Is a government pension worth wasting your 30s in likely dead-end role?
I work for the State Government as a IT Technician. I am in my 30s. I have been here for 7 years and only making $65k. I have my Security+, A+ AZ-900 and working on AZ-104. I know I am behind in my career. For the last few years, I have valued the stability and familiarity of working in the public sector. With the current economy, I felt that it made more sense to stay put.
Although I rarely work on admin duties, my role is more limited to help desk duties because of management change. I have worked on advanced tasks in the past, but new management has mostly limited me to desktop support because of the “importance of customer service”. I tried speaking with our Senior Manager & Director, a couple of times about advancement, but was told that budget was issue.
Recently, a tenured colleague (I’ll call him James) left. Before he left, he encouraged me to apply for his role when a posting becomes available. I spoke with our HR Director causally, and she urged me to advocate for myself. When I spoke to James’ manager (David) about the vacant role, he told me that he doesn’t think they will replace him. David also heard a rumor that our Director would bring on one of his buddies if an opening was approved.
I recently spoke with David (James’ old manager). I told him about my certs and goals and he appreciated it. He doesn’t have much longer until retirement, and believes that they’ll ride it out with him solo and figure it out later. David told me that he wants me to shadow and help with some of his smaller tasks for experience, but he’s afraid my manager will block it. He told me to apply if something becomes available. At the same time, he’s says I’m young, and should see what’s out there.
My team members are in their mid to late 50’s and are unhappy, but complacent here. They tell me I’m close to the 10 year mark to get vested, and should stay. I do not want to end up like them.
Could you please offer any career advice on my next steps. Ideally, I would like to stay public to keep my tenure, but is it even worth it at this point? Thanks for reading.