verging_on_random

Sucking on the public teat

As somebody employed in the public sector I always get a laugh from the numerous blog comments that tell public servants to get off their lazy arses and find a proper job or words to that effect. Having spent most of my career in the private sector I can assure anyone who’s interested that I now work much longer hours as an academic than I ever did in the construction industry, and for about half the money (not even adjusting for inflation).

Today being Sunday I’ve written an exam paper and marked 10 assignments. I have another 6 assignments to finish before I can relax. Oh, except that I have to review some materials for a new course after dinner tonight, because I won’t get a chance during the week.

I’m not looking for sympathy, I chose this profession and it has plenty of non-material rewards. I do however get a bit snarky at this persistent myth that people in the public sector have it easy compared to all the sons of toil with real jobs in private industry.