5 reasons veterans want a federal job

From Military.com | By Sean Mclain Brown

Hunting for a job after military transition can be a stressful, tricky task. After all, Uncle Sam provided a lot of job stability while you were serving.

So why not continue that stability with a federal civilian job? With plenty of career fields to choose from, a veteran hiring preference, and time in service counting toward retirement, a government job brings plenty to love.

Need other reasons to work for the federal government? Here are five.

1. Great benefits. Average government salaries are competitive with the private and nonprofit sectors. Pay can also increase fairly quickly for top candidates with strong education and experience. And federal benefits, including health insurance, retirement, and vacation, are extremely competitive with, if not superior to, other sectors.

Another notable benefit of federal employment is family-friendly policies, including flexible work schedules, as well as first priority and subsidies at a number of top-notch day care facilities, including on-site daycare.

2. Location, location, location. Where do you want to work and live? Whatever the answer, chances are you can find federal government work there. Most people think that federal government jobs are all in Washington, D.C., but in fact, 84 percent of those jobs are outside of the D.C. area. Even living overseas is a ready option; more than 50,000 federal government employees work abroad.

3. Nine to five? Suit and tie? Not so much anymore. Flexible federal work schedules, including telework, are a major plus for those with busy schedules or long commutes. And, of course, there's everyone's favorite: federal holidays (Columbus Day, anyone?), plus generous vacation and sick leave. In addition, in a bid to attract talented workers, government agencies have adopted more casual dress codes for employees. All of these packaged together make government an attractive employer.

4. Job stability. While there have been more government shutdowns and federal furloughs recently than in past years, shutdowns are actually rare. And when they do happen, about half of shutdowns last three days or less. Sometimes, they don't even last long enough to shut down government activities. Typically, only about 20 percent of the government is actually closed during any given government partial shutdown. That may seem like serious instability, but it's far less risky than the private sector. Let's face it: The government isn't going to go out of business.

5. Public service lets you continue the mission. Just because you took off your uniform doesn't mean you still can't serve. Many veterans find a new mission in public service through a federal job. Pros? Your time in service counts toward promotion and retirement, and you get veteran preference points on your application.

As far as continuing the mission, the work of government employees impacts the lives of every American and the lives of people around the world. You can play a vital role in addressing pressing issues, from homelessness to homeland security.