"One can be late in joining civil service but not public service." Discuss the meaning of this statement.

One can be late joining civil service refers to one can be late seeking office or a governmental position.  These things take time to achieve, and one needs the backing of one's peers in order to be elected.  One can toil for years and not have one's work valued enough for a governmental position.  Many prominent politicians arrived late to government work, among the most prominent was Ronald Reagan.  

Public service is quite different,...

One can be late joining civil service refers to one can be late seeking office or a governmental position.  These things take time to achieve, and one needs the backing of one's peers in order to be elected.  One can toil for years and not have one's work valued enough for a governmental position.  Many prominent politicians arrived late to government work, among the most prominent was Ronald Reagan.  

Public service is quite different, as by definition it means serving the public.  One does not have to be elected to do it; rather, anyone can do it.  Voting is one way to serve the public, as it makes you an active member of the body politic.  Serving on juries is another example, as it is your duty as a citizen to do so if you are able.  Paying taxes is another way to serve the public, as well as volunteering in one's community.