JonB

Sydney, Australia

Software manager and J2EE Architect

Having worked in both private and public sector positions, it has been refreshing returning to the public sector. I currently have a hands-on-role, managing the development of supply chain and study management software for clinical trials, and working co-operatively with public health clinicians to deliver something that hopefully benefits the public and allows more clinical trials to be conducted from the public funding available. Doing this work has felt more satisfying than any of the private sector work I have undertaken in the past seven years. Although past projects have no doubt benefited the business, there is a certain detachment from these achievements done for the good of the business - a faceless, inhuman quality that makes the achievements somehow less meaningful.

The public sector continues to explore ways of best leveraging new technology and this investment in Keynesian style, remains at the same pace. The private sector investment in new technology is more cyclical with highs and lows, although this low has persisted longer than many have expected or wished. The risk and reward for private sector tech jobs mirrors the risk barometer of business itself.

For some, it might be the security and the interesting projects of the public sector that draws IT personnel at this time, for others like me it is because you feel you are doing something worthwhile.