Thoughts On My One-Year Work Anniversary

First, I want to say I publicly that I praise the Lord for getting me through this insane year. I currently work at a government agency, and it’s been nuts being in that environment the entire time. I can say, without being fake religious, that the Lord brought me through these twelve months. Now that my small praise report is out there, I want to answer the question, “Would I recommend the agency (or the government as a whole) as a place to work”?

Getting to the point, the answer is no! I will list the pros and cons and my reasons for my thumbs down.

Pros:

Getting an internship and full-time job is an accomplishment

Meaningful work on great topics

Access to incredible training

Being able to work with smart, down to earth employees, including those from external stakeholders

Standard 40 hour work week with absolutely rare busy season.

Cons:

Some passive, aggressive co-workers, even complete assholes

Agency is affected by federal government policies

Low entry pay

Management and administrators that take employees for granted

Drama and gossipy culture

Chaotic work environment over the course of the year

Better competitive career options

I will stress that being hired by any federal agency is a huge accomplishment. On its own, I enjoy my role and the work that I do. With being said, the agency and the government as whole has been a place I would not recommend for employment. It’s been a 12-month disaster, especially if the overall goal is to make this a place where talented individuals want to have a career.