Reply to Should I take a big pay cut for a government job offer?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]So let's assume you work for a USAID/INL/PRM-type contractor and got into either State or USAID Foreign Service.

FSOs often have to spend very little money out of pocket for day to day life and end up being able to buy real estate investment properties and build significant savings, while counting down to a guaranteed pension. It's a really good deal. That said, they are an entitled bunch who learn how to nickel and dime the government for everything (within regulations).

Your contractor employer may offer similar benefits at first glance, but without the security and pension.

FSOs are a smart bunch in general but within a strictly defined system.

I would join USAID Foreign Service before I'd join State if I weren't sure if I wanted to commit to a whole career. USAID FSOs move up more quickly and get more independent responsibility much earlier than State FSOs. A USAID FSO may be leading an office in his second tour, or would be the deputy for the office. My sense is it takes longer in State -- many are reporting officers for several tours.

At State, of course you'd have to do a Consular tour adjudicating visas for a couple years -- fine if you're in it long term, but I bummer if you want to try out Foreign Service for a tour first.

Your spouse will be unemployed for stretches unless she's experienced and flexible enough to be put on proposals and project launches, etc. But she'd also be unemployed if OP started doing overseas tours with a contractor.

FS is relatively lucrative (for a middle class job) and you could always commit to five years and it probably won't hurt your chances of going back to contractor work (especially if you go into USAID FS).
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OP here again, thanks for the great insights. My impression of FSOs (at least at State) nearly perfectly mirrors yours. Interesting that you seem to feel USAID FSOs have higher morale than those at State.

[quote=Anonymous]You need to sit down with your partner and discuss this. I have seen far too many FS or other agency trailing spouses end up embittered and resentful for their careers stalling. The government does not owe your partner a job, contrary to what many spouses think. Not all telework setups function properly for trailing spouses. Your partner might only be able to secure an administrative job at the embassy. Nurses and teachers always seem to do okay IME. 
Then again, many spouses like working at the Embassy so they can keep an eye on their partners. Seriously.
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Thanks for the advice. Definitely am very concerned about the partner job aspect of it. Both of us come from blue collar backgrounds are finally making it in DC - no interest in blowing all that up. Would move carefully and deliberately. [/quote]

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