Best Careers 2009: Government Manager

Back to article

Village Manager

I am 32 with an MPA and an MUP and I run a Village of 7,000 people. The salary isn't worth the stress of making everyone happy, managing personnel, and the never ending night meetings. Sure, the flexibility is great, since night meetings happen (sometimes till 2 AM), I can take Fridays off or come in late to work, but doing so under the critical eye of the public always makes me feel guilty. As if taking Friday off after putting in 70 hours was somehow taking advantage of the system. Every day is differnt, but it definately feels like the grass is greener on the other side...

none of WI @ Nov 10, 2009 17:26:25 PM

Little work, corrupt politics, union power

I have heard about these 3 issues plaguing certain government jobs, especially town clerkships and such. Any comments?

LittleSue of NY @ Sep 29, 2009 15:19:53 PM

MPA and looking to move up

I have a MPA and a BBA..I have been in state govt for three years and looking to move up...There are good and bad issues with working in govt...for me low pay and lots of work, but you really do get to help and work with a lot of people. I enjoy making a difference in the lives of others. Which is very rewarding but at the same time i need to be abled to live above paycheck to paycheck.

Its hard to help others when you are stressed at work and your own families well being.

Bosslady of GA @ Sep 19, 2009 23:26:51 PM

Government and Corporate Jobs

I've worked for both sides and all I can say is that there's some differences, but if I had been given the chance to serve more years to the public sector I would have continue to do so, but unfortunately, my contract has ended and really love the job I was doing, the stability, all the benefits and holidays that the state government has to offer. In the corporate world I've learned the importance and the real deal of work ethics, integrity and that there's more to it than meets the eye.

Bernie of HI @ Aug 28, 2009 15:57:03 PM

Ysqlnyhx

aDROze

Ysqlnyhx of NM @ Jul 13, 2009 17:42:12 PM

Local Government

For govt. jobs, you cannot beat the local level, especially in the management area. Sure, the Feds are gonna be hiring, will not outsource, baby boomers are retiring, blah, blah. But the same goes for the local level. City and county managers make good money ($70-$100+ doq) and hire people to do most of the work. For example, I am getting my MPA right now, from a reputable school, and am interning for a city manager in a nearby small town (pop. 3500). He makes $90,000+ a year, has a city car, excellent benefits and can take off basically whenever he wants. That, my friends, is where it's at. Find yourself a nice little town, schmooze it with the city council and manage the hell outta the place.

Rob of GA @ Jun 26, 2009 13:37:47 PM

Public vs Private

I am a new citizen of US. I am a scientist and a program manager having executed scientific programs and conducted lab-research for over 15+ years in the private sector profit/non-profit. I do believe wherever you are you should work hard and you will get rewards for your efforts. I have been downsized out of my job several times due to "re-structurings" with several others in the row, despite working 50hrs/week, giving up vacation time etc.

In public sector jobs are relatively stable. Now, I have started looking for public jobs. I still believe that a public career is much more rewarding than a private career, in terms of stability and work-life balance. If I had the option, I would have joined the Feds long ago....

lostinMA of MA @ Jun 24, 2009 10:56:23 AM

Public vs Private

I am a new citizen of US. I am a scientist and a program manager having executed scientific programs and conducted lab-research for over 15+ years in the private sector profit/non-profit. I do believe wherever you are you should work hard and you will get rewards for your efforts. I have been downsized out of my job several times due to "re-structurings" with several others in the row, despite working 50hrs/week, giving up vacation time etc.

In public sector jobs are relatively stable. Now, I have started looking for public jobs. I still believe that a public career is much more rewarding than a private career, in terms of stability and work-life balance. If I had the option, I would have joined the Feds long ago....

lostinMA of MA @ Jun 24, 2009 10:51:32 AM

zup

nice Bob, Nice Bob!!!!!!!

I wanna b a firefighter

jose of CA @ Jun 05, 2009 14:56:28 PM

clinical therapist

i cannot believe the clinical therapist careers are being deleted, what abaout those soldiers who need mental help after coming from the war. and here school students college students who need help to control anger, and are commiting suicide? I think deleting clinical therapist is wrong.? we need more therapist to help people....

carito of NC @ May 16, 2009 23:50:29 PM

Back to article

Add Your Thoughts
About You

U.S. News Rankings & Research

Best Places

Search for the perfect place for you and your family.

Best Careers

Careers that offer strong outlooks and high job satisfaction.

Car Rankings & Reviews

Make an informed choice when shopping for your next car.

advertisement

Slide Shows

The 10 Best Places to Find a Tech Job

IT service jobs—in engineering and in software services—have fared well in this economy.

advertisement

Subscribe

U.S. News Digital Weekly

A weekly insider's guide to politics and policy — in a multimedia, digital format. 52 issues for $19.95!

U.S. News & World Report

6 months of U.S. News & World Report's print edition for only $15. Save up to 67% off the cover price!