Working in government today – whether a furloughed government employee or a ‘Snow’-storm-burdened defense contractor – is a bit discouraging. Surrounded by negativity, you may be asking yourself, ‘why did I sign up for this, anyway?’ If the private sector is suddenly looking more alluring and you’re considering fleeing your government digs for a spin in the commercial sector, take heart. You DO have an important job, and there are great things about working in the defense industry.
1. Your boss is Uncle Sam.
Seriously. Only a select-group of people can say they go to work for the red, white and blue each day. The fact is – your job loves America more than most, and there should be a sense of pride and patriotism that goes along with that.
2. You’ll never be in a more mission-oriented position.
Working for the government is always imbibed with a sense of purpose you don’t find in most places of employment. Government work isn’t without its frustrations, and in some positions, it may be difficult to see the mission amid the stovepipes. But trust me, it’s there. You’re an important part of the big picture, and you play a role in keeping our government running.
3. No one else can do your job.
Try a spin in the commercial sector and you’ll quickly get the vibe of just how replaceable you are. If you work in government, and particularly if you have a high-level security clearance or work within the intelligence and defense community, you ARE a beautiful and unique snowflake, my friend. Someone might be able to take a spin in your shoes, but will they possess your unique blend of skills, institutional knowledge and experience? Hardly.
4. You’ve got sweet benefits.
Because there has to be something practical and pragmatic on the list, it’s important to appreciate that government positions offer some of the best benefits around. Even if you’re a contractor, your benefits are likely more competitive than a similar position outside of the government sphere. You’ll pay less for things like health and life insurance, and generally earn paid-time-off more quickly than private-sector workers.
5. You work in some of the best cities in America, and you can survive an economic downturn.
Even amid sequestration, Uncle Sam proves a more consistent employer than most (really). Other industries (think housing or banking) have had a much tougher time, and cities with a focus in manufacturing and other fickle trades can crash hard and fast. If you’re working in a major government or defense city, you can weather a downturn better than most. That means your home prices will stay high and your salary will continue trending upward (even if it’s at a depressingly low percent). And that holds true of defense clusters that aren’t Washington, D.C. *Yes, you heard me right – there are government jobs outside of Washington, D.C.!
It is a GOOD thing to work in government. Most security-cleared government employees are upstanding citizens working diligently to do America proud. Congressional inquiry and scrutiny of the security clearance process aside, government employees and defense contractors should stand tall, stick with it, and be proud of the work they do day after day. There are benefits and rewards despite the negativity. Don’t forget it.
