Why I left the Private Sector to work for the Federal Government

[@RonsWorld5]

Good video. After leaving military service ot 20 years, I worked within the private sector for about 8 months and it was crazy and extremely cut-throat. I was never confident that I would have a job the next week; and I had a family to take care of. It was exactly as you mentioned in the video. While working in the private sector, I applied for and accepted a federal job. I did not tell my supervisors until I got my last paycheck and then gave them a one week notice. I had enough. One of the best life decisions I ever made was to enter the federal workforce. Good pay and benefits (FERS) and even worked in the Foreign Service for six years. Total time as a federal worker, 22 years. I retired in 2017 and have a very good lifetime income. There were some bumps along the way. Anywhere there are people, you will have that. But there were systems and processes in place that made it much more bearable such as good pay, promotions, performance evaluations, pay raises, complaint processes, training opportunities, and FERS.

[@bradh9800]

After 31 years of government service, let me pass on some advice that I wish I would have gotten as a new employee..... Divert as much of your income as you possibly can into the TSP, and do not borrow from your TSP unless it is an actual emergency.

[@rjmurray5128]

100% Fact, the more one can contribute to the TSP the better off one will be after they get ready to retire from the fed. gov, been at 3 agencies with job satisfaction & job security have been invaluable to me and you cannot get that in the dog eat dog/rat race of the private world.

[@colincassidy8391]

What is TSP

[@bradh9800]

@@colincassidy8391 TSP is the thrift saving plan. It is the federal equivalent of a 401(k).

[@ShadowF305]

@@bradh9800is that also FERS? or is FERS pension which is separate?

[@bradh9800]

@@ShadowF305 FERS is the pension system - the TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) is the federal equivalent of a 401k plan. The govt. matches part of your contribution and the balance is invested in funds of your choice.

[@dianemansfield6770]

Yes! I became a govie after 20+ years in the private sector. I LOVE it. It is the happiest I have been in many many years!

[@shaunmc013]

Can you list a couple of reasons why?

[@TheNguyenben85]

​@@shaunmc013, I doubt that you will survive in the private sector. I give you 6 months out of the door😂

[@shaunmc013]

@@TheNguyenben85I worked in the private sector for 13 years, that’s double the length of time you suspected. What are you talking about?

[@shaunmc013]

@@TheNguyenben85 warehouse production, banking, finance, and remote..

[@DubDigital]

...its way longer than they expected.​@@shaunmc013

[@DJRTP]

I worked in private for over 20 years. In today's society there are only two options in my opinion 1) Work in government or 2) Put yourself in a position to be well off so you don't need to work. Throughout my career I have seen people get fired for the most hideous shit, I even witnessed a guy being fired while he was on a conference call. There is a reason why being a government worker is much better than being in private sector, for one it is next to impossible to get fired especially for bullshit. When you are 18 living at home with your parents then it doesn't matter vs a manager who fires you at 40 because he/she wants their 23 year old son or daughter to fill your position. That's the type of shit that I have witnessed throughout my entire career, OR being fired because you were late OR fired over a cheap disagreement, in this this day and age people are extremely expendable (not in all cases) but in allot and at my age i cannot afford to fall victim to getting laid off, thrown away like trash or fired "just because". Years ago society was not like this but today so many things have changed jealously , envy, all kinds of back handed bullshit goes on and the least of my worries will be holding my position.

[@Zneiero]

You know, its not all rosy on the other side of the fence.People tough out in private but when they get here, US federal government, its through luck and high skill set. The competition is much higher compared to a decade ago. They only look for the best. Starting as a intern as very low pay if you are young and then it is a very slow climb. Also beware of your managers behavior and your own rights but excercise caution. Abusive managers can be very dangerous to your career.

[@Jtitor177]

This is so spot on and every point is 100% accurate and exactly how I feel and think as well. Been working in the private sector for nearly 15 years, many ups and downs and I have now started the journey to seek out work in the federal government. Just applied for my first role too and I am really hopeful of landing an interview after the application period closes.

