Fed Jobs - Pros and Cons?

[BunsGettingFirm]

I don't recall specifically which posters mentioned more politics in a fed job. Can someone tell me why this is the case?

[Enuff2Eat]

Originally Posted by BunsGettingFirm

I don't recall specifically which posters mentioned more politics in a fed job. Can someone tell me why this is the case?

Non Profit. Yup, anytime you are in a NON profit meaning no real money is being make, your company main income is totally from tax payer or donation. Your existence is based on how big your organization are. the only way to get "ahead" is playing politics.

[Bimmerbill]

I've found federal employment to be very secure. I could probably make more money in the IT industry in private sector, but I'd have to work many more hours so I don't consider it a fair trade.

Lots of politics. People higher up have "earned" their way there by working 25-30 years and being promoted many times (paying their dues). So, if you try to get a good promotion you most likely won't get it since you haven't been there long enough and paid your dues yet.

Where I work, some of these long time employees are in pretty high positions. I consider them incompetent managers. They got their by putting in their time tho.

So, you need to have patience. Patience to progress slowly up the ranks and patience to deal with the red tape and incompetent managers (not always, but I've seen lots of it).

Plus, the new pay plan (NSPS) that replaces the General Schedule is built to save taxpayer money. I'm trying to keep an open mind to make it thru the first year and see how my raise compares but I've gotten some distressing news from my boss about how they will dole out the salary increase/bonus.

I'd prefere it as all salary increase, as my pension is based off salary and subsequent raises will compound. They prefer to pay it as bonus, keeping my salary level.

Overall, tho, I like it. I work for the Dept of the Navy, previously for the Dept of the Army.

[Bimmerbill]

Forgot to mention that budgets are tight in the DoD. No training budget, no budget for tuition, not much travel.

I work 40 hours only. I won't work longer unless compensated. If I can't get my job done in 40 hours then they need to hire more help. I'm sure this may limit my next promotion, since at that level they consider it a salaried job, with unlimited hours. I don't think that would hold up with the HR office tho...

[donheff]

Originally Posted by BunsGettingFirm

I don't recall specifically which posters mentioned more politics in a fed job. Can someone tell me why this is the case?

I didn't see the original reference but I can tell you from experience that there are a lot of politics as in democratic and republican. Every 4 or 8 years there is a transition and a topmost layer of management is replaced with a new bunch who vary from very smart and highly qualified to dumb hacks. Along with them come a cadre of political helpers at lower levels. The one thing that distinguishes them all is that they are dedicated to whatever political transformative vision the new administration has and they assume the existing bureaucrats are their enemies. Withing a year or two most of them tend to like and respect their bureaucrats but then it is time to rinse and start over again. I dealt with a couple of transitions as an HR director and it can be hair raising.

[GoodSense]

Originally Posted by donheff

I didn't see the original reference but I can tell you from experience that there are a lot of politics as in democratic and republican. Every 4 or 8 years there is a transition and a topmost layer of management is replaced with a new bunch who vary from very smart and highly qualified to dumb hacks. Along with them come a cadre of political helpers at lower levels. The one thing that distinguishes them all is that they are dedicated to whatever political transformative vision the new administration has and they assume the existing bureaucrats are their enemies. Withing a year or two most of them tend to like and respect their bureaucrats but then it is time to rinse and start over again. I dealt with a couple of transitions as an HR director and it can be hair raising.

Sounds like all elected offices are the same. We deal with this every four/eight years with a new mayor, as well as City Council elections every two years (alternating wards). A new campaign platform, a new director, new funding priorities, a new strategic plan, but the same dysfunction.