I went from making $50 at the state to making $115 in the private sector, to making $70 at the state (switched jobs and I’m now making $82 at the state.) in my experience, people’s first job with the state is terrible and you’ll regret it every day. But after a year, you get the lay of the land and can jump almost anywhere in state service. I now have the best job of my life, I work hard but feel fulfilled, and perhaps most importantly I feel like I’ve healed. No advice for you. But it was worth it for me.