Why go gov p1 - Military Transition - Military Times EDGE

Government jobs may be aplenty and growing. Some estimates range from 250,000 to 600,000 new jobs, primarily because of the stimulus bill and changing government priorities, says Stewart Liff, author of “Managing Your Government Career.” But if you want to work for Uncle Sam, be sure you’re doing so for the right reason.

Pros and cons

The government offers more job security than the private sector because it’s funded by taxes, doesn’t have to make a profit and will always exist in some shape or form, Liff said. You also don’t have to worry about corporate mergers or jobs moving overseas. But plenty of people lose government jobs. And there’s always the risk of consolidation, Liff points out. Government workers do have strong protections. And “the federal government offers an incredibly attractive array of benefits,” Liff said.

On the other hand, since elected officials change, agendas shift.

“New procedures may be diametrically opposed to the approach taken by the last administration,” and you may “have to change course 180 degrees and follow the direction of a political appointee who does not really understand the organization that the civil servants have devoted their working life to,” Liff says. This can be extremely frustrating.

One of the best reasons to work for the government is because of its core mission, and it may be why you joined the military to begin with: to help your fellow citizens. Government workers aid returning service members, help protect the environment, educate our children, maintain our libraries, fight fires and improve public health. They were part of the team that sent Neil Armstrong to the moon. Government employees certainly have the chance to make a difference, and do.

So if you’re going to be in a job that exists to serve your fellow citizens, being in touch with that is key and can help keep you going when you’re drowning in red tape. Serving your fellow citizens is admirable, and your empathy for what we go through can make you better at your work. It would certainly make those interactions at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles more pleasant. And think of how much more satisfying it could be for you.