Government job vs Private job : Why I switched from the former to the latter

In India, government jobs are the most sought after jobs and rightfully so, as they come with
job security, medical support and plethora of other benefits, not to mention the respect and
adoration in society. However, having worked 3 years in a government PSU, the cons weighed
heavier to me than the pros which prompted me to quit my job and switch to a job in private
sector.
Lets go through some of the reasons that led me to make this decision :

1. Low Salary – My salary was somewhat less than my peers working in private sector. The
difference in salary is usually not that big in initial positions but over time it can be huge.
While a GM in this PSU makes a meagre 1.5 lakh salary monthly, at a private company
sky is the limit. I simply didn’t want to end up as the guy earning the least money in my
friends group just for the sake of a prestigious job

2. Job postings – In a government job, you have no say over where you are posted and the
moment a transfer order is issued you have to pack your bags and get going. Personally,
this is the greatest deal breaker for me. I am very particular about where I want to live.
Fortunately, my job posting was in Bangalore, a city I am really comfortable living in and
didnt have to face a transfer order before I quit.

3. Flexibility – Flexibility is something which I would rate highest in my needs be it in life

or in a job. What I mean by flexibility is doing things the way I want. For example, what if
I want to take some time out from the regular job, say for a period of 2 years, to be able
to focus on a personal project or some entrepreneurial venture. Can I do that in a
government job? For most, it’s a no. While in most government jobs, the work pressure
is rather low, but you still have to go sit in the office even if you do nothing there. The
only way you will be able to take such a long vacation is in cases of medical problem. I
really enjoy the flexibility that I get in a private job. I decide which city I want to live in,
which people I want to work it, what kind of work I want to do and the moment I feel I
don’t like working here anymore I can just quit without too much of a problem. I am in-
fact planning to take a year-long vacation to delve into projects that I feel passionate
about at my own pace. And though in a government job you might somehow manage to
get that 1 year vacation, it can seriously affect your chances of promotions in that
company since in government jobs, promotions require minimum level of attendance to
be maintained.