Anonymous wrote:I'm actually work in the private sector and am looking for a job in the federal government while I am still relatively young (40s) preferably at a favored agency. There is way too much age discrimination in the private sector--it seems impossible to have stable employment through your 50s in many white collar occupations. I would take a pay cut to do it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just gave notice at my agency to take a private sector job. It feels GREAT.

Were you able to get a pay raise of about 50%? That’s what has made me not take it, I’ve only been able to get jobs at about $220k, which is the best a lateral move and is at least as risky, especially with the private market basically entering your session

No, not a 50% raise, which is unrealistic for any job change unless maybe you are going to Biglaw. I’m getting a smaller raise and will be able to invest what was going to my FERS-FRAE pension on my own with potentially better returns. I would say the move is within the range of lateral but with a much higher potential growth than Fed. Plus I get to WFH partially and not subjected to the endless barrage of disdain and chaos. And I’d probably end up Schedule F so job security is illusory at this point.

You must be a lot younger, 0.8% to invest would not be noteworthy! At my age and my colleagues we worry about being aged out not planning on promotion in private (we are all 50).

Best of luck, it’s hard out there!

It’s 4.4% for me, plus I got increased comp to cover some of the govt FERS pension contribution. i’m also in your age range but not willing to be paralyzed. And I have often made career decisions that run counter to conventional wisdom (like leaving a Fed job while pregnant earlier in my career!) Has worked out so far.

It sounds like you are in law right? That helps as it is not nearly as ageist as other corporate roles.

I definitely feel paralyzed; many of my friends in private were laid off and still looking for work a year later. If I leave I want enough money to offset the risk of layoff and cover expenses. I am not schedule F so would be eligible for severance as well.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just gave notice at my agency to take a private sector job. It feels GREAT.

Were you able to get a pay raise of about 50%? That’s what has made me not take it, I’ve only been able to get jobs at about $220k, which is the best a lateral move and is at least as risky, especially with the private market basically entering your session

No, not a 50% raise, which is unrealistic for any job change unless maybe you are going to Biglaw. I’m getting a smaller raise and will be able to invest what was going to my FERS-FRAE pension on my own with potentially better returns. I would say the move is within the range of lateral but with a much higher potential growth than Fed. Plus I get to WFH partially and not subjected to the endless barrage of disdain and chaos. And I’d probably end up Schedule F so job security is illusory at this point.

You must be a lot younger, 0.8% to invest would not be noteworthy! At my age and my colleagues we worry about being aged out not planning on promotion in private (we are all 50).

Best of luck, it’s hard out there!

It’s 4.4% for me, plus I got increased comp to cover some of the govt FERS pension contribution. i’m also in your age range but not willing to be paralyzed. And I have often made career decisions that run counter to conventional wisdom (like leaving a Fed job while pregnant earlier in my career!) Has worked out so far.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just gave notice at my agency to take a private sector job. It feels GREAT.

Were you able to get a pay raise of about 50%? That’s what has made me not take it, I’ve only been able to get jobs at about $220k, which is the best a lateral move and is at least as risky, especially with the private market basically entering your session

No, not a 50% raise, which is unrealistic for any job change unless maybe you are going to Biglaw. I’m getting a smaller raise and will be able to invest what was going to my FERS-FRAE pension on my own with potentially better returns. I would say the move is within the range of lateral but with a much higher potential growth than Fed. Plus I get to WFH partially and not subjected to the endless barrage of disdain and chaos. And I’d probably end up Schedule F so job security is illusory at this point.

You must be a lot younger, 0.8% to invest would not be noteworthy! At my age and my colleagues we worry about being aged out not planning on promotion in private (we are all 50).

Best of luck, it’s hard out there!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just gave notice at my agency to take a private sector job. It feels GREAT.

Were you able to get a pay raise of about 50%? That’s what has made me not take it, I’ve only been able to get jobs at about $220k, which is the best a lateral move and is at least as risky, especially with the private market basically entering your session

No, not a 50% raise, which is unrealistic for any job change unless maybe you are going to Biglaw. I’m getting a smaller raise and will be able to invest what was going to my FERS-FRAE pension on my own with potentially better returns. I would say the move is within the range of lateral but with a much higher potential growth than Fed. Plus I get to WFH partially and not subjected to the endless barrage of disdain and chaos. And I’d probably end up Schedule F so job security is illusory at this point.

Anonymous wrote:I’m so sad that good people are leaving public service. I also left, thanks to DOGE, and I’m doing something very different now.

But for you personally, OP, congratulations!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just gave notice at my agency to take a private sector job. It feels GREAT.

Were you able to get a pay raise of about 50%? That’s what has made me not take it, I’ve only been able to get jobs at about $220k, which is the best a lateral move and is at least as risky, especially with the private market basically entering your session

Anonymous wrote:I just gave notice at my agency to take a private sector job. It feels GREAT.

Anonymous wrote:I just gave notice at my agency to take a private sector job. It feels GREAT.