Govt or firm?

[Anonymous]

Help us decide what to do. I currently work a govt job and have lots of flexibility and time to spend with my family. However, we can't afford to buy a house. What to do? Go to a firm or stay with the govt? If I stay, it will probably take several years and a relocation to be able to buy.

[Anonymous]

Unless you're in a gov't position that is high enough that you will consistently have a client base if you go to a firm, stay where you are.

The law firm paradigm is changing, and a lot of people are getting the axe. Those who stay are working longer hours and still feeling very insecure unless they are rainmakers.

So if you're the GC at an agency or something similar that is causing firms to continually try to recruit you, that's one thing. If not, then go to a firm at your own peril.

Doing that just so you can buy a house sooner is not a good risk.

[Anonymous]

You're an attorney, right? Maybe look at going to an association? Some of them pay better than the government (pull the 990s to see what they are paying their staff), and you'd still retain some of the flexibility.

[Anonymous]

Assuming you get a job at a firm, you will be able to buy a house, but you will hardly ever see said house during daylight hours. Personally, I'm happier living in our condo and spending time with my family.

[Anonymous]

A job you don't HATE is a needle in a haystack. You are so lucky OMG if you only knew. DO NOT LEAVE.

You can buy a house I'm sure - maybe just not where you had in mind. The DC area is huge, and there are lots of no down payment and no PMI programs, and sellers will even pay your closing costs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A job you don't HATE is a needle in a haystack. You are so lucky OMG if you only knew. DO NOT LEAVE.

You can buy a house I'm sure - maybe just not where you had in mind. The DC area is huge, and there are lots of no down payment and no PMI programs, and sellers will even pay your closing costs.

Good luck with getting sellers to pay your closing costs in this market. I do agree that if you look further out or perhaps in a less "hot" area you can find something. Perhaps a little smaller or a little older than you were hoping for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A job you don't HATE is a needle in a haystack. You are so lucky OMG if you only knew. DO NOT LEAVE.

You can buy a house I'm sure - maybe just not where you had in mind. The DC area is huge, and there are lots of no down payment and no PMI programs, and sellers will even pay your closing costs.

Also, maybe adjust your expectations? We bought a modest 4 bedroom house in the burbs, walkable to the metro, & we did it on (gasp!) One government attorney salary. We just don't live downtown or in Arlington.