re: Private Sector vs state employment

Some really good detailed summations in this thread!

Govt offers stability and a pension, but little career control and miles of red tape. There are the fiefdoms as mentioned, especially in education. If you get on the wrong side of a political appointee, they usually can't fire you, but the can make your life miserable in the extreme...with the idea you will leave on your own.

I know a bridge engineer with a lifetime career-long stream of amazing achievements, that got a new appointed boss late in his career. His last few years were extremely tough; he loved what he did, but was trapped and absolutely miserable at the end of a formerly distinguished career.