To consider leaving the Civil Service?

[Softshock]

Well I have an upcoming interview, but if I don't get this one, then maybe will consider it.
I know people will say I'm stupid for wanting to leave and that I don't know how lucky I am and so on.
I'm an AO and earn less than 25k, I'm mid 30s, for a single adult living alone it's really not a lot to afford housing costs and so on.
I do overtime every week to earn more but they expect higher stats for it, and after tax it's not a significant difference.
I do really like the WFH and the pension is very good, but i just don't feel happy there anymore.

Besides there's only one person I'm close to, I have tried to make friends, invite people to things and bring in cakes etc. But whilst everyone's nice, I can tell they aren't overly interested in me.

The work they expect for an AO role is ridiculous, I was previously in an AA role and the jump is incredible. They're also now taking EO level decisions and allowing AOs to approve them.

I'd like something nearer 30,000, and I'm just ready to move on. I've only been there just under a year so hardly any time.
As I say I may do well in this interview and leave in a few months, I've already been rejected from 4 so far though. Has anybody left and not regretted it?

We're bound by stats, and I've honestly hardly seen our EO line managers do anything, 2 of them just talk all day (not saying they're all like this)

Apply for promotion?

Also, what qualifications do you have?

I have a languages degree and a PGCE, hopefully I'll get this promotion I've applied for, been rejected for the last 4.

What’s an AO and an AA? What are you doing exactly?

What would you do instead?

£25k is not far off minimum wage now.

It’s fairly easy to work your way up the chain if you put the work in. Some departments are very stats orientated but in all honesty with job cuts coming that’s likely to get worse. I started at an EO 20 odd years ago now and worked my way up, I’d never leave as I think there’s enough variety to move departments and I’m quite happy with my salary and pension. You’re a lot younger than me, so leave if you’re not feeling it. You might regret it, but you never know

Good luck! What grade have you applied for?

Im surprised you have a degree and postgrad and are only working at AO level. Come on, you can do better!

Don't know really, but if you were working full time on minimum wage wouldn't you be getting £21k?

Seems a bit low, what would happen if you asked for a pay rise?

(I expect they would highlight their pension as part of the benefits).

What are you doing exactly?

I left the civil service when I was made redundant on my second maternity leave. I was so glad to leave, I hated the culture and my dept was full of people doing nothing, wasting public money.

That said, when my H and I separated and I checked my pensions my 8 years in the civil service has made the difference between poverty and a standard of living in my old age.

@Zanatdy what grade are you currently and are you going further? Claiming is addictive!

AA is admin assistant, the lowest grade, AO is admin officer, the next grade up.
AA salary is definitely minimum wage now.
I am a caseworker.
We've been told there's a recruitment freeze here due to budget cuts.

That should say CLIMBING is addictive

I've been a civil servant for 20 years and love it. But I started at EO and gradually moved up to Grade 7 where the salary much higher. Yes I could earn more in the private sector but I love my job and the flexibility of working part time while kids are small.

I can't imagine surviving on an AO salary, and if you're hard working you could definitely earn more and have a great time in an interesting role in the private sector.

So go for it. You're too young to stay for the pensions - just make sure you still contribute to a private pension and you'll be fine.

I'm a Civil Service G7 and I would leaving a heartbeat if I wasn't TTC, despite the fact I know I'd have to work harder and for longer hours in the private sector.

I'd say go for it and get yourself a new job. Yes, you won't have the same job security and pension, but morale is terrible and it just drains you working in such a negative place. Doubt there will be a good payrise anytime soon, and if you can get 30k outside and keep climbing your career ladder you'll be able to build a good pension anyway. Lots of jobs offer WFH now.

Good luck!

@Rumplestrumpet Grade 7 is comfortable coin but Grade 6 is easier work (and even more comfortable). But you didn’t hear that from me.

Thank you. The pension is definitely a massive risk if I leave, unless I can find something anywhere near as good.
My teammates are largely under 25, living at home and paying some keep, or married with dual income (though they have children which I don't)
I think it's because I'm just lonely here too. It was great last year in terms of friends there but it's not the same anymore.

You're right, I just saw it as a way to get into the CS at the time.

What department are you in? Are you interviewing outside of your department?

What feedback are you getting for your interviews? Are you getting reserve list places?

Have a look at some HEO roles cross government, no need to stay at AO or AA!

If you do decide to stay, and this vacancy you've applied for doesn't pan out (although I very much hope it does) in my department, because of the recruitment freeze, there are still opportunities for Temporary Promotion which are likely to be enduring for some time. Also don't feel you can only look at EO roles. HEO could also be an option.

That said, there is definitely life (and better pay) outside the CS!

Wishing you all the luck.

Don't want to say just in case, but I'm interviewing in another department .

I had 4 applications rejected without making it to interview, I thought I had met all the criteria and outlined my skills in my PS but apparently not.

I just got rejected for a HEO role and only scored a 1 for my personal statement.

My DH left the civil service 2 years ago. He was a grade 6 and had been in civil service for 12 years. In his opinion (and I agreed, having been with him the entire time) that the pay was pretty poor and promotions and movement were way too difficult). He’s on 25% more now and will have another 15% raise this summer. He’s much happier.

By best friend also left the civil service last year for teaching consultancy.

@HebburnPokemon ha it's actually a sore point as my job has been assessed as G6 but there's no money to pay me more so they won't regrade it! I do work hard but honestly am lucky to be surrounded by amazing bright people making a difference so it is worth it.

OP don't hold back or even wait for an EO role, there are fresh grads going into HEO roles, just go for it

That's good to hear!
I've seen a tutoring role for £30 an hour. I'm doing a mortgage application ATM and I need to stay until I've got something official, as it'll be harder if I move jobs during it, but hopefully after.

Do you have a mentor or someone who will help review your applications? There's no reason you can't go for an HEO role as a graduate.

morale is terrible and it just drains you working in such a negative place

Ouch. Which Department are you in? Does it have a W in the acronym?

I'm a HEO in the Civil Service and the 60% attendance and poor pay has pushed me out.

My department had tonnes of opportunities to progress from AO to HEO but thats where it stopped. We have a big aging workforce, so it 5-10 years they'll be opportunities but I can't wait that long.

Happily off to the another public sector next month.