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I agree more with Larry than Robert M. While I have seen my share of surreal in my 7 years of Federal government work experience, they actually pale in comparison to what I have witnessed in the private sector and in academia. I left a university to come to work for the government to escape politics.

Gary Larson and Scott Adams have just as much if not more material for The Far Side and Dilbert from the private sector compared to government.

I came to the Federal government because I get more opportunity to raise a family. No arbitrary decisions that I suddenly have to travel twice a week (as my brother experienced). Daycare on site if needed. Flexible schedules. And job security means that I could go for the fixed rate mortgage for a good home. I can leave my work cares at the office most days. I had the flexible schedule and reasonable leave policy to care for my ailing father as needed.

Are the brightest AND, importantly, the best necessarily the ones who want to work 80-90 hour weeks and forsake family for power?

Maybe we should focus on the brightest of the best. And then it's a matter of determining what is best.

Dave B  | Tuesday, November 20, 2007 |  09:41 AM

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The realization that getting a Federal job requires an amazing amount of patience in dealing with the HR departments is alive and well. And, with the HSPD-12 requirements, it isn't getting better any time soon.

RW  | Monday, November 19, 2007 |  12:39 PM

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Tom,

Surely that you are not implying that the best and brightest are not interested in job security and traditional benefits.

I left the Army after 20+ years. I have master's degree and a great deal of experience. I was wooed by international accounting firms that would have (eventually) paid me more than GS-12 pay. But they would have surely had me working my tail off. In the end, the 40-hour work week, job security, and retirement benefits are what convinced me to choose government work.

Maybe the best and brightest don't want to work 80-hour weeks, even for six figures?

Larry  | Monday, November 19, 2007 |  07:39 AM

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I had to laugh when I read this. In the 80s I was playing college professor when the a Navy R&D facility approached me to work for the government. I told them I wasn't looking for a move. They came back several times. They consistently used the government benefits as a recruiting tool. Does the government attract certain people or do they recruit certain people?

Anna  | Monday, November 19, 2007 |  04:22 AM

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This is the federal government. There is no opportunity to advance quickly based on your skill level and your performance. Once you are in the system, you have to dance the dance just like everybody else.

Highly skilled people want to work in an environment where there is highly skilled management and professional discipline, not one that seams like a made for TV reality show. The place is surreal.

Robert M.  | Friday, November 16, 2007 |  06:30 PM

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