Has anyone gone from a federal gov’t employee to private industry? I’m considering making the swap for better pay, I make decent money where I’m at and I know I have job security. Just trying to see if there is anyone else that was bold enough to make the leap.

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I did the opposite and I’m so glad i did lol. Stay!

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Probably job stability, it's pretty chaotic out here in the current market, everyone is looking to cut back expenses in some way

I made the switch. Best decision so far. Job security is nice but I’m young enough in my career to take risks. Take a risk. You can always go back

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Went from NASA (civil servant) to Oil and Gas. Was making 68K/yr after being at NASA for 5 year. More than doubled my salary making the switch.

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The number is accurate for many positions at NASA but it of course depends on your specialization. I believe my wife, an aerospace engineer, started at 65k also right out of their multi-semester internship program. Took her about four years to break 100k by getting to the GS-13 level. This is also based out of MSFC in Huntsville, AL. From what she said, this is pretty standard and most of her coworkers started low but rose through the ranks very quickly to 13 in ~4 years with only a Bachelor’s.

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Yes, I separated several months from AD ago and currently a Reservist. The transition can be difficult in the Private Sector. I would ensure that you are keeping your skills relevant w/industry. Might be best to sit tight at the Federal side for a bit longer if the rumors of an oncoming recession next year are true.

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Learn to take risk and take a bet/chance on yourself. You’ll be better off in life for it.

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I never worked for the government but everyone I've talked to says that while they make more money now the idea of having a staple form of income makes it much more reliable.

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Yes I made the jump a while ago. PM me if you want more detail.

I did it. I'm making more than double what the most senior person in my old organization was making and well under their seniority

I'm not a vet but every company I've worked for, including my current one, bend over backwards for vets.

Defense spending isn't showing any signs of slowing down. If you jump to an A&D company, it's probably a safe bet.

I wouldn’t make the leap. The perks and job life balance that the fed offers is amazing when you compare it to the private sector. Yeah you make more money, but the benefits and perks suck, plus they’ll cut your job and not think twice to save a dime. Don’t do it.

Private sector is oversaturated with meaningless degrees. However, you can easily land a salary equivalent job at a public utility and be in the 6 figure range (depending on location) fairly fast. Although attrition rate is low right now to move up, you can budget until the opening you want comes up.

Going from military to civilian world was a difficult jump, but extremely rewarding to my wallet.

Also, don’t be afraid to relocate if your family will allow it. Sometimes a fresh start is better than a huge salary.

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