Eeny Meeny Miny Moe: Public vs. Private Employment

Today the New York Times reported on the recent spike in applicants to the New York City Police Department. The cast offs from a shrinking private sector are trying to get their foot into the shrinking public sector. Unfortunately, due to municipal budget constraints, the NYPD is currently trying to shrink through attrition and they are hiring very few new recruits. But, the prospect of a job with a starting salary in the low forties that can pay in the nineties after five years and still carries a pension after 20 years of service looks very good when you are coming from the private sector.

A steady paycheck and job security are very enticing especially when you have been slapped around by layoffs and a diminishing paycheck. Even I am warming up to the prospect of working in the public sector. My only concern is the shrinking tax revenues and the fact that little has been done here in NY to curb spending in the public sector. Those budget cuts are inevitable but continue to be delayed through budgetary sleight of hand or the leveling of new fees and indirect taxes.

Despite the economic reality, it is political suicide in NY for politicians to push for budget cuts that involve cutting personnel; the unions do not take kindly to these types of suggestions. But, I think the economics will eventually trump the protection enjoyed by public sector workers and the new hires will suffer the brunt of any cutbanks. I fear that will be my fate should I be fortunate to get on board but right now employment in the private sector offers nothing but uncertainty as well. Eeny meeny miny moe.