Leaving gov't for private industry....

[Anonymous]

I'm a GS14 with a 2 and a 5 year old (no more coming), and am really happy with my work-life balance in my federal agency (flexiplace, flexitime, great supervisor who lets me come & go as needed, no huge deadlines/pressures, I work more than 40 hours a week maybe 2-3 times a year). I am only moderately happy with my actual work though, and so have been keeping an eye out for other opportunties.

I'm short-listed for a position in a private company and am due for a day+ of interviews in the next few weeks. The nature of the work seems to be really interesting, an improvement, but....

I find myself tempted to pull out of the interview process; and I"d like some feedback from folks who have made, or considered, the transition. I asked some pointed questions during one of my interviews about work-life balance, and there seems to be flexibility (e.g. bring work home & do it after kids go to bed; come in on saturday rather than working late every night), but a definte increase in workload. I think I'm ok with that - DC1 is headed to K next year, DC2 will be in full day daycare anyway - but, is it crazy to consider it?

My other concern is job security. Would I be crazy to leave my basically gauranteed fed position? I can't be promoted until my boss retires (5-8 years), and long story short, a lateral transfer to another office/agency isn't possible since I kind of skipped through the ladder and would have to take a cut to leave my current position.

The salary would be better, the prestige probably lower (not as much time to do professional presentations, publications, etc.). The commute is worse (in Columbia, we live in downtown SS), but we eventually could move away from downtown, get a bigger house, etc.


Advice? Should I go through the interviews anyway? I realize I may not even get the job! Or, do pull out and try to make the best of my current position, at least until both kids are older/the tedium of the work really gets to me?

[Anonymous]

See if you get the job and then decide. But, your current job sounds like a good deal. I personally wouldn't rock the boat.

[Anonymous]

I am a GS-14. My oldest started K this year. I have been with the feds a decade and 1/2 and I love the flexibility. I have a ton of leave (which I actually get to use). I have incredible work schedule flexibiility and I WAH. There is no way I would give this up. My kids don't need after-care or babysitters. I take a month off over summer vacation. I found out part-time can even be done in 3-18 month increments. Job security is another big factor for me.

What type of flexibility and job security does new position offer? When kids start school and more activities you will want to be around more. Also--homework will be starting up in a few years.

[Anonymous]

The commute is worse---no way!

[Anonymous]

What people did not warn me about as a working mom is the amount of time I would be doing things after-school with my school-age kids. It's not just ballet classes and teeball, but school projects, international night at school that starts at 6:15 pm (what to do about homework/baths/dinner/reading time?), math night, etc.

Combine an elementary-school age child and a worse commute for a job that will require more hours? No way.

[Anonymous]

Only if your dh or partner has a secure job and will have the flexibility that you are giving up on his job.

[Anonymous]

The grass isnt always greener. Can you challenge yourself by learning something new, asking to work on different project? Do you need more money? Why are you seeking change?

[Anonymous]

Don't - really, don't leave. Based on DH's experience these past 10 years, I recommend staying in federal service. You are likely to regret it. As others have said, don't rock the boat at this point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The commute is worse---no way!

that.

[Anonymous]

Yes, you would be crazy to leave your job. Think about DC2 getting sick all the time as 2-yr olds tend to do in daycare. The longer commute is also just wasted time - you aren't with your family and you aren't doing any work.

And suppose the job turns out to be a nightmare? The stress from a private sector job going sour is like nothing else when you are supporting a family.

[Anonymous]

I coudl not imagine waiting for someone else to retire to get promoted. 5-8 years?? Are you kidding? You will stay in the same job for that long?

[Anonymous]

I am in a somewhat similar position except my kids are 7 and 2. I think that the kids are still too young so I am just going to stop looking. My currently plan it to wait until they are in high school.

[Anonymous]

if you have been working a government job for a while you may not be used to having to actually working a full 40-50 hours a week. Count your hours of real work a week and compare it to working a full 40-50 hours

[Anonymous]

I completely agree with seeing if you get the job and then deciding. No need to pull out of the interview process because you HAVEN'T made up your mind.

I was a govt attorney and I left for private practice. I was brutally honest during my call back interview about my concerns about work/life balance. Since I already had a job I liked (but didn't love), I felt strongly that I wouldn't leave unless it was right. They were over-the-top reassuring. And I ended up taking the job. It is more money, the work is WAY more engaging, and I'm learning a LOT. Plus, I think in the long run that this is better for my career. Not sure if that is the case for you since you said it's less prestige.

BUT it is more work. I don't see my son as much. I'm not helping at home at night as much. I used to cook dinner for the next night after my son went to bed and now most nights I work again from 8-11. Not every night mind you, but it's about 45% of the time, which is a lot more than it was (about 25% of the time). Plus I worked from home one day a week at my old job and I miss that so much. That's when I got all the laundry washed and just got to be in my pajamas. This new job is flexible but it's not nearly as flexible and the workload is enough to where that removes some of the flexibility. Some days that makes me unhappy and some days I'm really excited to be working on such cool projects (where before I was not). But many many days I miss my son.

For me, money was a huge factor as was the chance to move ahead in my career. But I won't lie and say that the hit to my time at home isn't hard. I think you need to consider what is best for your career and balance that on the expected hit to your family life. I really strongly think you should do the interview and see if you get the offer before going there. If you GET the offer, then, like me, you can ask some very pointed questions which may help guide your decision. That way, you're making the most informed decision possible.

[Anonymous]

You are also giving up your guaranteed pension-that is huge IMO. Plus really cheap and excellent benefits compared with what's average in the private sector. I think you'd be crazy to take the private job. GL with whatever you go.

PS-If you are really unhappy with your current responsibilities, you could always try to go with a different federal job.