Science and... ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
752 Replies, 358,877 Views
DSTA (under Mindef) ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
1,464 Replies, 1,375,824 Views
IMDA (under MCI) ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
1,260 Replies, 613,947 Views
Civil Svc/ Statboard - Typical... ( 1 2 3... Last Page)
6,123 Replies, 3,739,188 Views
Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.2



All times are GMT +8. The time now is 05:35 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.3.2