by Lily Whiteman
While many other employers lay off employees, the federal government—the nation’s largest employer—will fill more than 200,000 dynamic, well-paying jobs annually during the coming years. The federal hiring wave, which will continue no matter how bad the economy may get, is being generated by record numbers of retiring baby boomers.
The federal government hires all types of professionals at all levels of their careers—from students to seasoned executives. And federal jobs are based all over the United States and overseas. (Only about 15 percent of federal jobs are based in Washington, D.C.)
Federal jobs are desirable because they provide:
1. Opportunities to be a do-gooder: No matter what job you choose as a federal employee, you will impact large numbers of people and vast resources. And the ultimate aim of most federal jobs is to, in one way or another, better the world.
2. Excellent salaries: Contrary to popular belief, federal salaries are not low. In fact, the salaries of most feds meet or beat those of their private sector counterparts. Plus, some federal jobs pay up to $60,000 in student loan repayments.
3. Terrific bennies: Feds choose from the nation’s best health insurance, dental insurance long-term care, and life insurance programs.
4. Unbeatable job security: Feds are rarely laid off and it is much harder to fire federal employees than private sector employees.
5. Quick advancement: Federal employees receive annual cost-of-living increases, regularly scheduled promotions, and merit-based promotions. In addition, the ongoing retirement wave is creating unprecedented opportunities for professionals to quickly climb the federal career ladder.
6. Safe pensions: As corporate scandals and cutbacks erode private sector pensions, feds remain covered by secure pensions.
7. Generous vacations: Employees of the federal government enjoy 10 paid holidays and up to 26 days of vacation each year.
8. Flexible schedules: Flexible work schedules and telecommuting options are currently freeing large proportions of feds from the straightjacket of 9-to-5 schedules.