I consider myself lucky to have a government pension but there are some disadvantages compared to working for a large corporation or large government contractor:
- No stock options or profit sharing.
- Salaries usually less.
- Raises and bonuses are smaller.
- No company car (e.g., my brother has one).
- No work issued cell phones, tablets, or laptops except for senior management or during travel with prohibited personal use.
- Programs such as HSA, FSA, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Roth 401k came about several years later than for our contractors.
- Dental and vision programs were terrible until recently.
- Very limited wellness program (e.g., small gym with bad equipment).
- No free legal or financial services.
- Encouraged to transfer for career advancement but relocation costs are rarely reimbursed.
- Severance pay limited to $25K.
- Golden handcuffs prevent/discourage early retirement.
A disadvantage for me was the gov never contributed 1 cent to my Thrift Savings Plan (gov 401K).