It has long been believed that workers with a “government job” felt they were set for life. However, there are many factors on why federal workers see the private tech sector as a potential greener pasture.
Last year’s record long government shutdown has been long forgotten by most of the public. However, for federal workers it isn’t so easy to forget. It was an eye opener for those workers who went weeks without pay and faced an uncertain future. There was actual dread as many saw bills piled up and worried how they’d pay the mortgage and even put food on the table.
The “job security” of a government job didn’t really feel so secure. That is why instead of waiting for a resolution to the shutdown, many government workers met with recruiters, a trend that continued throughout 2019.
Retirement expert John Grobe, himself a former federal worker, told Federal News Network last March that the shutdown was key motivator for federal workers considering the private sector, but it clearly wasn’t the only factor. Salary was typically among the other main reasons, up there with the ability to work remotely, which remain compelling motivators for those considering a move to the private sector.
There may also be fewer or no security clearance requirements, while other perks could include on-site gyms, ability to bring the pet dog to the office and in the private tech sector it is commonplace to have a fully stocked snack bar and unlimited soft drinks. These kind of perks may not seem compelling, but for young people, in particular, the flexibility of not having to live the ‘SCIF life’ can sometimes be surprisingly compelling.
Reasons to Stay Vs. Reasons to Leave
Federal workers can expect excellent paid leave and sick time, as well as retirement benefits including the Federal Employees Retirement System, but even this may not keep seasoned workers. Today most federal workers have a mobile Thrift Savings Plan that can go with them to a new employer. In many cases federal workers opt to retire from government service and transition to the private sector.
This is especially true for those senior federal employees – who won’t be literally on the green pastures of the golf course following retirement, but instead will find themselves in a private sector gig. According to last June’s Federal Senior Executive Service Exit Survey, 49% of departing SES employees said they’d be seeking paid employment after retiring from their government position.
It may not take another shutdown to push federal employees out the door, either. Low overall unemployment and a strong commercial sector continues to increase the pressure on all employers – including the federal government.
The government faces steep challenges in both attracting and retaining talent. This is true nationwide, but Amazon’s opening of its second headquarters a stone’s throw from the Pentagon has added to the pressure.
In summary, the days of career government workers could be a thing of the past, especially given with what the private sector may be offering today.
