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My perspective from working as a DoD and FedGov contractor is that while the idea of working for the government appeals to very many talented people, the actual

My perspective from working as a DoD and FedGov contractor is that while the idea of working for the government appeals to very many talented people, the actual experience of working for the government will ultimately push them to the private sector. There are many reasons, but the simplest is that the government just doesn't pay terribly well and tends to promote based on seniority rather than ability.

tetromino_ 9y ago
On the other hand, government employment can be very attractive for two reasons. 1. Subject area. If you want to work on pure science or on making the world a better place, then a career in a government research lab would be far more compatible with your dreams than work in the private sector would be. 2. Secure employment + good medical benefits. If you are supporting a family and have limited savings, then a lower-paying government job that won't terminate you unless you personally do something egregious becomes more attractive than a higher-paying private sector job that might terminate you tomorrow for reasons outside your knowledge or control. Doubly so if you know you (or your dependent) have an expensive medical issue that might affect you in a few years - knowledge that you will have a paycheck and you will have medical coverage can feel far more secure than hoping that you won't be between private sector jobs and Congress won't gut Obamacare.