What are some of the challenges of working with the Government of Canada?
A: Working with the Government of Canada can definitely have its challenges. Most shops have been hit by DRAP, or otherwise known as: the Deficit Reduction Action Plan . We now have less people in most shops doing equivalent or more work than before.
Although many believe that public servants are overpaid, it is very common that employees work long hours for less pay than our private sector colleagues. However we receive less recognitions and no bonuses (at least not until senior management level). I have many friends in the private sector who make more than I do, work similar hours and receive bonuses in December in addition to little “perks” during the year.
Most public servants do not work for a pay cheque. We really desire to serve Canadians on an everyday basis while working towards improving our great country for its citizens.
Another challenge of working in the Government of Canada is that it is a large bureaucracy. Everything takes a long time to be planned, reviewed and delegated. One needs a lot of patience to work in this environment on a daily basis.
What are the benefits of working with the Government of Canada?
A: I think that a great benefit of working with the Government of Canada is that there are lots of opportunities for development. Once you have obtained a position with the Government of Canada, the door opens to working in different jobs in various departments. This experience is almost exclusive to a career in the public sector.
Another benefit is the possibility of having a flexible work arrangement. It is not unusual to see telework, condensed work weeks, and income averaging used to balance work and personal life.
Our health and dental plans are also good as well. I would say comparable to those in the private sector.