I just want to get a general sense of how people feel about working for the government. Not necessarily in the traditional sense of bureaucracy, but in the public service sense, like the National Park Service.
I see a lot of people on here talking about how expensive housing is, how they aren’t getting paid enough, how they don’t have benefits, etc. I also struggled with those issues for SO long when I was working in the hospitality industry. Living in Southern California on minimum wage (while working for a VERY large, multi-billion dollar company) left me with $35 a week for food. I didn’t have health insurance and got a kidney infection and it costed me an arm and a leg.
When I found out about the park service, and all of the things they offer (housing at a very cheap rate, health insurance, pay always above minimum wage, raise opportunities and not just fake ones ACTUAL raises, the list goes on) I immediately made a switch in careers. I wouldn’t change a damn thing now.
I know the initial idea of working for the government may not be that appealing because well, it’s the government, but with that, it’s the GOVERNMENT. No managers making you stay late to show initiative and not getting paid for it; you will ALWAYS be able to go home at your designated off time without people making you feel bad for doing so. No more working over time and not getting paid for it; the government has to report back to the department of labor. Do you think they want to deal with that for one person? No! They want to pay you what you deserve and send you on your way. I don’t have to worry about sick or vacation time; I know I will always have a surplus.
This may just seem like a recruitment add or something, but it is genuinely just me trying to offer those that need a fast, easy way out, OUT! There are so many jobs, from cleaning toilets, to hiking into the back country of national parks to move rocks, to welding pipelines that supply communities with water, to data entry, and so many more.
Don’t have the money for school? If you work for the government and make a case that what you are studying will make you more knowledgeable about the career path you want, they’ll pay for your school, and it doesn’t have to be all at once.
I’m sorry if this just seems like I’m trying to reel people in, I just thought those of you out there that want a change, or a way to take a deep breath and get your feet back on the ground, would want to know this. I’m the most financially stable I have ever been, and I've found a community that cherishes me and the work I do. I can't remember a day working here I didn't feel appreciated.
If anyone has any questions, feel free to message me! Seriously though, let's all ditch these corporations and get the respect we deserve.
Life is easier when the department of labor breathes down your employers neck 😉