Lately I’ve been thinking about how much of government work is invisible to the public.
There’s so much behind-the-scenes effort that no one ever sees — or thanks you for.
How do you stay motivated when the work matters, but no one’s clapping?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I know it's not a glamourous answer, but I stay motivated because I have bills, and recognition and "thanks" don't pay them. I don't really need to be noticed, but I do need to get paid.

like

Mmmm yes I hear this! Definitely a good paycheck helps!

like

I stay motivated by focusing on the ripple effect, even if no one sees it, I know someone’s life is smoother because of what we built. It's hard to not be recognized, but I remind myself that quiet impact is still impact. I take notes of little wins to remind myself of all we do. Do you do anything like that?

like

I assume you are an adult. Only children expect a trophy or cookie or other reward for doing things they are supposed to do. Change your attitude and act like an adult.

I think about the residents, citizens and individuals we impact for instance one of our clean up projects uncovered we served 30k homes in 9 months that brought me joy!

like

This is where having a great boss makes all the difference. Mine always goes out of his way to make me feel appreciated, and that means a lot more to me than any public cheering ever would. As long as I'm treated well and paid fairly, I'm perfectly content flying under the radar.

like

I am so happy for you! Good managers and supervisors are hard to find!!

Quite frankly, I've come to realize that if I don't proactively document the impact of my own work, no one will ever respect it. So my current answer to your question is... memos! Sometimes you have to hijack the machinery of bureaucracy in order to endure it.

like

I just want to say thank you so much for noticing and saying that! It’s the work that we do and the people we help in a time of need that makes it all worth it! Thank you!

Just returned from St. Louis yesterday, was working in a shelter. I just want to help those that really need it. My motivation at the moment is my property tax bill.😏 #Texas

It's no trick for motivation, but I do recommend the book 'Who is Government?' edited by Michael Lewis--an expository on some of the amazing personnel of the federal workforce.

Someday we may realise appreciation stays in people’s heart though they don’t spell it out at that moment. It is important you know what you done is meaningful. Time will tell.

It can be tough sometimes to stay motivated - what helps me is defining (and redefining) my "why", seeing the results of the funding, partnerships, engagements, etc (i.e., a building or center that was built, initiatives that pour into the next generation, and doing/learning something new (asking to shadow an initiative you're interested in that's outside of your department). Doing or seeing things differently could make all the difference.

I've been thinking about it too. Why do we pay civil servants $94K a year average pay + generous benefits . Maybe there are too many of them or we're paying them too much.
You might not want to ask questions you don't want answers to.

People are suprised when I tell them that the VA gets very good pricing on much of what we buy. If I were a vendor, I wouldn't take many of these contracts where margins are razor thin. Also, much of that red tape you always here about prevents so much fraud because of the internal controls. Im okay if I dont get a pat on the back. Some jobs are like that.

Related Posts

How to start automation testing?

likeuplifting

Eta on when bars will be fully open? 🧐

like

Anyone work for the DOL and can provide any insights in the nature of the work, the work environment, etc?

Hi, There are various opportunities in citi for IT and Non Tech roles in Project management, please DM to send your resume

like

Larsen & Toubro Infotech Capgemini - 27 CTC + 1 JB, C2 Manager

Larsen & Toubro Infotech - 27 CTC + 2 JB , P3 Specialist - Cloud Software and Services BU

Yoe - 7 Tech - .Net

Looking for Job security with long term stay and WLB and good learning exposure.

How would be work pressure and responsibilities pressure in both ?

Confused because Capgemini is providing Manager designation which is some high as per me experience.

I have only 2 days remaining to join. Kindly help 🙏

like

Hello,

Anyone from Nokia? i have a job opening ID and it would be great if somebody could refer me.

Please reply so that i can dm you the details. @Nokia

like

Hey All - can anyone explain what would Google's computing resources mean especially in terms of supply chain management? Your inputs on this will be helpful in bringing me closer to my dream company. Thanks in advance.

Does anyone have motivating/good sales books to recommend?

like

Hi Everyone, has anyone worked in the field of HR Analytics?

like

How much would digital media agencies charge in fees for a 3.5MM media buy? Planning/execution/reporting only.

like

Hello fishes.
Can you help me choose between offers from Volkswagen and Walmart ?
Volkswagen CTC 31( 28 fixed + 3 var)
Walmart CTC 36 ( 27 fixed + 5 variable (20%) + 4 RSU (15%)
YOE 11 . Designation IN3

like

How does a dividend recapitalization work? Can you do a dividend recapitalization to take out equity and then sell the business after? How would this impact valuation of business down the line?

like

If you receive an RFE on the I485 while it has been pending for 180 days, does your new company attorney respond to the RFE? Assuming you switched companies after it has been pending for 180 days. Anyone experienced anything similar?

like

1000$ rsu is equivalent to how much Indian Rs ?

