List of Toxic Federal Agencies

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:SEC

In what way? From the outside seems like pay is significantly better and there is relative autonomy for employees. Plus few political appointees.

Few political appointees but they drive the agenda and staff gets get yanked in every which direction. And the current chair is an arrogant former Goldman guy who got regulatory religion (after he made tons of money at GS) and thinks he’s the smartest guy in the room. People are miserable.

This strikes me as standard across federal agencies. And it’s increasingly bad as politics becomes so extreme in each direction. There is no continuity between administrations like you might get if politics was more moderate.

Full of refugees from academia,, big law or public accounting firms. Failed type As with chip on their shoulder.

This description speaks volumes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They're likely all toxic. I've spent 15 years across 3 federal agencies and they're all toxic. The incompetence, apathy, and laziness in all three was quite consistent. I would highly discourage anyone who actually enjoys their field to join the federal government. It will literally kill any joy you have in your field. When I got in 15 years ago I noticed a lot of old people who won't leave but hate it there. I always said I won't end up like that. But the system beats you to submission.

I love working at the FCC.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:EPA OCFO! That place has been toxic for two decades.

True! I worked there 20 years ago as a contractor.

How are other EPA offices?

I can't speak for all of them. I spent a decade there and the one that killed it for me was OCSPP/OPPT. The Chemicals office is split into two parts, pesticides and the rest. This office does the rest and was just an absolutely miserable place to work. Super backstabby, way too much to do and not enough people to do it, under Trump it was just evil what they allowed to happen... just avoid. Maybe TRI if you're desperate, but they're now reorganized so I don't know if now it's miserable there too.

I've heard bad things about OCIR (congressional) but I've never worked there. In general all the sub offices within the Administrator's office are chaotic and stressful, but your work is directly impacting the mission and it's excellent experience.

I've heard good things about OLEM, people seem to migrate there and stay. Water also seems fairly decent below the AA level. Air is fine, really depends on your specific program office, and that can change enormously when a political comes in.

I hope that helps. I loved it for many years and it's a good place to get a 13, which I've heard can be tough at some agencies. Much harder to move to a 14. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:EPA OCFO! That place has been toxic for two decades.

True! I worked there 20 years ago as a contractor.

How are other EPA offices?

I can't speak for all of them. I spent a decade there and the one that killed it for me was OCSPP/OPPT. The Chemicals office is split into two parts, pesticides and the rest. This office does the rest and was just an absolutely miserable place to work. Super backstabby, way too much to do and not enough people to do it, under Trump it was just evil what they allowed to happen... just avoid. Maybe TRI if you're desperate, but they're now reorganized so I don't know if now it's miserable there too.

I've heard bad things about OCIR (congressional) but I've never worked there. In general all the sub offices within the Administrator's office are chaotic and stressful, but your work is directly impacting the mission and it's excellent experience.

I've heard good things about OLEM, people seem to migrate there and stay. Water also seems fairly decent below the AA level. Air is fine, really depends on your specific program office, and that can change enormously when a political comes in.

I hope that helps. I loved it for many years and it's a good place to get a 13, which I've heard can be tough at some agencies. Much harder to move to a 14. Good luck!

Thank you! I’ve watched for years. Lots more public opportunities now to recover from Trump attrition.

[Anonymous]

I worked at one agency out of College, in a group that was so toxic I woke up every morning literally crying.

Things finally go so bad I left the group, but not the agency, and the new group was a totally different world of respect and consideration.

All agencies have toxic groups.

The vast majority also have good groups.

The biggest issue is that you need to learn to fend for yourself. If it’s bad, no one will really help you. If it’s good, eventually something will change around you. Don’t screw over your career if you want to stay in Federal Service because it’s a huge place with a lot of options to move around. Be diverse and keep your resume sharp on USAJobs for anything that looks like a decent fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Federal Reserve is one of the most toxic places I’ve worked in. Mean people, fragile egos, and completely ineffective.

IRS is terrible

[Anonymous]

Is IRS terrible because of the people or the chronic understaffing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SEC

In what way? From the outside seems like pay is significantly better and there is relative autonomy for employees. Plus few political appointees.

Few political appointees but they drive the agenda and staff gets get yanked in every which direction. And the current chair is an arrogant former Goldman guy who got regulatory religion (after he made tons of money at GS) and thinks he’s the smartest guy in the room. People are miserable.

This strikes me as standard across federal agencies. And it’s increasingly bad as politics becomes so extreme in each direction. There is no continuity between administrations like you might get if politics was more moderate.

Full of refugees from academia,, big law or public accounting firms. Failed type As with chip on their shoulder.

This description speaks volumes.

Are things worse under the new chair or is this typical transition pains at SEC during change in administration?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Federal Reserve is one of the most toxic places I’ve worked in. Mean people, fragile egos, and completely ineffective.

Wow, not true at all in my experience. Great place to work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Federal Reserve is one of the most toxic places I’ve worked in. Mean people, fragile egos, and completely ineffective.

Wow, not true at all in my experience. Great place to work.

Yeah, outside of some RAs grumbling, never really hear any complaints about the Fed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is IRS terrible because of the people or the chronic understaffing?

Both? It is understaffed and the people there can’t find anyone else to work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is IRS terrible because of the people or the chronic understaffing?

both AND the work itself. Sometimes the people we went after really did make honest mistakes or received bad advice. But none of that matters. Imagine working a case and the person commits suicide. it happened to me and it's just weighs on you. Then imagine horrible management and heavy workload on top of this.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:People say state is super toxic however I think it is just the type of people state attracts.

Ttt toilet agencies are full of people that would love to work at state.

State is full of people that compare it to their t20 friends that went to Google or McKinsey.

I work with folks from State Department. They have to be the most arrogant federal employees next to all the law enforcement officers (agencies - FBI-CBP-ICE-BP etc).

OMG THIS. I have a close friend whose husband is at state and he LITERALLY think he is the most important person ever.

YES! I went to school with State Department kids and their parents would be bragging about it to their kids' friends. Bro, I'm 12, IDGAF. Living in DC now, I noticed that nearly every single SD person will list off all their postings after giving their name.

Yo! LMFAO. This statement is so true.

Insufferable people, know it-alls and braggarts

[Anonymous]

What’s the scoop on NPS?

Other than it’s harder to get a job there than at 99% of other elements and agencies

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Today’s FBI - hands down!

If this is genuine, I’m curious why? Honest question