10 Reasons Moms Should Consider
Working for the Federal Government
If
you're looking for a new job or thinking about rejoining the work force
the federal government is known for its work-life balance and is one of
the most family friendly places you'll find. Contrary to popular
belief, you don't have to live in the Washington, DC metro area to work
for the federal government. Did you know that although most of the
federal agencies have their headquarters in the DC metro area,
according to the Partnership for Public Service, 5 out of 6 federal
employees work outside of the DC metro area? The largest concentration
of federal jobs outside of the DC area is found in California,
Virginia, Texas, Maryland, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New York,
Washington, and Illinois.
For job listings go to
www.usajobs.gov. To see rankings for the best federal agencies to work
for go to www.bestplacestowork.org. For more information about the
specific work-life balance programs and policies supported by the
federal government, visit the Work/Life Office at http://www.opm.gov/Employment_and_Benefits/worklife/index.asp
Listed below are the top perks of federal employment:
1. Alternative work schedules
In
the federal government you will find telework, compressed work
schedules, and flexible work schedules. These alternative work
schedules can help you avoid peak rush hour traffic, allow you to be
home to see your kids off to and home from school, and permit you to
have non-weekend time to accomplish errands and other personal
business. Telework allows you to work from home or a telework center
for up to 3 days a week. A compressed work schedule permits you to work
80 hours in less than 10 days so that every other week you have a day
off. A flexible work schedule allows you to start your work day as
early as 6:30 am and finish at 3 pm or start as late as 9:30 am and
finish at 6 pm.
2. Part-time work and job sharing
Statistics
show that many working moms would prefer to work part time. In general
it's often difficult to find part time employment that is meaningful,
but most federal agencies are required to offer part-time work and even
job sharing. But even if you work full time for the federal government,
the hours are reasonable, and in addition to earning annual and sick
leave, you will have the opportunity to earn compensatory time and
credit hours.
3. On-site child care and gym facilities
Many
agencies have a daycare and or gym on-site. If you meet income
requirements you could be eligible for assistance with child care
through a child care subsidy
4. Nursing Mothers Programs
There
are several agencies with Nursing Mothers Programs that provide a
private space for moms to pump and a refrigerator to store milk.
Although currently there is no paid maternity leave in the federal
government, a bill was recently proposed that would provide up to 4
weeks of paid maternity leave for federal workers. The Federal Employee
Paid Parental Leave Act of 2008, was introduced by Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA)
and would grant federal employees up to four weeks of paid leave, in
addition to annual or sick leave, for the birth or adoption of a child.
5. Transit subsidy
If you take mass transit to work, you can receive a subsidy to pay for this transportation (no income requirement).
6. Thrift Savings Plan
This
is a retirement savings plan similar to a 401K plan, where the
government will match a certain portion of your contributions into the
plan. Translation... free money!
7. Flexible Spending Account
Pay
for medical expenses and dependent care using your untaxed money! You
can use a flexible spending account to pay for things such as over the
counter medicine, sunblock, contact lenses, medical deductibles,
childcare, camp, and much more.
8. Student Loan Repayment
Many
agencies offer student loan repayment to help employees pay off their
student loans. Employees are required to sign an agreement to remain at
the agency for up to 3 years to receive this benefit. Under new law,
federal employees that pay their student loan payments for a period of
10 years will not have to make additional payments beyond those 10
years.
9. Training and Opportunity for Advancement
Most
agencies offer a variety of training or will pay for training outside
of the agency. Given the retirement of the baby boomers, there will
continue to be great opportunities for advancement within the
government.
10.Public Service
Not
only will you have the opportunity to do interesting work, but you will
also be able to impact society through public service!
Looking
for a new job? How are you managing your own work-life balance? Do you
have another great place for fellow moms to work? Come on over to our community and talk about it! |
