I’m 28 in the US about to start a public service job that offers a direct benefit(pension) and direction contribution plan(matching %). I’m leaning towards the contribution plan as who knows where I will want to be in 20 years and I have a skill set that would make it easy to get a private sector job. My only hang up is that I need to select a % to contribute each month and I’m stuck with that % forever. Some background info:

Starting pay 29/hr or 62k annually and will top out at 39/hr or 81k with potential for more with promotions and supervisory positions.

Pension plan- 25 years for full return based on the average of your high 5 years. Max potential yearly benefit is 75k and they say the average beneficiary collects 1600 per month. The thought of a stable check is nice but after my 10 year run for loan forgiveness that leaves 15 years and a lot of change can happen in that time

Contribution plan- 5% match and I’m able to select my own funds through the plan provider. I have a Roth IRA I plan to max every year as I started last year. There is also an option to elect a HDHP which would allow me to have an HSA but I’ve always liked the consistency of a PPO plan. I know an HSA plan can be a good investment tool.

Thoughts?