The trend of late-stage career changes is becoming increasingly common, with many jobseekers finding federal government jobs an attractive option. A recent employee survey conducted by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) highlights the growing desirability of federal jobs.
Over 625,000 Feds completed the survey, which found that job satisfaction was at a five-year-high. The employee engagement score was an overall 72% positive, while support between federal employees and their supervisors scored an impressive 80% positive. With high ratings like these, it’s understandable that more career changers are opting for government jobs.
Why Consider a Late-Stage Career Change into Federal Government?
At Serving Those Who Serve, we’ve identified the top reasons why federal government jobs provide great opportunities for career changers, particularly those nearing retirement age.
While no sector is immune to cutbacks, government jobs are known for their stability. The median tenure for private sector U.S. jobs is 3.7 years, while the median tenure for federal government jobs is 7.5 years.
Many workers coming from the private sector are pleasantly surprised by the government benefits that address work-life balance needs. This includes generous leave policies, telework options, and alternative work schedules.
Workers are drawn to government jobs because of the inherent rewards of serving the public and contributing to national interests. This is especially appealing to late-stage career changers who are looking for an opportunity to make a difference in their communities.
While federal government jobs offer competitive salaries (including recruitment, retention, and performance awards), it’s access to federal benefits that often draws late-stage career changers.
For example, Feds can retire at age 62 with only five years of federal service and still have access to 1) an inflation-adjusted Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension (albeit a small one after five years of service) and 2) lifetime access to the Federal Employee Healthcare Benefits program.
Since private healthcare insurance prior to Medicare eligibility at age 65 is what keeps most people in the private sector working into their 60s, this is a significant benefit for someone starting a late-stage Fed career.
Tips for Landing a Federal Government Job
Many Feds find that getting a federal government job later in life offers them stability, benefits, and a sense of purpose. Here are our best tips to help you navigate the job search process.
Tailor Your Resume
Federal resumes tend to differ from private sector resumes because they’re frequently longer and more detailed. By using the USAJOBS resume builder, you’ll ensure your resume is correctly formatted and includes all necessary information.
Explore Special Hiring Authorities
You may find you can increase your chances of being hired by applying for positions under Direct Hire Authority (DHA). These critical positions must be filled quickly and may have fewer applicants.
Attend Webinars and Workshops
USAJOBS offers webinars, workshops, and special recruitment events. These help you navigate the employment process, plus give you an opportunity to connect directly with hiring agencies.
Tune In to Our FedLife Podcast
As part of your job search, you’ll probably want to know which agencies federal employees rank the best. Dan Sipe (Founder, Serving Those Who Serve) and Chelsea English (Associate Advisor) cover this and more in a recent FedLife podcast.
Making the Most of Your Federal Benefits as a Late-Stage Career Changer
Once you have your new federal job, be sure to reach out to Serving Those Who Serve for guidance on how to maximize your benefits and plan for the future. Contact our STWS team at [email protected].
The information has been obtained from sources considered reliable but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Serving Those Who Serve writers and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy suggested. Every investor’s situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon before making any investment or financial decision. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. **
The FedLife Podcast is your in-depth, biweekly deep dive into the world of federal benefits and retirement planning. Hosted by federal benefits expert Ed Zurndorfer and Dan Sipe of Serving Those Who Serve, each 30-minute episode unpacks the complexities of FERS and CSRS retirement, FEHB and Medicare, survivor benefits, tax planning, and more. Designed for federal employees and retirees who want more than just the basics, FedLife goes beyond the headlines to explore the rules, nuances, and strategies that can make a meaningful difference in your retirement. Remember: it’s your Fed life, make it a great one.
The Fed15 Podcast is your weekly 15(ish)-minute briefing on federal benefits and financial planning, built specifically for federal employees and retirees. Hosted by Dan Sipe and Katelyn Murray of Serving Those Who Serve, each episode delivers clear, actionable guidance on topics like FERS and CSRS retirement, TSP strategies, FEHB, survivor benefits, tax planning, and more! Whether you’re five years from retirement or already there, The Fed15 helps you cut through the noise, avoid costly mistakes, and make confident decisions about your federal benefits.