[@rjmurray5128]

My regret was after 21 years in the Navy, should have got my foot in the federal door shortly upon separating/retiring back in 2009, did the same thing also tried my luck with the private sector-no job security or stability, lay-offs, cutting staff to better their botton line & not yours. Been with 2 fed agencies and getting ready to start a new job at DOD with 7 years so far and looking forward to the next 12-14 years of getting a 2nd pension and SS at 65 to greatly offset the cost of living by then.

[@toddaldrich1724]

I worked 27 years in the private sector. I’m now an RN with the VA. I can retire at 57 with life time medical and a reasonable pension on top of my ssi, tsp, and Roth IRA. Almost impossible to be fire unless you’re a negligent nurse.

[@user-ou3cm5kr3b]

Could you expand more on the "medical for life at 57" part of your statement. I thought that was for retired military personnel. Thank you.

[@rickw3243]

@@user-ou3cm5kr3bFederal employees who retire can decide to continue with their FEHB coverage (which includes coverage for prescription drugs) for the rest of their lives. In fact, taking Medicare at age 65 is optional for federal employees, whether they are still active or retired.

[@bathinisrinivas1970]

Federal government job is safe and secure anywhere in world ...likes from india ♥ Loved your videos

[@marcusmohamed4342]

Spot on - I've been loyal in the private sector for 14+ years. Definitely looking to go Fed! Thanks for sharing

[@malvavisco10]

TY for your perspective…I am facing a decision about public vs private sector jobs. I was laid off from a public sector job but got hired for a private sector job… so I’m getting an idea of the difference. Now I have an interview for another public sector job and I hope I get it. Those sweet gov’ment bennies! Ugh I need my pension plan back. It gives you that peace of mind knowing you’ll be better covered in old age.

[@askafed5959]

You were laid off from public sector? Was it federal, state or local? I've never heard of that happening at least at the federal level. I'd be interested in hearing your story.

[@malvavisco10]

@@askafed5959 A public land-grant research university, so as far as I know it’s public sector? (I was registered in the state’s retirement system.) A lowly office worker. I’ve been hired to do editing work for a private company, but I’m hoping to get this job with the library and study for a master’s in library science at the same time.

[@NotShowingOff]

@@malvavisco10 state employees can be let-go because their revenue is always hard to get and isn’t guaranteed

[@b.coxemba6799]

Federal government do downsizing and pay freeze when Congress is in disagreement with the budget. But the policy has relocation and rehire regulations in place. Far better than private sector in these situations. If you keep a emergency fund you'll be fine.

[@williamhall1659]

As a long-term federal employee I have been saying many of the things you said in this video for years, I would add that at least in my profession my pay is higher than in the private sector.

[@newagain9964]

Pays more? Depends ur skills, exp and training. I’m in accounting and finance. even if I don’t work for wall st or similar I’d still be making more than my $95k gov pay.

[@chrisdaniel2759]

@@newagain9964 Are you sure? I always smile when my fellow government workers get mad and say they can go make more in the private sector anytime they want. Ok, if that’s true, what’s stopping you? If you say the benefits and job security, then well, that’s the tradeoff. In total, overall, you’re making more in the government than you would in the private sector.

[@newagain9964]

@@chrisdaniel2759 funny. This is my last my week with gov. Taking job $135k with 6% match 100% health. By Felicia. I’ll be voting republican every chance I get.

[@Jd-zd6bh]

I work for the federal Gov. I am GS11 and the pay sucks, big time. . . but the job is easy, no stress. .is it worth it. . nope, but I am retired, so I dont really depend on my federal job to pay for things. . I am just doing this for extra pay . the point is, federal job pays very low

[@askafed5959]

The Fed can pay you very little, but that isn't universal. I am being compensated fairly well, and that's because I held out until I got that opportunity. The GS pay scale tops out in the upper half of the 100k figures, which is very generous if you ask me, so it's not impossible to get paid well. Besides, as long as I have a relatively comfortable standard of living, I don't need millions of dollars. Gratitude goes a long way.

