Cambridge Business Association
Managing Your Government Career
Book

Managing Your Government Career

Success Strategies That Work

Stewart Liff
AMACOM, 2009
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7

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Recommendation

Are you thinking of a government career? If so, consider this parable: When sorority sisters Bailey and Brianna graduated, Bailey went to work for the ABCD Corporation at a nice salary. She picked up a promotion and raise after a year. Unfortunately, Bailey also picked up an exotic disease during a business trip and spent three weeks in the hospital. With no healthcare coverage from work, she went into debt paying her medical bills. Shortly afterward, ABCD announced layoffs. As a new hire, Bailey was one of the first to go. Brianna joined a U.S. federal government agency at a lesser salary than Bailey’s, but her healthcare plan is golden, and she never frets about layoffs. Does that mean you should apply for a government job instead of one in the private sector? In today’s environment, when all jobs are hard to get, business pays better, but government jobs are more secure and the benefits just don’t quit. If you want to learn about U.S. government work, Stewart Liff’s book – based on his 32-year ascent through federal agencies – will tell you everything you need to know, including how to avoid getting tangled in red tape. getAbstract recommends this useful guide to people contemplating a career in the public sector and to civil service recruiters.

Summary

Government Career Pros and Cons

Is a government job – federal, state or local – a good career opportunity for you? Before you apply for a government job of any type, consider these advantages:

  • Job satisfaction – A government job enables you to contribute to the common good. Few other jobs offer this special opportunity.
  • Job security – Businesses depend on profits to operate. If profits decrease, people get laid off. Mergers can also reduce jobs. Plus, many businesses now outsource jobs overseas where people will do them for less money. In general, government workers face none of these problems. If the federal government abolishes jobs, “reduction in force” protections shelter federal employees. Many state and local governments offer similar programs for their employees.
  • Perks – The federal government provides outstanding benefits to its employees, including excellent health and life insurance packages, a liberal leave program, flexible work schedules, several retirement options and much more. Benefits at state and local governments often are also excellent.
  • Career opportunities – The U.S. federal government...

About the Author

Stewart Liff began his federal government career in 1974. He is the winner of two prestigious governmental employee awards: the President’s Council on Management Improvement Award and the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service.

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