I’m at that point in my life that I have to decide where to work, what field to go into, and whom to work for.
I hadn’t actually planned on dealing with these questions for a while. However, I have a number of “job offers” which require categorical answers of either yes or no soon, if just for politeness or propriety’s sake.
There are basically 2 options on the table: work for the government (i.e. public office) or work for a law firm.
Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.
Government work means a relatively manageable workload, a little less work pressure than law firm work (although the amount of pressure would depend on which government agency or person you work for), reasonable hours, and a certain amount of prestige depending on the office you work in.
Government work can also offer more educational opportunities either abroad or in the country, such as scholarships or educational grants. One friend of mine just came from a study-tour of Japan to observe that country’s legal system. That study-tour was open only to government workers and was not available for the private sector.
The disadvantage of government work however is that you don’t gain the killer edge that law firms seem to hand out to new lawyers. Since government work has stable working hours and is relatively simple, it is easy to get complacent if your own ambition doesn’t push you forward.
You also have a much lower salary than anyone lawyering in the private sector would get. You also have to deal with a stagnated bureaucracy, hurdle redtape and suffer rules which can sometimes stifle creativity. Government is often the last place that encourages creativity (as a general rule).
Law firm work on the other hand, is often a pressure filled timebomb, especially for the first few years as an associate. As the lowest man on the totem pole in a firm, nearly all the grunt work will be piled on the newbie lawyer or underbar (someone who is waiting for the Bar results).
This means very long hours and very stressed out lawyers.
Law firm work can be rewarding though. It offers more opportunities to gain knowledge and experience in the legal profession. You tend to learn more and do more.
But the biggest and most obvious upside of law firm work is the money.
Like in the movie Jerry Maguire, most new lawyers would say “show me the money,” and work for the firm which offers the highest salary and the best benefits.
I know a number of lawyers who have dealt with similar dilemmas, and they have all dealt with it differently.
Atty. Kris Ablan, for example, worked in both the public and private sector. He did stints in the Office of the Solicitor- General (OSG) and at a law firm before running for public office and winning a seat in his Province’s Provincial Board.
Atty. Ronald Chua received job offers from several large law firms, but turned them down to work in the Office of the Ombudsman. He also teaches in the Ateneo School of Law now.
Different strokes for different folks, as the cliché goes.
I still haven’t decided where I will ultimately go. But whatever decision I make, it will be made together with my dreamgirl. After all, I have chosen to balance both career and love (or at least try!).
And I really wouldn’t have it any other way.
Well both the fields are good at its place
so just cant say anything ..
Anyways wish you all the
best on whatever you choose
the most important thing to recognize is you have a choice, even after you made your choice.
That said, what I mean that it does not necessarily mean govrnment work is relaxing, or private practice stressful. You still can continue to have a choice – everyday.
Government service was really my intended career path, but I didn’t want to regret not to have worked in a makati law firm. So, I tried it out. I worked in a law firm for one year.
And I was correct. I didn’t like that lifestyle. I didn’t enjoy what I was doing. And so I got out.
I’m not telling you what to do. I’m just popping a suggestion. If you’re not sure, why not try one first. Then if you’re unhappy, like me, then do the other.
Good luck, Kelvin!
And advance Best Wishes!
hey, it’s been a while since I’ve visited your site…
I think you’ve pretty much spotted the differences in work environments. I had the same type of choice when I began working as a forest/industry consultant. I think working for a private firm would be a better, not to mention more exciting place to start – but of course may be harder to get a job in one (?)…
If I were working for the govt. I’d have a well defined job with a position to stick to. Working in the private sector I have the flexibility to define myself, work on my own niche, and experience variety – which comes with it’s own certain stress. Maybe many years down the road I’ll sit in on a govt job and see how I feel…
p.s – (I used to be variableinterest, but have since started this new project)…
see you ’round!
Hi everyone, thanks for commenting.
Seems like each person has his own point of view on the topic. Thank you, you’ve enriched this blogpost greatly.
Kris- yep you’re right, I am actually planning to do one thing first and see where it goes, before eventually heading off to the other a later on. How long I will stick in one sector remains t o be seen however haha.
torbjornrive- hey good to see you are back! I didnt realize you already started a new blog. Kudos. AM wondering though, with regard to our topic, if you have ever regretted working as a forest consultant, and reconsidered trying out another path of work? Just wondering.
Sir Wilson – You’re right, we do have a choice everyday, and for that i am always grateful that we have such freedom!
Kenneth- thanks for the comment!
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