Anyone a Federal employee? I have a tentative offer BUT....

[grisandole]

My degree is in Public Admin, and my goal has been to work for the government. I have been working for the state for a bit over a year, while still applying for Federal jobs. I haven't had ANY interviews....just lots of "you are qualified but we had an overwhelming number of applicants" rejection emails. Until this week, when I received a tentative offer for a position on a local base through the Career Intern Program.

So, the plus side is it's a ticket in....the position is permanent and in the classification I want. The downside it is sightly less salary than I am making now and a 35 mile commute, where as currently I have 5 mile commute. On a positive note, the salary/steps increase much quicker than my state job, and the federal jobs aren't being furloughed and salaries cut (I'm in CA). The biggest benefit is that I really dislike my current job and the federal job is exactly what I want to be doing.

I guess my question is: should I jump on this opportunity? are Federal jobs truly difficult to get, as I've been experiencing? I have been told that once you are in, it is much easier to transfer or "compete" for other jobs as you are already an employee so get ranked higher.

Any advice is appreciated!

[pinksprklybarefoot]

I don't have any specific experience, but from what I have heard in general, jump on it! I have known one federal employee, and he was *really* happy with his job. He also found it pretty easy to transfer when he decided that he wanted to move (but it was to a more rural location - not sure if that matters).

[KSLaura]

It sounds like a great opportunity!

[HappyMommy2]

Sounds like you have lots of "pros". The only "con" is the commute. Which is a big one. But it sounds like the pros far outweigh the cons here. Congratulations mama!!

[stik]

Are you taking the federal benefits into account when you consider the slight, temporary pay cut? Because the feds offer nice benefits.

From what you've said, I think you should make the jump.

[MamaChicken]

Do it! If you can make ends meet, I would definately go for it!

[dawningmama]

I've been working for the US federal government for 9 years and they have been my favorite employer. I highly recommend taking the position if it works for you. The pay increases are very regular and, yes, when you become an employee you have more opportunities to move around/up. [Of course, I'm currently looking to make a move and there aren't a ton of things in my new location that are the same grade level I had so I may end up with a pay cut but it was my idea to relocate, so I'll suck it up!] Good luck!!

[grisandole]

Thanks so much! My only concern is the pay, I'm not sure where they are planning on putting me on the payscale. I can do fine as a G5 (and certainly qualify for that grade) but because it's technically an intern program the job description, IIRC, said base pay can be at a GS4 or even a 3, eek. I'll know when they give me the formal offer. I am also going to ask if they will do the student loan forgiveness program, that would be awesome!

I really want it as long as I can afford it : Thanks for the replies!

[grisandole]

And I guess my hesitation, aside from $, is that my current job is very steady....while the state is dealing with budget cuts and such, my agency is federally funded, I have passed my one year probation and have a high degree of job security.

[MisaGoat]

My husband is a Federal employee (NPS). He started in a seasonal position, then took a permanent position and from there took a position that has a scheduled promotion track (GS5/7/9). This has all been within the past year. My understanding through him is that it is difficult to start in the federal system and that many jobs are only open to certain people. His current job was only eligible to current, permanent employees, so yes once you are 'in' it is easier to move into different positions.

As far as salary and benefits, they do start of low but increase nicely.

If you have any specific questions I can ask him and get back to you.

[grisandole]

Misa, yes, that's what I'm finding out is that it is very challenging to get in, which is why I want to jump on this! I can eek by as a gs4 for a year, but there is no way I can make it on less. I hope the offer is for a 4/5!

[dawningmama]

I don't know if this is a possibility for your or will be offered with your job, but you might want to factor in the possibility for overtime, which is generally time and a half. I didn't work it much as I was a part-time employee but I know a lot of FT employees who made a good chunk of change working some OT.