FedSmith.com Readers Talk about Why They Work for the Government

Federal employees have been in the news a lot lately, and not always in a good way. They have had their pay frozen and been the subject of proposed hiring freezes or RIFs in various bills proposed in Congress. On the other hand, working for the federal government generally carries with it good pay and benefits depending on where you work.

We were curious what motivates the people that read our site to work for the federal government. Nearly 3,000 people took the time to share their thoughts with us. The following is a summary of the responses we received.

What is/are the primary reasons you work for the federal government?

Some of the responses that fell under “other” included the following:

• I can apply my military time towards retirement
• I can retire at any time
• I could move around the country without losing seniority
• I can retire at age 55
• Family tradition
• I have a physical disability and the government gave me an employment opportunity
• Recommendation from a family member
• Protecting the taxpayers’ interests
• Veterans policies
• Opportunity to work outdoors
• I believe in the agency’s mission
• “Coolness” factor
• I enjoy working with children of military families
• Laziness
• It’s easy

Many respondents also shared their comments about why they work for the government. The following are some samples:

• The other factors above: pay, benefits, job security, et al. are
  positive, great factors. However those are not the reasons that
  inspired me to be a federal government employee. The importance of
  supporting and accomplishing federal-related mission and objectives is
  great.
• In high school, I took the Civil Service Test and was called for an
  interview with the government. I got the job. So it seemed that it was
  meant to be as I have worked there for almost 39 years.
• One used to work for the feds for job security. We all knew we’d never
  make as much as private industry for the same work, but job security is a
  big plus. Now, I’d advise anyone looking for federal work to look
  elsewhere. Nothing’s worth the crap we now have to take from Congress.
• After being down-sized twice in the private sector, my first governement
  position was temporary. I now have permanent status and feel more
  secure in my future. I am also fortunate that I work in a field that I
  enjoy, although my compensation is low.
• I have enjoyed my 40 years with the Federal Government (National Park
  Service). I have traveled to places I never would have gone to on my
  own. History has become alive to me.
• The main reasons I came to work for the government almost 30 years ago
  was for the age 55 retirement and it was a Monday through Friday job. I
  actually took a pay cut.
• I certainly do not work here for the pay. I like what I do and I get to spend some time in the woods.
• I have a bachelors degree, 2 masters degrees, and over 20 years of
  experience between the military, federal government, and private sector.
  I could get more money working in the private sector but at the cost of
  losing job security.
• In 1981 I had no intention of staying, but found over time that it was
  interesting and challenging. I just had to learn to live with the
  crushing bureaucracy, the next big idea, and the public misconceptions.
• The work is rewarding. I help people and am dedicated to doing the best
  for the public. I find satisfaction in knowing that what I do is
  important and needed. I work for Social Security.
• Job Security is my biggest motivator for working for the FAA.
• I wanted to make a difference. With 35 years in now and consistently
  working 10 hour days for 8 hours of pay, I know that I have, and still
  am……
• It is the easiest job I ever had.
• My husband was in the military, and working for the government was about
  the only way that I knew I’d be able to have my own retirement due to
  the constant moves. I’ve worked for numerous different agencies besides
  the Department of Defense. Overall, it’s been an interesting career,
  and I’ve met some wonderful, hard-working people along the way.
• The Fed’l gov’t gave me an opportunity, and challenge, to work with
  program only handled by the gov’t. I also got the opportunity to be
  responsible for projects worth in the millions of dollars. At the end
  of the day I felt challenged and glad I had these opportunities.
• I work for usda-nrcs. It is work that was once a job that I considered
  top notch but with today’s political climate I am not so sure. Lots of
  programs and no money to support or fund the programs. Don’t want to
  wish my life away but retirement if there is such a thing down the road
  looks pretty good.
• Best place for a divorcee with children
• It feels good to contribute to our Agency’s efforts to reduce fatal
  crashes. Each reduction in the fatal crash rate provides great
  satisfaction and the desire to lower that rate even further.
• I joined the federal government because I want to do what I can to insure that nothing like 9/11 happens again.
• I’m a disabled veteran and thought maybe I would have an advantage in receiving a position with the federal government.
• I cam to work for the federal government at the age of 17 as a GS3, at
  the time I wasn’t able to get into college, so this was my only option,
  but it has been a great experience, I have had wonderful jobs traveled
  across the country and had opportunities afforded me that I would not
  have gotten living and working in the midwest. I have come full circle
  now working back in DC at a GS14 level, and ready to retire, what a
  ride!
• The United States Air Force took a kid from the wrong side of the tracks
  and gave me a chance to be a productive member of society…so I am
  endebted to the Air Force and when I feel like I paid them back…I will
  leave.
• Until the last several months, I was proud to be a federal employee. We
  have been so disrespected recently, that I no longer feel that same
  pride.
• Too late now, private sector will not hire anyone over 50.

Thanks to all of our readers who took the time to share their personal experiences about working for the federal government!