Ah that’s good to know, my loans are still federal so I qualify for PSLF, but I have no idea what it’s like to work for the fed gov. My law school was super focused on getting us into big law and gave us no exposure to other employees. I’ve heard that fed gov work (depending on the department) is generally interesting and allows for a work life balance (which I don’t have at all right now), and that might just be enough to push me into it.
You can negotiate your pay - even within the federal government. Be sure to do that and it’ll be less of a pay cut. Whether there is better work life balance depends on the agency and office. I’d recommend speaking with employees who work there or have worked there in the past before accepting the position. However, it sounds like you haven’t applied yet. Apply first and consider these questions later.
I have a personal disdain for working for the government (have done so prior to law school), so it wouldn't be worth it for me, but everyone has different preferences. If it's a job that you think you would enjoy, get good experience, and offers other perks that are enticing, it can be absolutely the right role for you.
I wouldn’t leave until your loans are paid off. I don’t know your situation but I’d rather do a few years in BigLaw Abe leave with no debt and some savings that tie myself to the very broken PSLF program for a decade.
Friend went to DOJ doing litigation and actually travels a lot more and is very busy, but she gets to lead cases and take the depositions instead of watching from the sidelines. But based on her experience she gets more fulfillment from the job but not less work. I guess there’s less pointless pressure though, with the focus just on the necessary tasks.
The position is in the department of labor (which I think is a group that does actual good work), and it’s entry level (I’ve completed just one year in big law, loans not paid off). The work from the job description seems interesting and useful, sounds like there’s potential to get good experience etc
Subject Expert
Loans paid off?
Depends on the fed gov job. Not all created equal.
Are your loans federal loans? Or did you refinance them through a private lender?
Ah that’s good to know, my loans are still federal so I qualify for PSLF, but I have no idea what it’s like to work for the fed gov. My law school was super focused on getting us into big law and gave us no exposure to other employees. I’ve heard that fed gov work (depending on the department) is generally interesting and allows for a work life balance (which I don’t have at all right now), and that might just be enough to push me into it.
You can negotiate your pay - even within the federal government. Be sure to do that and it’ll be less of a pay cut. Whether there is better work life balance depends on the agency and office. I’d recommend speaking with employees who work there or have worked there in the past before accepting the position. However, it sounds like you haven’t applied yet. Apply first and consider these questions later.
Thanks both, this is helpful advice!
It’s hard if you’re used to the money.
No
Coach
I have a personal disdain for working for the government (have done so prior to law school), so it wouldn't be worth it for me, but everyone has different preferences. If it's a job that you think you would enjoy, get good experience, and offers other perks that are enticing, it can be absolutely the right role for you.
Mentor
I wouldn’t leave until your loans are paid off. I don’t know your situation but I’d rather do a few years in BigLaw Abe leave with no debt and some savings that tie myself to the very broken PSLF program for a decade.
Friend went to DOJ doing litigation and actually travels a lot more and is very busy, but she gets to lead cases and take the depositions instead of watching from the sidelines. But based on her experience she gets more fulfillment from the job but not less work. I guess there’s less pointless pressure though, with the focus just on the necessary tasks.
Enthusiast
Not so helpful, but it really, really depends. Every office (even within each agency) is different.
The position is in the department of labor (which I think is a group that does actual good work), and it’s entry level (I’ve completed just one year in big law, loans not paid off). The work from the job description seems interesting and useful, sounds like there’s potential to get good experience etc