DOJ attorney. Doesn't pay well compared to big law, but I make enough. I set my own workday, leave the office on time every night, and have as much responsibility as I want--a good variety of cases and policy issues.

Strategy for big company. Work from home 3x to 4x a week, comp about $180 or so. Periodically debate leaving - most I my friends make $250k+ but they all work 70+ hours a week. Sometimes another $70k feels worth it (travel for the family, private school if we want it, etc) and other times it just doesn't. I keep reminding myself that with an HHi near $300k, in our early 30s, if I can't make retirement I won't have anyone to blame but myself and that when I'm sitting in my death bed the time I'll have spent with family will probably be my biggest happiness or my biggest regret, not whether I retired with $5M or $10M.

Not a humble brag, recognize I'm fortunate, just occasionally torn.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Federal Policy Analyst

I enjoy the work, travel to lots of interesting places, my colleagues are young, intelligent and motivated, I feel like I'm accomplishing something worthwhile, and it's family-friendly. Good job security, benefits, and a reasonably good salary.

How much do you travel? That aspect may not be family-friendly at all.

Travelled monthly pre-kid, when I had the freedom and desire to do so. Now, as a parent, have been permitted to dial back substantially and travel only once or twice a year. Lots of young singles in our office who are happy to travel more so those who prefer not to can travel less. It's really been the best of both worlds.

How did you become a policy analyst? Can you talk about your educational background and experience?

I'm sure requirements will vary by agency, but I have a Bachelors degree and 5 years of local level work experience in my issue area, plus a Masters in Public Policy.

Nonprofit marketing director. Fairly regular hours (37.5 week). Great 403b. Travel 2-3 times a year. Make 130k. Pretty flexible and nice environment.

My 10-minute commute isn't too shabby either, but that's just luck.

IT Mgr. My team is based around the world. The good is that no one in the US cares what hours I work. The bad is that about once a month I have meetings between 3-5am. But I work from home and at 3:30 I call it a day to go start my second job. My bosses (ages 4 and 6) in my 2nd job are much more demanding than my morning boss. I make around $175k. I love the flexibility that my hours provide me. I can run to the grocery store, throw a load of laundry in, start dinner, take the kids to activities and appts. I worked in the office for 5 yrs before starting this position and I've been in this job for 5 years.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Federal Policy Analyst

I enjoy the work, travel to lots of interesting places, my colleagues are young, intelligent and motivated, I feel like I'm accomplishing something worthwhile, and it's family-friendly. Good job security, benefits, and a reasonably good salary.

How much do you travel? That aspect may not be family-friendly at all.

Travelled monthly pre-kid, when I had the freedom and desire to do so. Now, as a parent, have been permitted to dial back substantially and travel only once or twice a year. Lots of young singles in our office who are happy to travel more so those who prefer not to can travel less. It's really been the best of both worlds.

How did you become a policy analyst? Can you talk about your educational background and experience?

+1

I've been considering policy (currently a fed researcher) and would love to hear more!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Federal Policy Analyst

I enjoy the work, travel to lots of interesting places, my colleagues are young, intelligent and motivated, I feel like I'm accomplishing something worthwhile, and it's family-friendly. Good job security, benefits, and a reasonably good salary.

How much do you travel? That aspect may not be family-friendly at all.

Travelled monthly pre-kid, when I had the freedom and desire to do so. Now, as a parent, have been permitted to dial back substantially and travel only once or twice a year. Lots of young singles in our office who are happy to travel more so those who prefer not to can travel less. It's really been the best of both worlds.

How did you become a policy analyst? Can you talk about your educational background and experience?

Nanny

What is your definition of "pays well".

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Federal Policy Analyst

I enjoy the work, travel to lots of interesting places, my colleagues are young, intelligent and motivated, I feel like I'm accomplishing something worthwhile, and it's family-friendly. Good job security, benefits, and a reasonably good salary.

How much do you travel? That aspect may not be family-friendly at all.

Travelled monthly pre-kid, when I had the freedom and desire to do so. Now, as a parent, have been permitted to dial back substantially and travel only once or twice a year. Lots of young singles in our office who are happy to travel more so those who prefer not to can travel less. It's really been the best of both worlds.

Anonymous wrote:Federal Policy Analyst

I enjoy the work, travel to lots of interesting places, my colleagues are young, intelligent and motivated, I feel like I'm accomplishing something worthwhile, and it's family-friendly. Good job security, benefits, and a reasonably good salary.

How much do you travel? That aspect may not be family-friendly at all.

HR and Marketing for a tech firm.

Federal Policy Analyst

I enjoy the work, travel to lots of interesting places, my colleagues are young, intelligent and motivated, I feel like I'm accomplishing something worthwhile, and it's family-friendly. Good job security, benefits, and a reasonably good salary.

IT

I can do it from home if need be ...good boss and pay.

...what do you do?

I'll start, sales. Love it, great pay, and super flexible.