DISCUSSIONS

I started a new job in state government last November where it's really hard to get fired.

Anonymous Image

Anonymous

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

I started a new job in state government last November where it's really hard to get fired. I got offered another state job that seems like a good opportunity. However, it's exempt meaning the individual could be let go at any time. Should I take it?

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Like

27 comments

Share

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

27 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Leader981357

    Seems like a bad time to not have job security.

  2. Anonymous

    Sounds to me like the role you have now really supports doing the least amount of work possible while still collecting a paycheck. This least common denominator approach is unfortunate, its at the core of why so many people are frustrated with government workforce.

  3. Anonymous

    If you are career oriented yes. Not if you seek comfort and safety in your employment.

  4. Anonymous

    I would look at the opportunity. Does it offer potential advancement of your career or skills? Does it meet your needs for what you want in your life right now?

    To me, the exempt thing isn't an issue, but I work in corporate where you can be fired/laid off at any time so there really is no such thing as true 100% job security.

  5. Faith Hunt

    Exempt usually means exempt from overtime. At-will employment means you can be let go at any time for any reason so long as it’s not discriminatory.

  6. Anonymous

    “Exempt” like overtime exempt?

    Or like “serves at the pleasure of the governor”?

    In my corner of SG only 20+ senior people are the latter, is that your situation? Those folks do sometimes turn over every 4 years as semi political appointees but most are stable.

    If it’s just overtime exempt, that means a full time job with full benefits. After a probation period, at least in my corner, you cannot be terminated without a PIP or serious issue.

  7. Anonymous

    It wouldn't be hard to be let go.

  8. maria rose

    Explain what you mean by it won’t be hard to be fired from this kind of government job. Most government type jobs, once the employee is past the probationary period and is classified as permanent status., the employee cannot be terminated unless they have received detailed write-ups of a fireable action ( not slow or poor underperformance) and stays on payroll even when the government has shutdown situations with immediate back pay of all time during the shutdown. Those kinds of guarantees are not available in private sector employment where employment and employment advancement is based on merit performance

  9. Anonymous

    As others have said, I think you have the wrong meaning of exempt in this context. Regardless, what kind of employee do you want to be? Generally, state agencies don't do layoffs in the private sector sense of budgetary reasons. They'll do hiring freezes and salary freezes and not fill roles that are empty from natural attrition. You generally have to really do something to get fired. As someone put it below, this will mean there are always those employees who work the system and get away doing the bare minimum, which is unfair to those who do the work and unfairly includes them in the perception of "lazy" government workers.

    I don't want to judge you based on a four sentence post on the internet, but it sounds like you're deciding which one of these employees you want to be. If you're looking out for your career, why would you pass up a good opportunity? Unless you want the ability to dial it in, as you seem to imply your current job offers? Think about who you truly want to be and where you want to go with your career. Only you can answer this question.

  10. Anonymous

    I think you may be thinking classified vs non classified.

    Classified usually involves an exam and usually has to be moved to a different department or position if they’re not doing well. Non-classified can be let go slightly easier but still needs a lot of coaching before that happens.

  11. Anonymous

    Are you sure that is what exempt means? Exempt usually means exempt from overtime - you get paid a set amount either weekly or monthly. Or does this mean that this position is a set term say two years and after that the job goes away? If you think this position is a better fit than I would go for it especially if it’s a salaried not hourly position. However, when I left this current position, I would make sure not to burn any bridges. The government pool of employees is small and you may wind up crossing paths with your current supervisors and coworkers.

  12. Boo Caban

    I say NO. State benefits are killer especially for retirement.

  13. Julie Wozniak

    100% agree with this if you seek job security.

  14. Anonymous

    I agree. Especially the medical benefits. I had breast cancer after retiring, and the retirees benefits paid the 20 percent of the almost $300,000 medical bill that I would have had to pay without that benefit. Medicare only pays 80 percent.

