When you are thinking of choosing a new career field, you will likely have many questions. If you are debating on becoming a public servant, you may wonder if you can also own a company at the same time. This is an extremely valid question, especially if you already own a business or have dreamed of owning your own business. We have the answer and all of the details you need to know for your new career as a public servant.
Public servants can own a company in most states. The answer may vary depending on where you live. However, many states will have guidelines and rules on what type of business you can own and regulations your business may need to meet. For example, the majority of states have a rule that the company you own can’t compete with the government agency you work for.
Reasons to Own a Company as a Public Servant
The reasons to own your own company only continue to increase over the years with the wide popularity of side businesses. Not only does owning a business bring in additional finances, but it also lets you explore different passions outside of your regular career.
The biggest reason public servants choose to start a company of their own is for the financial assistance it can provide their families. When you own your own company, you have a lot more control over how much income you bring in. The income might be low as you get started, but it will only increase over time. Your business can start with helping pay a bill or two. Then it can grow to help you cover a large portion of your financial obligations.
The second biggest reason public servants choose to start a company is the flexibility it provides. When you own your company, you are often the one choosing the hours that you work in your company. This makes it easier to do this on the side, while you also work as a public servant. You can work at your company when you get off work or on your days off. However, your company will generally grow more quickly if you put more work into it.
Another main reason why public servants choose to start companies is to explore another passion they may have. When you work as a public servant, you likely have a large desire to help people and your community as much as you can. Starting a company allows you to help people in other ways. For example: If you started a health coaching business, you would be helping your community take control of their health and live healthier lives.
Regulations for Owning a Company as a Public Servant
Although you can own a company and work as a public servant in many states, most states will also have regulations that you need to follow in order to have both careers. The regulations will vary depending on the state you live in. Therefore, we do always recommend checking with your state first if you’re thinking of becoming a public servant and also currently own your own company.
The most common regulation that most states will require you to follow is ensuring that your own company does not compete or do direct business with the agency or department that you work in for the government. For example: If you are a police officer, many states would not allow you to also own a company that helps people come up with bail money to get out of jail.
Since starting your own company can be a very time-consuming venture, we always recommend checking with your own state’s regulations first. You do not want to put in a large amount of time starting a company and then find out that you won’t be able to serve as a public servant and also own your company at the same time.
Wondering if civil servants have free time? Check out this article: https://civilservicehq.com/do-firefighters-have-a-lot-of-free-time/
Common Types of Businesses to Operate
The possibilities for types of businesses you can own as a public servant are endless! If you are currently working as a public servant and you want to start your own business, we have a few great suggestions to help you get started.
Some of the most common or popular types of businesses for a public servant to own include health coaching, consulting, tax advisory, marketing, and business management, automotive repair, or cleaning companies.
The best part about the companies listed above is they generally allow you to easily pick your own schedule. Your hours can also start at a low amount for these businesses as well. This will make it easier when you are making time for your company outside of your career as a public servant. You can choose the hours when you’d like to focus on your company. You will be less likely to get burned out this way.
Another great part about these types of businesses is they are also less likely to interfere with your career as a public servant. The majority of these types of businesses do not compete or do much business at all with local government, which will help ensure that you are following all of your state’s regulations.
Tips for Working as a Public Servant While Owning a Company
Working as a public servant is a very demanding job all on its own. Careers like being a police officer or firefighter can be very demanding on your body and your time. Owning a company on top of that can feel extremely overwhelming. By implementing the following tips, it can become easier.
Our first tip for working as a public servant while owning a company is sticking to a schedule. When you are running a side business on top of a demanding career, your time is very limited. It is essential to create a schedule for all your responsibilities and make an effort to stick to your schedule as much as possible. This will help you prevent forgetting things that you need to get to.
The second tip is making sure that you leave time for yourself. We understand you can feel like there’s never enough time left to fully take care of yourself. However, your body is bound to get burned out quickly if you never take any time for yourself.
Our last tip for starting a company while working as a public servant is pick an industry that you are passionate about! When you are juggling a side business while working full time, you can easily become exhausted. If you own a company that you’re very passionate about, it will be a lot easier and more enjoyable to put in the extra effort when you’re off work. It gives you much more momentum to keep going!
Owning a company while working as a public servant can be an excellent way to secure more financial freedom for your family and enjoy another passion you have! However, it’s important to keep in mind that many states will have regulations you need to follow in order for owning a company while working as a public servant. By following our tips above, you’ll be able to do both successfully and enjoy two fulfilling and life-changing careers!
Related Questions
What are the different career fields to choose from as a public servant?
There are many ways you can work as a public servant. The biggest areas that public servants work in include education, health, public administration, and public safety. Some of the most common job titles for public servants include police officers, firefighters, teachers, principals, IRS investigators, correction officers, state troopers, and public health workers.
What are the benefits of choosing a career as a public servant?
There are a large number of benefits involved in working as a public servant! First, many of these careers provide excellent health and medical benefits, along with competitive salaries and paid time off. The specific benefits will vary depending on where you live.
Along with those benefits, you also get the benefit of knowing that you are making a difference in your community. Public servants are vital to every community! Without our public servants, our communities would not run as smoothly, and we would not be as safe!
Is a large amount of education required to work for the government?
The amount of education required to work for the government and be a public servant depends on the specific field that you’re going into. Many of the areas do not require large amounts of education. For example: If you want to become a police officer, you are only required to get two years of college education and then attend the Police Academy.
You do need to keep in mind that you will need more education if you want to advance your career in the government. For example: If you want to work in law enforcement on a federal level, you will need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. It is always recommended to get more education if you want to grow your career in public service.
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Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a legal expert to address your specific needs.
Hi! I’m Shawn Chun and I’m so grateful that you’re here.
Civil servants are some of the hardest working, most generous people I know. I have been passionate about all types of civil service career paths for years now and enjoy sharing everything I continue to learn about them.
Civil Service HQ strives to be the ultimate resource for learning everything about a career within the civil service.
Our mission is to empower you with information to help you decide which civil servant career path is best for you and to provide you with the tools needed to increase your chance of success in that career path.
