Navigating the Shift: The Rise of Federal Government Jobs as a Stability Trend Amid Layoffs

Weighing the pros and cons of federal positions versus the private sector in today’s job market

In the wake of widespread layoffs across various industries, including the tech sector, which saw over 278,800 job cuts between January 2023 and January 2024, a notable trend has emerged on social media platforms like TikTok: the advocacy for federal government employment as a pathway to stability and security.

The allure of federal government jobs lies in the perceived job security and the comprehensive benefits package offered to employees. From flexible work arrangements and generous sick leave to robust healthcare coverage, retirement plans, and even student loan repayment programs, the perks associated with government positions are appealing to many, especially younger generations entering the workforce.

As someone who joined the federal workforce last May as an HR liaison, I have seen both sides of the hiring dilemma. I am sympathetic to both the candidates dealing with slower pay negotiations and the hiring managers who have been forced to contend with unofficial “hiring freezes” and limited funding from Congress, especially in light of January’s 5.2% pay raise that was passed for the feds that strained organizations’ already limited budgets.

I started my federal career in December 2020, when GovCIO, a contracting company for the federal government, headhunted me. My background was in administration and human resources, and I had a passion for positively impacting the world of onboarding and employee experience. Government contracting was a great segway for me. Through networking and a lot of patience, I was able to secure my current position right around the time my contracting company announced major layoffs. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to receive my FJO within seven months as it is not unusual for job seekers to wait much longer due to the additional steps required for federal service, such as passing multiple stages of screenings, a security clearance, and a scrutinizing resume review process. In my experience, multiple HR agencies are involved in the process, adding to delays due to miscommunication and ever-changing policies that must be followed.

For me, a fed job checks all the boxes. For some people, salaries for federal government positions may be lower than equivalent roles in the private sector, particularly in industries where specialized skills are in high demand. While I don’t make as much as some of my friends my age, I am better set up financially than ever before thanks to guaranteed pay raises, a pension, and a set pay scale that I can cot on instead of relying on empty promises of promotions I experienced in the private sector. I am fortunate to have a remote position with a great supervisor and a fantastic team. Still, just like any organization, potential job seekers must remember that a manager can make or break the employee experience no matter where you go. According to the 2024 Voice of the Market report released by Calm Business, “Most employees (65%) say that managers significantly influence their mental health.” The workplace culture within government agencies can vary widely depending on the agency's mission, leadership style, and team dynamics. So, asking the right questions during the interview is crucial to help you assess if that organization is right for you.

Additional challenges that should be considered when switching from the private sector to the federal world include slower career advancement due to the government’s hierarchical structure with a more rigid promotion process. Advancing in one’s career may be slower compared to the private sector, where merit and performance often play a more significant role in promotions. Limited flexibility is also possible concerning teleworking options. While some positions offer more flexibility regarding your schedule and work arrangements, it largely depends on the agency and position. So, do your homework before accepting a position that may not suit your lifestyle.

Government agencies are an ever-changing landscape and are subject to changes in leadership, policy shifts, and budget constraints based on political priorities. This can create uncertainty and instability in certain roles, especially when policies change or budgets are cut. Still, they can be a great place to work if you find the right agency that suits your needs. As the job market continues to evolve, with projections of slower hiring in 2024, the discussion surrounding federal employment remains a viable option for many. For a list of jobs considered to be “most urgent” in fields ranging from mathematics to human resources, please check out the “Opportunities Page” on USAJobs and go to “Urgent Hiring Opportunities.”

Source:

Borchers, Sydney. “Federal Government Jobs Go Viral on TikTok as a ‘fix’ for Job Security Worries: ‘And You Get a Pension.’” Fox Business, Fox Business, 26 Feb. 2024, www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/federal-government-jobs-go-viral-tiktok-job-security-get-pension.