Most economies are divided into two means of employment: public and private sectors. Jobs in the private sector can include any type of job that is not directly involved with the government. There are many different types of private sector jobs, since anything from venture capitalism to restaurant work may be included in this category.
Many jobs in the private sector deal with the movement and trade of goods. Since many governments prefer to run free market systems, businesses that deal with financial and monetary transactions are usually run by private citizens, rather than dictated by the government. Retail stores, supermarkets, and restaurants all provide millions of jobs in the private sectors of large economies. Additionally, jobs in these institutions run all the way up from the kid at the check-out counter to the Chief Executive Officer of the entire franchise; as long as the business is essentially owned and operated by private citizens, it is considered to be a provider of private sector jobs.
Businesses that provide certain public services are also considered private sector employers. This may include car repair shops, house painters, beauty salons, or even after school tutoring by non-school employees. Private sector jobs that provide services are sometimes easily confused with public sector services, such as fire departments, law enforcement, or public schools. Generally, private sector service providers charge the customer directly for services, while public sector service providers receive their funding from the government and do not charge citizens for service.
Areas that allow private or parochial schooling are generally permitting private sector alternatives to public sector schools. Since these schools are essentially businesses rather than public institutions, they may have very different educational standards, as well as uniquely structured hiring practices. Some private schools, for instance, will hire vocational teachers, such as music or drama teachers, based on skills and experience rather than a teaching credential. Educational jobs in the private sector can be a good way to gain teacher training while still working on a teaching credential.
Not all jobs in the private sector are for-profit enterprises. Many privately owned charities and foundations can apply for non-profit status as long as their operations meet applicable standards. Private sector organizations that focus on social change, environmental awareness, community improvement, or charity efforts can do fantastic work for the public. Funded by donors and owners as opposed to the government, privately owned non-profits are not subject to the changing whims of political powers and can continue to do their work regardless of changes in governmental administration.