Because back in my home country, government salaries are abysmal. Yes the pension is great, but you’ll basically be living on a low salary your entire life. A career in tech paid more than double (sometimes triple) and you can invest for your retirement another way to supplement your social security benefits. It was basically advice from someone who worked in government his entire life where tech careers didn’t even exist, a job in government was your best option, and tenure was more valued.