The Government is Cool For Once

Read Time — 3 minutes.

Tax time is upon us. Everyone’s favorite time of year! (I can hear you groaning, lol)

But I have something else from the U.S. government that should definitely get your attention.

Remember back in 2021 when tech jobs were plentiful? It seemed like well-paying jobs with great benefits were raining from the sky.

But now in 2024, it’s like someone flipped a switch. Where did all the good jobs go?

As a former recruiter, I read a lot about job trends (I’m nerdy like that).

There’s a trend that I’ve been hearing about quite a lot lately. One that took me completely by surprise.

It’s probably the last place you might think to look for a job.

But I promise you, the perks are definitely worth researching!

The Old New Kid On The Block

The coolest job industry in 2024 is one that’s been around forever (or so it seems).

Government jobs are trending. Even amongst Gen Z.

I know….this is not what you were thinking I was going to say! But hear me out.

Job stability is the new north star. Everyone wants it.

According to the hiring platform Handshake, 77% of the 2024 graduating class ranked stability as their #1 priority for finding a job.

People in private sector jobs are 3x more likely to lose their jobs than people in federal government jobs.

Stability is practically built into government jobs.

Once you’re in, you’re in. Many call it “the career for life”.

And since you’re here in Layoff Lemonade Land (I just can’t help myself with the alliteration!), stability is likely VERY top of mind for you.

On a personal note, my dad worked a government job (he was an engineer for the Air Force) his whole career which spanned 42 years until he retired.

That stability changed the trajectory for me and my family. I’m forever grateful.

So I know just how much a stable job can impact you now and in the long term.

The Perks

In comparison to those cool tech companies with fancy offices and free food galore, government jobs probably don’t seem enticing.

But there are actually a ton of perks that come along with the territory!

Student Loans

The government provides student loan forgiveness to employees after 10 years of making payments (pretty incredible!). It’s called the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Participating agencies may award $10,000 a year, up to a total of $60,000, toward the payment of student loans.

Tuition Assistance

The government offers tuition assistance for continuing education, usually to the tune of $250 a credit. Some jobs will even pay for your entire degree program!

Travel

Government jobs often allow employees to travel domestically and abroad.

They’ll even pay for you to move internationally! All of your work-related expenses will be paid and you’ll receive travel stipends dedicated to "rest and relaxation" pay. How cool is that?

Health Care

You can choose from over 200 plans, which is the widest selection of health insurance plans in the country! Federal agencies will cover the majority of your health care costs, which is usually between 70%-75%.

Paid Time Off

PTO starts at 13 days annually, which increases to 20 days after 3 years of service. You also receive 11 paid federal holidays and 13 paid sick days. The best part is they actually WANT you to take time away from work!

Flexible & Alternative Work Schedules

The government offers flexible work schedules that allow employees to build a custom work schedule as long as they work 40 hours a week. Some agencies even allow for alternative work schedules, such as a 4-day work week!

There are many more benefits that I did not list above, so I recommend doing some research on your own! Check out Go Government for more information.

The Challenges

I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you about some of the downsides of working for the government:

• Lower pay

• Slower-paced

• Promotions are scarce

• Long background checks

• Outdated technology & systems

So the big question looms. Does long-term job stability outweigh these negatives?

A government job definitely isn’t for everyone. It’s important for you to weigh if these cons offset all of the benefits I list above.

I hope that I’ve opened your eyes to the possibility of a government job! They truly are trendy right now. You can check out USAJobs to find current openings.

I’m proud to say that I’m in the news! MarketWatch interviewed me to get my perspective on the current labor market.

Big hugs, Jenny

P.S. Exhausted by job applications? Stressing over an upcoming interview? I can help! As a former tech recruiter of 10+ years working at top-tier consulting (McKinsey), healthtech, and fintech companies, I know exactly what hiring teams are looking for. I have proven methods to help you differentiate in a crowded market to reach the ultimate goal: to get you hired! If you’re interested in learning about my coaching services, book a FREE intro call here.

I recently learned that my newsletter email was broken. I’m SO sorry if you’ve been trying to reach me and the email bounced back! It’s fixed now. You can reach me at [email protected].

Is there a topic you’d like me to cover in a future Layoff Lemonade issue? Write me and let me know what’s top of mind for you!