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AIBU?

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Original poster

To wonder why the Civil Service is so worshipped?

182 replies

Babysonfire12345 · 19/01/2025 17:15

I definitely understand that the pension is one of the best out there.
However, flexi is offered elsewhere, WFH is offered elsewhere. I can't think of a single other benefit.
It's not even necessarily a 'job for life', there are redundancies. Pay is really low for AO-HEO grades for what is expected.
I don't see the appeal of it except for the pension, what am I missing?

OP posts:
Bells3032 · 19/01/2025 17:28

I like being a civil servant but it does have it's awful moments especially in the last few years. it's hard when the people you're working for are constantly bad mouthing you to the press. Saying that there are a lot of opportunities.

I know tonnes of teachers dying to get into the civil service. i've helped four of them secure jobs with feedback on applications and interview practice. all four went back to teaching within two years! maybe a coincidence but think its a case of the grass is always greener

Coldanddamp · 19/01/2025 17:27

Things may have changed but when my friend went into yrs ago she had the amazing pension, annual increments, annual pay rises, great maternity package, maternity return bonus, flexi time, could reduce her hours without it affecting career progression & a very good work/life balance. The rest of us in the private sector were pretty amazed! But I think things have evened up a bit.

mynameiscalypso · 19/01/2025 17:26

I work with a lot of civil servants- they generally enjoy their jobs, find it intellectually stimulating, are quite often interested in politics generally and feel like they're doing valuable work.

Zanatdy · 19/01/2025 17:24

I personally love being a civil servant, I guess public service is where i’m at and I have very rewarding career. It’s not for everyone.

CoffeeCakeAndALattePlease · 19/01/2025 17:24

AquaPeer · 19/01/2025 17:23

I’ve literally never heard of anyone worshipping the civil service. IME people think it’s somewhere you go and work when you can’t work anywhere better 😂😭 like a local authority. Def not an employer of choice.

The work boards on here are full of people trying to get into the civil service!

AquaPeer · 19/01/2025 17:23

I’ve literally never heard of anyone worshipping the civil service. IME people think it’s somewhere you go and work when you can’t work anywhere better 😂😭 like a local authority. Def not an employer of choice.

CoffeeCakeAndALattePlease · 19/01/2025 17:21

I guess it varies from department to department but opportunities for development and training, scope for moving sideways as well as up, pretty high job security.

DS has gone from AA through the grades and is currently a G6. He’s done loads of really interesting training including a fully funded MA, various qualifications that are transferable. And yes, good pension etc. and his salary is decent (not great, but not terrible).