[@newagain9964]

@@marknussbaum8394 u do know there’s several reasons why a person may say there gov job sucks beyond the pay, right?

[@newagain9964]

@@marknussbaum8394 u don’t think workers should be able to improve their workplace? And That mgt shouldn’t run sucky shops? Not everyone is like u and is ok with bending over at each job site.

[@b.coxemba6799]

I worked in both federal government and private sector. Nothing beats a decent pension, health care and investment opportunity. If you follow the 4% rule. Take your pension and divide by 4%. You'll be surprised at what you're pension worth. Example $28k pension will be valued at $700k in investment income. Add cost of living increases equal winning. I haven't met anyone in the private sector received cost of living increases in retirement.

[@marknussbaum8394]

The 4% rule is for calculating a perpetual income stream, and that would model an amount that would be the same annual payment, inflation adjusted, when you die and would be able to be passed to your heirs. A pension dies with the pensioner. A more fair value for a $28K pension might be to divide it by 6% or even 8%, depending on how long you estimate that pension will pay out. So a $28K pension might be worth $350K to $466K, which isn't chump change either.

[@b.coxemba6799]

@@marknussbaum8394 Federal Pension can be past down to spouses. Using the 4% give you a fair market value, if this income was in investments. This pension will not decrease over time. It's will only increase with inflation making it more valuable. The pension isn't wrapped around stock market. Your TSP will definitely depend on the market performance. I retired at 51, federal law enforcement officer as a budget analyst. Watch people TSP account disappear. Every one value their pension.

[@fredozm]

Can I work in the federal gov as a foreigner? I live in Brazil here..

[@billyhiggins1908]

@@fredozm No you have to be a U.S. citizen

[@Ricocase]

Rule of 72 works the other too. Your money is halved in x years when dividing 72 by real inflation percentage (incl. food/fuel).

[@DMV_Mav]

Everyone's situation is different. It depends on the individual and where he or she is at in life. If you are go-getter, a federal job can hold you back in more ways than some. You will be able to obtain more skills and credentials in the private sector more so than in the federal sector. You can become complacent with bureaucracy and mediocrity in the federal government. At the end of the day, life is short, and a person should obtain a job (federal or private) that fulfills their life goals.

[@videobrownsville]

You can be a gogetter in the feds, you can also be a no getter . Point is the opportunity is there for you to take advantage of. Imagine working for the private sector and being fired at age 50. That's a horrible situation to be in. My advice --work move around in the private sectors till age 30, then look for a public sector job.

[@newagain9964]

@@videobrownsville why would u be a go getter in gov? no benefit. Also, I’m opposite. I tell ppl make ur $$ while in prime then get into gov once in 40s. Maybe even 50s.

[@chrisdaniel2759]

@@newagain9964 To get promoted to higher GS levels and make more money. It’s easy to stand out in the government. I have been intentionally taking more responsibility over the last 5 years and doing great work, and they keep promoting me. I’m well into 6 figures and life is good, while my coworkers complain all day and stay at their same GS level their whole life. Also, nobody else can make you satisfied and happy. Doing awesome work, even if nobody notices, is heaven. But people notice pretty quickly, and promote you, or steal you away. I have 3 Divisions asking me to apply. If you don’t, ask yourself why nobody wants you.

[@Grim67894]

@@newagain9964there’s a lot of backstabbers in private that can hamper even a moderately ambitious person. The most ambitious should stay in private, but moderately ambitious can move to gs14/15 and still have security and less backstabbers than in private

[@massafelipe8063]

It's honorable to work for your country, even in the most trivial way. By that I mean you try to provide best possible service to the tax payer and help out. Worked briefly in the private sector, and I couldn't stand having a boss - owner. Being self employed perhaps one day might be an option.

[@freddyhollingsworth5945]

I did the private sector for 20+ years... I have honestly seen dozens of great people fired for no real reason, just because someone didn't like them or they was moving up too high on the pay scale... One of the fat depressed 50 something manager in one of my jobs got a new guy fired bx he looked and talked just like her ex-husband that she hated...it was sad..I wanted to speak up and defend him, but I couldn't...he was fired after his shift on his 89th day....

[@ddddddno24]

....people fighting over which rich person should run the country instead of fighting for a real right to a pension and healthcare.....

[@superiorlobster8888]

real

[@newagain9964]

Fax. Capitalism is the most nefarious system ever devised. Ppl literally work and vote against their own self interests..willing, lovingly,and proudly!! ☠️

[@kylehalat9414]

One of the things I like about government service compared to private industry was work life balance. I get a ton of leave and don’t get grief for taking a vacation.

[@thomasshoff6512]

The real problem is many feds do little and cannot be fired with just minimal effort! Motivations can be minimal and production nonexistent and employees can survive?

[@Mav0585]

At the age of 39, I will be retiring from the military after 22 years of service, only 4 of that is active duty. When I left active duty, I tried many things management consulting, real estate, insurance and human resources. I always felt like I was hustling and never really getting ahead and I did not like the work environments either very stressful, very high paced. If you want to get to that 100K Mark, it’s a whole other level of stress in the private sector. I just had an interview with the IRS and I might have an opportunity to join as a GS9 with a promotion to GS 11 after one year. Even though I am taking a large pay cut, I am excited to get back on the government track and I hope I enjoyed enough to do another 20 years!

[@tuber6382]

So far after 30 years in the private sector the only company I've ever worked for that is still around is the company I work at right now

[@abenasaaba9130]

I’m ETSing soon from the Army and in school for my nursing program, already have bachelors in accounting though just wanted to change career. But bn thinking thoroughly and have come to conclusion to work with the VA considering the effort u have to put in for a better future.

[@charliekendall4288]

4 yrs. Navy credit towards pension. 30 yrs. Post Office Letter Carrier pension. IRA, Social Security and Medicare. Best Decision.

[@NotShowingOff]

I’m always wondering why the post office next to where I live has a hard time hiring but the Amazon fulfilment center doesn’t 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@3markaw]

@@NotShowingOff Not many people want to work at the P.O. sadly. The organization itself has some good benefits but they don't make up for the downsides of the P.O. Things like lack of flexibility , poor working conditions and the biggest of all a**holes for supervisors and often for coworkers too.

[@b.coxemba6799]

Agree - the military buy back program is an excellent way to get credit towards retirement. As a federal law enforcement officer I retired at age 51. Regular fers must do 30 years to receive the same benefits as my 20 years. Then the feds added my 8 years of military service at the end. Sweet deal. Add supplement until age 62, immediate cost of living increases and veteran check with free health care. (I still carry blue cross) loving it! Haven't touched my TSP account, but I can with no penalties. I'll be turning 53 this year 😁

[@NotShowingOff]

@@b.coxemba6799 start your own company, and travel across the world

[@b.coxemba6799]

@@NotShowingOff I own a financial consulting company. I was a budget analyst for Department of Justice for many years. I have a Executive MBA. I started the business in part to have a second credit profile. To keep some assets away from personal liability. My wife is Filipino. She own few properties in the Philippines. We haven't travel outside the United States since convid. Well once I went to Dominican Republic for my 50th birthday. I pick up a case of pure white hennessy. I actually travel a lot. My wife was living in Italy when we met. I enjoy not being on a schedule.

[@fromfreddy]

sound thinking. there’s a reason i found your video piece.

[@absolute3112]

wish I could give this video a 1MILLION LIKES!!!

[@hangarby10]

Worked in both private and public for past 35 years. For me, I preferred the private sector. More money, more rewards, greater variety.

[@jimmywalters3071]

Go with the Federal Govt. .. pay is very good !! COLA, steps, grades etc .. and lots of leave .. and the biggest benefit is the Pension !! You are guarenteed to get sometime in retirement after doing 5 years !! work and retire at age 57 and get thousands of dollars in monthly pension benefit for life and low cost health care from 57-65. It's very hard getting into the Federal Govt . but I took at GS-4 temp job and after 1 year became a perm employee as a GS 5... I am now making over $100,000 !!!and will get a nice pension when I retire.

[@kantoo6854]

To receive a pension you need 30 years to retire at 57, 20 years to retire at 60 and 5 years to retire at 62.

[@jimmywalters3071]

@@kantoo6854 yep, agree.

[@smittyboy]

This applies to local all the way to federal government.

[@dynamo3059]

im outside dc rn, not sure if worth moving there cuz its like 30+ percent more expensive. seems to eat up any increased pay u get

[@vickikendricks1605]

New subbie, great content 🤙🏽 Very true.

[@absolute3112]

Yeah, SIGN ME UP!!!

[@julianlapidus7188]

Very relatable

[@coreyashley4949]

It's all relative to WHICH agency you work under and WHERE that agency is located.

[@absolute3112]

Yeah, Im dealing with that now... put on an 'action plan' my 1st week on a project, because I pointed out the OBVIOUS inefficiency...Fast Forward 6months later, project is now... 3MONTHS BEHIND, because of the very issues I saw. WEEK ONE... Private section at the wrong company, is worst than being in High School. I miss my old company, which was much like Govt... HENCE, we had alot govt , military personnel working there.

[@hackmedia7755]

it's sad how a lot of businesses treat employees. I wish employee-owned companies were a lot more common instead of corporations that are solely made to profit and help other people than the workers.

[@somebodyu.used2know]

Thanks I listened to this to help make an informed decision for my Pol. Sc class… the question I’m trying to answer is: Critics of big government call for privatizing certain services of government to shrink the size of the federal government. Do you think this reform would either enhance services or improve the public perception of government?

[@shira2151]

All the feds I know are happy. Me being a contractor they are not. Only good thing I see from private sector is my friend. He was a contract but they fired him for covid. They brought him back as a full time employee. Fast forward 3 years he's getting promoted to making 120k, but my friend is exceptional at his job he's not just a Joe Smoe. I don't want to do that anymore. Work my ass and gamble whether I will be treated and compensated accordingly cause I never have. 😊

[@harmony3279]

Great video!!

[@Wardog-xh9hm]

I agree 100%

[@musicsxmyheart]

Honestly job security in the public sector is a myth .There are layoffs from lack and loss of funding all the time

[@askafed5959]

Anything is possible, but the question is, which one is MORE secure? I'd say it's the public sector by a long shot. Bear in mind, however, I'm talking specifically about the federal government, not state or local govt. which I understand are a bit different. Either way, you'd have to be more specific about what you mean by "all the time", because I haven't seen it happen once in the public sector as a civilian or military service member. But I have seen it happen several times over in the private sector. Nonetheless, I'll take a slim chance of getting fired over a large one any day.

[@musicsxmyheart]

@@askafed5959 I’d say they are about the same honestly.If the private sectors don’t have enough money to employ people then the public sector doesn’t have enough tax revenue to pay public employees

[@Jake-fe4uf]

@@askafed5959 Well said. Refer to 08-09. What percent of the federal government was laid off vs private sector...

[@newagain9964]

@@musicsxmyheart except the gov doesn’t really depend on tax revenue to pay the bills. It’s one of the biggest misunderstandings (or gaslighting) of 21st century.

[@briann5001]

​@@musicsxmyheart5:21

[@user-fd1lj2ln7o]

If it works for you then good. But it definitely is the opposite for me and many others I've worked with over 30+ years as a chemist and systems engineer. What I have to say may anger some people. Those who start out young in a job receiving a paycheck courtesy of the American taxpayer for many years can rarely if ever transfer over to to the private sector successfully. I've never received my paychecks at taxpayer's expense except once for a nightmarish 6 month stint for a state laboratory. They had no concept of urgency, staying busy doing something even if occasionally there wasn't much to do, weren't tough enough to work occasional overtime hours, lacked imagination, and above all they were WASTING tax payer's hard earned money. Therefore, there was zero accountability to/for the American taxpayers who were paying me/them to slug along each day. It pissed me off, I couldn't sleep well at night, was bored as hell, and I quit. I moved back to a lab job in the private sector, where I didn't have to experience all the dreadful stuff above not to mention pay and benefits . Peace.

[@zachjones6944]

Agreed!

[@FootballXRealMadrid]

Cool!

[@lledyo]

Can you get me job at federal? Its very hard to get

[@SIoyvenheaven1T800m101]

After reading these comments we need Schedule F implemented ASAP.

[@michellelawag8417]

Let's ask you this same question in about 3 years.

[@walterwhite9215]

Watching your video from INDIA We have same govt. Job scenario But in recent times ppl cusss on govt jobs( it's hard to get one) nd praise private jobs... reality is these ppl are not happy in private jobs too😂 Btw Im govt engineer

[@tonymiller225]

Arent you proud to become a corrupt public servant in India - What a great life

[@nickzema4683]

If you think about the job volatility/ disruptors taking jobs in the private sector, it's no doubt a statically dumb move.

[@RohitKumar-ig8jo]

Got lot of videos in which ppl are leaving.. Govt jobs for private sector!!

[@NotShowingOff]

Do you have a government security clearance?

[@askafed5959]

Yes

[@user-zi5lt2yz8m]

Private section pays so much more.

[@rufrignkidnme4701]

get your hand out my pocket

[@phish_1]

All I know is that the government is the one who runs the country wherever you go! I’ve never heard any private companies that rule the country!!! 😂😂😂 That’s why the government should be the role model of its countrymen and the image of the country!!! 😂😂😂 If the government is doing polygamy then the countrymen will follow because the government is our leader that runs the country right? If the government is cheating then so as the countrymen right? 😂😂😂 The government has so many departments where they have their own duties and responsibilities!!!! Police department cannot do the job of US Navy for example!!! Police department cannot cover US Navy because they don’t know their job unless they will train them right??? Does it make sense???? The basic first aid training probably applies in every department to save lives 😂😂😂😂😂

[@whatwhome6914]

As a fed, I agree with most of what he said. However, private employment can be purposeful as you make things better for customers and fellow employees. Also, the future of fed employment is at risk as govt tries to reduce debt at the expense of federal employees. My pay over the last 10 years has not even come close to keeping up with inflation. Bonuses and reward in fed govt are also limited by arbitrary factors. Lastly, liberal biases in the govt works against white males.

[@b.coxemba6799]

I don't understand how you come to believe Liberal is against white men in federal government. Please give us a reference to this point. While minority groups do have a better chance in federal government to climb compared to the private sector. The white majority still holds over 90% of key positions. They enjoy promoting there own.

[@Kauffman578]

Claim minority status

[@Grim67894]

@@b.coxemba6799exactly, the top of private and public is still white as mayo. Distinguished men of color have to be extremely skilled to outdo their white counterparts or “play the game” like networking, freemasonry, “he’s one of the good ones” etc.

[@BBb-id9kj]

People work to make money. More money in private sector. More people work in private sector for that reason. More businesses than government agencies because businesses thrive when there is trade and profit. No debate here. Private sector is superior.

[@Grim67894]

Money isn’t there when you get laid off due to BS.

[@Sparkle-ey7iw]

Private sector no longer offer pensions just 401k and barely want to give you pto or paid holidays which is abundant for government workers. Also great health insurance and other benefits and with some government jobs you’re part of a union

[@withoutdad7616]

😂

[@user-fd1rn8st3r]

grifter

[@tonymiller225]

Public sector - more pay do less and NO accountibilty - If you want a cushy job where your non perfomance wont make any difference and you are happy to parasite of the tax payer while persuing your "work life: balance - join the public service- The whole name is a joke - It is not about serving the public it about serving themselves. I have worked in both public and private as a contractor and have never yet met a bureaucrat who put the people over his own self interests. Every connment in this blog is about what's in it for them -Disgusting

[@coopsnz1]

Poltical class getting richer that where private sector profits going too

[@ThePJGROTTE]

Every reason you have stated is a strong reason to fire every fedbois.

[@a.m.8410]

Why are you bald?