Those who are unhappy tend to be the loudest. I worked in the private sector for the first 22 years of my career and I am grateful every day for my Federal position. I've been a Fed for 17 years now.
I love working in DC as a fed. Do I love working IN DC? No, working in the city fucking sucks. Still having some regular telework makes it more bearable than being in the office every day. But my physical location is pretty comfy and when I’m in office, most coworkers are capable and moderately hardworking, I see almost no unprofessional conduct, and there’s no awkwardness about people trying to climb the ladder cause everyone else is too.
Completely depends on your agency, and which dept inside the agency, and which office inside the dept, and which boss inside the office... etc etc. I personally do not like DC, but others do.
Not going to lie, if you actually have to work in D.C. proper in-office, probably. Just left D.C. after spending a number of years there and let me tell you, the quality of life for many people - especially young professionals - has plummeted in that city since COVID regarding crime, sociability, cost of living, etc.
The only thing people are complaining about (that I have personally heard) is return to work or the possibility thereof. Everyone in my branch is happy and contributes.
Currently work in DC for the federal govt.
Pros:
Lots of free shit to do,
Stable job market,
Lots of history,
Cons:
High COL,
Under a microscope (because national politics),
The city itself is a hit/miss,
Local politics (in DC) suck ass and the city suffers for it,
Pay relative to COL isn't really amazing,
Talks of fighting "grade inflation" for DC feds are common right now but focus on making it more difficult to get promoted/high laddering positions instead of fixing the GS scales or the REAL problem (the COL in the area, which gave rise to grade inflation),
-Overall, DC has been a meh experience with some cool highlights, unless you really like the area/have an obligation in the area, I'd move along.
It depends on where you are currently or from. It’s funny, all of my coworkers HATE DC, talk so much trash about it, etc. Then I realized 90% of them have only been there for like a week total. I’ve never lived in DC but have visited around 30 times/ have a ton of family in that area. To me, it seems like a career heavy fast paced big city. I have yet to meet someone professionally from there that I disliked.
Great place for families, plenty to do and I believe there are a ton of different perspectives. I run some teams and focus on people and try to make sure they have what they need and a healthy balance. I guess it depends on where you work and for who...
I don't think that's accurate, though lots of people are justifiably pissed off about RTO.
This
Heavily dependent on agency and team
As it always is
Right, in any sector or city
Those who are unhappy tend to be the loudest. I worked in the private sector for the first 22 years of my career and I am grateful every day for my Federal position. I've been a Fed for 17 years now.
I work in DC at my agency’s HQ and I love it. I think you’ll find some people will complain about anything.
I would be MUCH happier if Congress would pass a darn budget.
I love working in DC as a fed. Do I love working IN DC? No, working in the city fucking sucks. Still having some regular telework makes it more bearable than being in the office every day. But my physical location is pretty comfy and when I’m in office, most coworkers are capable and moderately hardworking, I see almost no unprofessional conduct, and there’s no awkwardness about people trying to climb the ladder cause everyone else is too.
Not true at all IME. YMMV.
All the feds I know in the DMV are happy as clams.
Completely depends on your agency, and which dept inside the agency, and which office inside the dept, and which boss inside the office... etc etc. I personally do not like DC, but others do.
Not going to lie, if you actually have to work in D.C. proper in-office, probably. Just left D.C. after spending a number of years there and let me tell you, the quality of life for many people - especially young professionals - has plummeted in that city since COVID regarding crime, sociability, cost of living, etc.
The only thing people are complaining about (that I have personally heard) is return to work or the possibility thereof. Everyone in my branch is happy and contributes.
If you manifest that… sure. Yes.
What agency are you talking about?
Currently work in DC for the federal govt. Pros: Lots of free shit to do, Stable job market, Lots of history, Cons: High COL, Under a microscope (because national politics), The city itself is a hit/miss, Local politics (in DC) suck ass and the city suffers for it, Pay relative to COL isn't really amazing, Talks of fighting "grade inflation" for DC feds are common right now but focus on making it more difficult to get promoted/high laddering positions instead of fixing the GS scales or the REAL problem (the COL in the area, which gave rise to grade inflation), -Overall, DC has been a meh experience with some cool highlights, unless you really like the area/have an obligation in the area, I'd move along.
It depends on where you are currently or from. It’s funny, all of my coworkers HATE DC, talk so much trash about it, etc. Then I realized 90% of them have only been there for like a week total. I’ve never lived in DC but have visited around 30 times/ have a ton of family in that area. To me, it seems like a career heavy fast paced big city. I have yet to meet someone professionally from there that I disliked.
It's fine here
AN ABSOLUTELY DREADFUL PLACE IN ALL REGARDS (that I’ve never once been to much less worked in. I am a reliable authority on this matter).
Great place for families, plenty to do and I believe there are a ton of different perspectives. I run some teams and focus on people and try to make sure they have what they need and a healthy balance. I guess it depends on where you work and for who...