The Benefits of Working a Government Job

Federal employees play a vital role in various pressing issues pertaining to the country’s social, economic, and financial sectors. They strive to provide better living standards, ensure citizens’ well-being, and address diverse matters—from homeland security to homelessness.

Currently, the sector has 2.1 million civilians employed in security, law enforcement, science & engineering, IT, firefighting, admin, social services, FBI, etc. These jobs offer financial and job security, paired with some great benefits and the honor of serving the country and its people.

So, are you interested in working for the federal government? If so, there are ample opportunities that lie ahead. Continue reading this blog and uncover eight excellent benefits of pursuing a career in this field.

1. Job Security

Government jobs give you a steady income and job security, especially during challenging economic times. Unlike private sector companies that can go out of business anytime, federal institutions remain stable or take new forms over time. In fact, corporate employees are three times more likely to get terminated by employers than federal workers.

The government is always employing—and even if they rehash a new project or revamp an old one, new people will be required to support them.

2. Jobs for Everyone

Around 28% of federal employees are associated with STEM fields. The government offers jobs to everyone; whether you’re a science, business, healthcare, or in politics, you’ll find a job that’s suited to your expertise. There are hundreds of job opportunities in the public sector, and the government is expected to hire 250,000 new employees in the next few years!

So no matter what you want or aspire to become, the chances are that one of the fifteen cabinets and several government agencies will hire you.

3. Work/Life Balance

The work culture at every federal institute is unique, but one thing remains the same—the provision of work/life balance. The government offers flexible work schedules, telework options, and remote working options for those who work long-hour shifts and have an extended commute.

This particular advantage makes the sector extremely attractive for students who are looking to earn a solid income while they study by maintaining the balance between a personal and professional life.

The jobs offer permissive vacation and leave time, travel opportunities, and some states may also have additional holidays, depending on local governments.

4. Generous Benefits

Federal job benefits almost always exceed the private sector’s offerings. And due to the favorable health and retirement plans, employees have more savings and investments by the time they retire.

Health Insurance

The Federal Employee Healthcare Benefits Program (FEHBP) offers a more extensive range of healthcare plans than that provided by any US employer. The project covers existing and retired employees and covers general health insurance for spouses, as well as children under the age of 26. Learn more here.

Life Insurance

The Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance program (FEGLI) provides an option to choose one year’s salary up to six times for coverage. The government’s life insurance plans allow you to avail life insurance for your family too.

Social Security

All federal employees receive full social security, covered by FERS. Your earnings from a federal job count toward a future social security benefit just like private work earnings do.

FSA—Flexible Spending Account

Government jobs help you save for a better future! FSAFEDS helps you save money by setting aside your paycheck’s pre-taxed dollars; this automatically translates into better spending power when it comes to daily expenditures.

Long-Term Care Insurance Plan

The FLTCIP offers help and a provision for time when you’re no longer able to earn due to an injury or a long-term chronic illness. Ex-employees who aren’t able to perform their tasks such as eating, dressing, or bathing due to a disability or aging must apply for FLTCIP and reap the benefits of serving the state.

Other compensatory benefits of working a federal job include death and disability benefits, annual leaves, and pension (FERS Basic benefit).

5. Retirement Plan

Government jobs have the most comprehensive retirement savings plan you could ever get. Federal employers offer an automatic 1% contribution to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a government version of the 401k plan.

You can retire as early as 55 and still be eligible to enjoy lifetime retirement benefits. The eligibility depends on the number of years served and your job responsibilities.

6. Competitive Pay

A report revealed that the government offers approximately 6% more per hour in wages and benefits than the private sector.

The US government revises and publishes new pay tables every year that determine salary ranges and benefits for technical, administrative, clerical, and professional civilians working for the government. The 2020 general schedule (GS) pay table announced a 3.1% salary raise for federal sector employees.

The additional compensations depend on your work-related responsibilities, performance, technical job requirements, and educational background.

7. Career Advancement Opportunities

More than 70% of federal executive employees will reach their retirement age in the next few years. This will open up lucrative opportunities for fresh and young talent to grow and gain promotions quickly.

Government jobs offer great location benefits, too; almost 84% of the total jobs are located outside Washington, DC. You can work as a federal government in 50 states or in one of the 180 countries where the US has an embassy or a consulate.

8. Work To Make a Difference

If you want to work for others while earning a good and having a secure job, the federal sector is your calling. Government jobs are created to make living standards and conditions better for citizens. Regardless of the field you choose, you know you’ll be working for the greater good.

Where Do We Come In?

Do any of these benefits seem interesting to you? If so, the best way to ensure employment is to sift through the vacancies and to do exceptionally well in the first step—the written exam!

Our team of industry professionals at Civil Service Success helps candidates score high in their civil service exams. We cover all the material you need to get the civil service job you want in Suffolk County!

Contact us today for more information on our classes.

 

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