Exploring the Pros and Cons of Public Utilities Careers
Public utilities careers have their advantages and disadvantages when compared to some of the other career paths on the market. To understand if a public utilities career is right for you, it’s helpful to look at the pros and cons of this field.
Pros of a Public Utilities Career
A public utilities career can offer a number of positives including the following:
- Rewarding Work: Working in public utilities helps to provide essential services to the community. This can be incredibly rewarding for those who find satisfaction knowing that their work is contributing to the greater good.
- Stable Salary: Most public utilities jobs offer solid wages and potential for salary increases. Public utilities jobs also typically have benefits packages that may include vacation time, pension contributions, and health insurance.
- Job Security: Due to the nature of the work and its importance in keeping the lights on and the community running, public utilities careers also offer great job stability and job security.
Cons of a Public Utilities Career
As with any profession, public utilities also has its drawbacks, including the following:
- Lack of Flexibility: Working in public utilities often requires specific hours and a role that requires you to be onsite in a specific location. If you’re looking for a career with more flexibility, this may not be the right fit for you.
- Technical Skills: Public utilities work often requires a deep understanding of specific equipment and technical processes. If you’re not comfortable working with equipment or don’t have an affinity for learning it, this is something you should consider before making a decision.
- Long Hours: Depending on the specific role you have, your hours may be longer than normal or you may have to response to call outs. Those who feel connected to the importance of the service may find this rewarding, but for some, it could be a deterrent.
Overall, public utilities careers can be incredibly rewarding if you are looking for a field that is reliable and considerably stable. If, however, you’re looking for more flexibility or want a job where you can be home most nights and not worry about callouts, this may not be the best choice for you. Weighing the pros and cons of a public utilities career will help you decide if public utility work is the right fit for you.