#1) 1000*(USD value) or
#2) 1000 * Qualys stocks ( 130 USD)

Could you please clarify rsu calculation ?

like

Hello, Can anyone have reference of Infosys BPM, Accenture, Cognizant, IBM, Wipro or any other company, having an experience of 6 years in TCS. Kindly DM Infosys Accenture IBM Amazon Wipro Cognizant

like

Has anyone moved from FDD to Strategy? I have an offer for FDD but long term goal is to break into strategy. Don’t want to have to get an MBA unless it’s firm sponsored…and FDD is easier to get in compared to Strategy

like

Currently a staff in audit - 6 months in. Glad to be learning a lot, and have had a generally positive experience at the firm other than a few interactions, some tough busy season nights. Really been intrigued by TAS/M&A, however, and had a few convos with a senior in TAS i know at the firm. It’s closer to what I studied, but don’t know how to make the jump as it seems an internal transfer could take 6+months/senior rank and a lot of convincing. Is it better to jump firms/has anyone done this?

like

Anyone else with big 4 experience looking to find a rewarding career path with an undergrad degree in accounting? What career options are out there without having to go back to school?

like

Additional Posts in Government

Good morning all, I need some guidance on how to get into the federal government. USA Jobs just doesn’t work for me. I am currently a government contractor, TS clearance, Investigative/Intelligence analyst.

like

My first time applying and getting an offer for a job posting without a salary on it, aka non-government job. $21k below what I currently make and $3k below the minimum I told them- I went for a job with a bigger title and more responsibility. Other companies need to learn from government jobs. Today I’m loving that my current government job appreciates my worth.

like

Hi! Anybody knows of federal agencies hiring that are offering fulltime telework/remote?
I currently work for an agency based in DC and my boss is forcing us to come back into the office fulltime after we’ve been remote for nearly two years. Majority of my coworkers have already left for the private sector but I’d like to remain in the public.

likehelpful
like

I’m new here. Can I please get some likes 😩

likefunny

Recently completed my MPA and work for a state economic development agency as an analyst. I applied for a public sector consultant position within Baker Tilly; can anyone provide any insight on the job specification, salary, etc?

like

How much % raise in base salary would you accept in an offer to move from Gov to private?

like

This might be a long shot but I'm looking for a volunteer who is trying to break into a federal career. Maybe a transitioning veteran, recent grad, or career-changer.

I'm pursuing my master career coaching cert and need to do a recorded 45-minute session. You don't have to be identified if you don't want to.

The single session is all I'm asking but could certainly turn into a longer lasting coaching relationship (at no cost), if you like.

like

Hey guys… I’m a case worker in child safety and I’m someone who loves being outdoors/dies at a desk all day. I’m hoping to organise that at least once a week I can go to a cafe and catch up on all my case notes that need to go into the system.
So far the only reason I’ve been told no is that “if you do then everyone will want to and then no one will be in the office” … how can I convince them that I work better out of the office and get this freedom & mental break for myself?

like

Does anyone have any leads for government contracting roles that involve international travel. I also have a security clearance

like

Any government or gov contracting positions in the public health space anyone can recommend? Any direct hire positions if gov? Looking to make $115-125k.

likehelpful

Hi there! I’m currently a committee clerk in the House of Representatives and am looking for private sector job recommendations. I have experience in admin, recruiting, IT, archiving, etc. Any and all advice is appreciated!

like

Is there anyone on here that tips on how to do a resume for a Federal position on USAJobs? Anyone has knowledge on having a Schedule A letter considered?

like

Has anyone ever successful negotiated there salary with the federal government. I have tried twice and both times was cited a HR policy saying my specific circumstance did not allow negotiation. Just wondering if it’s even possible

like

NYS
I work for NYS, I have been able to get interviews for the next step up position, I'm currently an 18, I would like to move to a 23. What are good interview strategies to use when looking for a promotion.

like

Interviewed for a GS-15 (same agency but different office) and totally aced the interview with excellent answers. They know I’m a top performer with senior references. However I noticed there was an internal candidate who has been there for few years and interviewed that’s a veteran. I feel my chances just sank and want to gauge thoughts.

like

If you're a government HR strategy, I/O psych, talent management, organizational design/development professional or consultant, we need you!

Have you heard of OPM's team of strategic HR consultants? Within OPM Human Resources Solutions' HR strategy, there are strategic consultants who operate on a reimbursable basis, similar to a private sector consulting agency.

We have current, developing, and future vacancies for human capital strategists and consultants at the GS-12/13/14/15 levels!

like

My partner got a City of Toronto offer. Salary band is 104-121k. HR asked for his expectations and he said 115k. HR came back with a 106k offer stating nobody on the team makes that much so they cant offer it. Also said she is unsure if there is any wiggle room if any at all. I’ve looked at everyone on the team with the same titles salary on the sunshine list and the lowest I see is 121k. I assume there is an OT component of some sort but also can’t confirm. Thoughts? /negotiating advice?

likesmart

Anyone here work for DCF? It wasn't listed as an employer.

likehelpful

Does where you get your masters degree matter? I’m in an online environmental science masters program at an expensive “name-brand” school, but have colleagues telling me I should transfer to a less expensive program to save $ because no one cares about where your degree is from. Aside from the cost of it, I like my program, and the fact that I’m now connected to an incredible alumni network. And not gonna lie, I like the clout. Thoughts?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal