Why Is it Positive to Work in the Government?

Uncle Sam Likes His Government Job

According to CBSNews.com, now is a good time to be working for the U.S. government. Government employees enjoy a wide range of benefits over their counterparts in the private sector.

Stability

Federal employees enjoy tremendous job stability, even during times of economic recession.

High Average Salary

The average salary for a federal employee in 2007 was $65,463.

Insurance

Federal employees have their choice of a number of health insurance and life insurance plans with premiums partially covered by the government.

Retirement Funds

Government employees are eligible for a number of special retirement funds, including the Federal Employees Retirement System, a pension, and the Thrift Savings Plan.

Vacation and Sick Leave

Federal employees receive between 13 and 26 days per year of vacation time, plus a 13 days per year of sick leave which, if unused, carry on to later years and can even be used to increase their pension when they retire.

Union Membership

Federal employees are able to join the American Federal Government Employees union and entitled to benefits, including discounts and scholarships for continuing education.

References

• CBS News website;"It's A Good Time To Work For Uncle Sam;" May 12, 2009
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; "Federal Government, Excluding the Postal Service"
• American Federal Government Employees: Member Benefits