  15. Kat

    While I know my retirement package is pretty solid and my insurance is relatively inexpensive (compared to private industry) there's a trade off. With that stability comes much lower pay. Raises are 1-2% most years if it's in the budget and when state budgets are tight, no raise at all (four years in a row). Salary compression is a factor the longer you stay in the state system. I'm still in bottom 25% of the pay range for my classification after 20 years. After a certain point, there's little chance for career advancement, so if an opportunity comes up, take it. No jobs are guaranteed (budget cuts, shifting needs, tech changes, etc.) even in state/fed government, so it's always best to look out for yourself and take opportunities as they come.

  16. Kate Mockus

    Exempt means the position doesn't qualify for overtime pay. It has nothing to do with being let go at any time.

  17. Anonymous

    It's not hard to get fired from a state job. The Director position in my department has turned over 4X in 2 years.

  18. Anonymous

    Exempt does not mean you can get fired. It means you can work 70 hours a week and get paid for 40 - in the private sector. In a government job, you get paid 40 hours, or maybe 37.5 but work 20. Nothing to do with getting fired.

  19. Tonia D. Woolfolk

    Exactly!

  20. Anonymous

    I work in State Government and work 60+ hours a week, getting paid for 40 as do most of the people I work with. Professionals whose dedication to the people they serve despite getting paid less than the private sector and no overtime. Your "get paid 40 hours, or maybe 37.5 but work 20" notion is ill-informed.

  21. Barbara

    Thank you for educating folks. The political rhetoric is such BS. I appreciate the work you do.

  22. Interesting

    You must have never worked truly in government. I have for 37 years - never in 37 years have I gotten paid for 40 and only work 20 - you are ill-informed about government jobs, majority of us work for the people to help our communities, not for the pay which is usually less than the corporate world. Usually I'm paid for 40 and most often work 45-50, please get facts correct.

    As far as the question posed - you probably have a probationary period. I can tell you from experience I moved positions after 2 months employment - I lost those two months from my employment years - not a huge deal but it happened and I never got those two months back as creditable time. Just be careful moving to a non-permanent position as it may just be seasonal or based on a grant funding situation, you do what works for your life and finances. If you are flexible and its a great job - do it! Just do your homework - I wish you luck whatever you do!

  23. Barbara

    Yes you do work hard and I appreciate you! Especially during the crazy times of the pandemic I got to know many many incredibly dedicated city and state government workers.

  24. Kat

    Make sure you are eligible to transfer first. Many states have probationary periods of 6-12 months for new hires. Changing/transferring isn't allowed until after that time. If you are eligible, apply. State jobs are fairly secure, but don't let that stability hamper your career growth. No job is 100% secure, even in state government.

  25. Anonymous

    I would not. I had a job like that once. Working for a state Senator. It was wonderful, until it wasn't. When she got in trouble for malfeasance in elected office, her staff lost our jobs, too. Had we not been "at will" employers, our livelihoods would not have been taken from us..

  26. Genine B.

    In this climate I wouldnt

  27. Barbara

    Exempt doesn’t mean you can be fired at will. It means you are ineligible for overtime. Working for an At will employer means you can be let go at anytime. I am not aware of many companies that are not at will these days.

Browse recent posts

jljl3ph
Plan construction projects with the Concrete Calculator, a practical online tool for estimating material quantities, calculating concrete requirements, managing costs, and simplifying building work.
Hiii everyone!
I'm. Current looking for remote jobs
Your trusted partner for a cleaner, healthier home in Los Angeles, California. At Quick Clean Carpet Care, we've been providing top-notch carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pet accident treatment, hard floor cleaning, rug cleaning, window cleaning, and house washing services for over 9 years. Our team of experts uses eco-friendly solutions and state-of-the-art equipment to leave your home sparkling clean and germ-free. From stain removal to deep cleaning, we've got you covered. Serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas, we're committed to delivering exceptional customer service and unparalleled results. Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience the Quick Clean difference!
Your trusted partner for a cleaner, healthier home in Los Angeles, California. At Quick Clean Carpet Care, we've been providing top-notch carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pet accident treatment, hard floor cleaning, rug cleaning, window cleaning, and house washing services for over 9 years. Our team of experts uses eco-friendly solutions and state-of-the-art equipment to leave your home sparkling clean and germ-free. From stain removal to deep cleaning, we've got you covered. Serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas, we're committed to delivering exceptional customer service and unparalleled results. Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience the Quick Clean difference!
See more
Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members