There must be something magical about civil service if people are willing to wade through USAJOBS, submit endless applications, and then grow old waiting for a response. No other company can boast a hiring process as slow and maddening as the federal government and still attract candidates and maintain a workforce. While there are success stories, my decades around the Beltway have given me an ear for hearing those epic tales of hiring woes time and again.
10 Reasons People Want a Job with the Federal Government
Lives can drastically change in the time it takes for the federal government to finally onboard a potential candidate. So, what’s the big draw? Why do people stick out this grueling process? Here are 10 reasons people want to work for the federal government – in spite of the struggle to get in the door.
1. Serving the People
Let’s start with the heart of it all. Serving the public can be incredibly fulfilling. Despite the shutdowns and bureaucratic hurdles, many civil servants take pride in driving projects that directly benefit the American people.
2. Stability
If you crave stability and are a bit risk-averse, a federal job is like a warm, cozy blanket. Unlike the often volatile defense contractor life, federal employment offers a level of job security that’s hard to beat. People tend to think it’s hard to get fired from the federal government. At a minimum, in a challenging economy, the federal government does offer a lot of stability to its workforce.
3. Predictable Schedule
Want to ensure your evenings are yours? Federal jobs often provide a steady schedule, allowing you to plan your life outside of work without the fear of last-minute demands. Of course, it depends on your boss, but many federal jobs have a guaranteed 9-5.
4. Job Security
While it’s not impossible to get fired, there’s a lot more security in federal employment. You don’t have to track contract periods, and as long as you’re reliable, your job is pretty safe.
5. Health Benefits
Federal employees often get stellar health benefits at lower premiums. This can make a huge difference in your out-of-pocket medical expenses compared to other jobs. Pick the right plan out of all the options available, and every healthcare office is happy to schedule you.
6. Paid Time Off
Depending on the office, federal employees often get to completely disconnect during their vacations, unlike some contractors who find themselves working through their PTO. Rest is important, and the federal job lets you take it.
7. Pension
The possibility of a pension in addition to personal savings is a big draw. It offers flexibility for early retirement, starting a business later in life, or just slowing down. It’s why your friends around the DMV groan a little if you say you’ve left before 20 years. If only you could have stuck it out!
8. Steady Pay
Federal jobs offer steady pay, which can be a blessing in uncertain economic times. You might not get a huge raise every year (the White House just talked about 2% recently!), but you’ll have consistent income.
9. Internal Mobility
The federal government is huge. Transferring to a different agency is possible without losing your benefits or tenure, allowing you to switch things up without the hassle of starting over.
10. Authority
As a federal employee, you’re often the one driving requirements and providing expertise. You might not always earn as much as contractors, but you get to be the boss, setting the stage for them to follow. The defense contractor life is great, but for many, getting to decide on program requirements is important. If you want to be the customer and not the contractor, then the federal government is the path for you.
So, despite the hurdles and the wait, the benefits of federal employment can make it all worthwhile for those who decide to stick it out.
