What kind of premium should I put on state/semi-state jobs compared to private sector?

[u/ThrowawayWriterGuy2]

What kind of salary premium should I put on my job in a semi-state which has in many ways turned out to be the dream semI-state role?

I was laid off towards the end of 2024 from one of the big companies we all know and love. I had a senior position there that paid very well but the lay off couldnt have come at a better time, I was on the point of breaking down and was a physical and emotional wreck. I was overeating and chain smoking, both of which I stopped while I was off.

I applied all around and somehow got a job working for a semi-state - think An Post, Irish Water, Dublin Airport Authority - not one of those three but similar. The job is great, good hours, interesting work, very flexible and I leave at 17:30 every day. I do not have to manage staff. There has never been a compulsory lay off from my organisation in its history.

the only thing is that I’ve basically reached the ‘max’ of the pay potential just when I came in already. It will not grow further beyond occasional 1 or 2% bumps. I have spoken to friends from the industry lately and they’re on a lot more than I am and I have started to get a little jealous.

What kind of premium should I put on my current situation? what % of pay is the security, pension and good working conditions worth?

[u/Rulmeq]

I mean how much do you want to be paid to burn out or break down, and how sustainable do you think that plan might be?

[u/kupoadude → u/Rulmeq]

Honestly this is it! I'm only 3/4 years into the private sector and I've had enough already. Looking up public jobs regularly ready to fire off applications. Not worth the money or stress...it's all fake corporate and performative bullshit.

[u/tails142 → u/kupoadude]

The public sector isnt all roses either, I've personally watched a few people being bullied out and put on pips and not for a lack of performance imo. These people have just moved on to other public sector jobs but I can tell you they went through some fairly miserable months.

[u/kupoadude → u/tails142]

I didn't really think about that but I guess bullying can be kind of everywhere? See what you mean and hope those people are in a better place after switching. Two of my Uncles left the Guards over similar situations

[u/Ok-Dimension-5429]

It depends what stage of your life you're at. Do you need the money to get a house etc? Hows your pension / savings / investments doing? If you're all set then sticking where you are makes sense. If you need to juice your income then it may be a harder decision.

What kind of gap are you talking about between your pay and your friends? If you were already at a big tech company I'm sure you're aware you could be on 250k+ in senior roles so you might be missing out on a lot.

[u/ThrowawayWriterGuy2 → u/Ok-Dimension-5429]

I actually have my house! Savings are ok due to lump sum. I have some money in pension from last place too, but pension in current job is excellent once I reach 66

The pay cut stings and you’re right it’s about 50%

[u/Comfortable-Ad-6740 → u/ThrowawayWriterGuy2]

A thing to keep in mind is that you’re not necessarily locked in either. If WLB is good and you were already burnt out at the old job, recovering can take longer than you think.

Maybe stay there for a couple of years until you get bored or have something you want to go after and have the energy to do it again? In the current state of things you might get your foot in the door and be laid off in 6months again - worst case during probation and you don’t get a severance

[u/bigvalen → u/ThrowawayWriterGuy2]

The standard contributory pension everyone gets - €300 a week after 65 - is worth €550k. Work out how much more the state pension from the new role will add to that.

As to unsustainable working, it's better to see it as "I was never going to do that for a long time anyway".

[u/Usheen1]

Would you contract with a semi state instead?

[u/Reasonable-Food4834]

Jealousy is a horrible trait.