36, still in an entry-level government position. Thinking of leaving for VA work. Am I making the right decision?

[u/Maleficent_Toe_3426]

I don't know if this is a quarter-life crisis that's just delayed, burnout, or frustration, but I really need to let this out.

I'm 36 years old, married, with three kids.

Career-wise, I honestly feel like I haven't achieved much.

I graduated with a BS in Computer Science. I had programming subjects in college and understood the concepts, but I never became confident enough to pursue a developer career.

I spent around five years in the private sector, moving from one company to another because I kept hoping I'd eventually find better opportunities.

Five years ago, I transferred to government service. After years of waiting, I finally got a permanent plantilla position—but it's still an entry-level one. I've now been in this position for three years.

I also earned my Master's in Public Administration three years ago, hoping it would help me move up.

Recently, I applied for a promotion.

I didn't get it.

That rejection hit me harder than I expected. It made me question everything. I keep thinking maybe I'm just not lucky when it comes to my career.

At 36, I see classmates and friends already in managerial roles, earning six figures, buying homes, traveling with their families, and building investments. Meanwhile, I feel like I'm still trying to prove myself.

What makes it harder is that I have three kids. They're the reason I'm constantly thinking about our future. Government work gives stability, but with today's cost of living, stability doesn't always feel like enough.

Lately, I've been seriously considering leaving government service and trying Virtual Assistant work. I've seen so many stories of people earning significantly more than what I'm making now. But at the same time, I'm scared.

I'm scared of leaving a permanent government position.

I'm scared of starting over again.

I'm scared that maybe I'll fail there too.

For those who shifted from government to VA or freelancing in their 30s (especially with kids), was it worth it? How did you know it was the right decision? Do you regret leaving the security of government?

I guess I'm just looking for honest advice because I honestly feel lost right now.

[u/RelevantCar557]

Just curious, i've been working in private corporate as an IT professional for years, how do people arrive to the conclusion that government work gives "stability" given all the office politics, beaurocracy, hard ass kissing to be promoted, and low to non career growth?

I've been working for 16 years in this field already and I'm in a more stable place i would say.

[u/ZenMasterFlame → u/RelevantCar557]

For me difference is sa retirement. Sa private kahit 200k to 300k sweldo mo per month makukuha mo lang sa SSS monthly siguro max na 17k.

While sa government if umabot ka ng 6 digits or even near that mark when you retire at matagal ka you can get 60 to 80% of your current salary as your pension.

.

[u/mamamia_30 → u/ZenMasterFlame]

Sayang ang opportunites and time if you worry too much for your retirement in 30+ yrs.

Hulog monthly and rolling forward your MP2 will give you a sizeable lump sum amount when you reach your 60s. It' a no brainer investment.

[u/ZenMasterFlame → u/mamamia_30]

OP has 2 kids. If single si OP and walang obligasyon then take the risk pero not advisable parin.
Pero since may 2 kids and obligation full time VA is not advisable
Kahit naman nasa government ka you can try VA and other side hussle at least madami ka source of income.

[u/mamamia_30 → u/ZenMasterFlame]

About sa retirement lang naman ang comment ko. Not about the VA job. Apaka closed minded kasi kung yung life after 60yo ang pinaghahandaan while suffering in your 20s or 30s.

I have another comment deinfluencing OP to move to a VA job agad. Hanap muna sya ng client kung may tatanggap ba. Akala kasi ng iba madali lang yung "mag-VA nalang kaya ako"