U.S. Federal Government

"The benefits are good but the pay could be better. "

"I would not recommend the federal gov't for any woman who plans to have children. I joined from the private sector, and was completely appalled to find out that maternity leave is not offered here. I have used one and a half sick days in the last THREE YEARS because I am banking it up for maternity. (Sorry to all my coworkers when I come in to work with a cold!) In three years exactly, I have accrued almost eight weeks. Then I guess I'll have to wait another 2-3 years before I can have our second child? Not because that's what I want to do, but because that's what I have to do to be able to afford being home for a newborn. Absolutely insane! That aside, I'm still searching for the alleged "wonderful government benefits!" No tuition reimbursement, plenty of health plans to choose from... if you can afford them! I was hired with a large group, "take it or leave it" style, below the typical entry level with a degree. Out of 27 plans offered, at that time I could only afford 3 of them. My agency is like a large high school. Incredibly cliquish, lots of red tape. Promotions are based on who you know, not what you know, and morale is AWFUL. Everyone is just here to get paid. Yes, I will earn a great pension if I can bear to be here for a full career, but is a monthly retirement stipend worth dreading your life 5 days/week for 30+ years? Not to me. Not when life is not guaranteed. I cannot wait until I find the right opportunity elsewhere. "

"Federal benefits do not include short term disability or maternity leave. If you don't have enough sick leave to cover the 6 - 8 weeks of recovery, you can borrow advanced sick leave for up to 6 weeks. This will take about 2 years to pay back, and you do not accrue additional sick leave during this time. This makes doctor's appointments and kid sick days difficult to manage, so keep that in mind. "

"It's a good place to work if you have a family."

"good benefits"