Glad you posted this. I have a state job and although I feel stuck, the benefits are good. Anyone searching should really look toward govt. jobs.

If it sounds too good to be true it usually is. My husband works for the Federal Reserve bank and the benefits are ok and the retirement ok but the people suck and the work, more often than not, is non existant or redundant (God bless the Govt.) so if you can survive under these circumstances go for it - it is a good place to hide for 20 years until retirement) but don't expect it to be fulfilling or rewarding in any way. They also "require" lots of volunteer effort. Good luck. Oh and those baby boomers who are "retiring" not so much as no packages are being offered at the moment in most of the agencies. Not to be a downer, but if you can get a federal job go for it at least it is stable and yes they have benefits which you must contribute to! Not as much as on your own but there are tiers and just like private industry the more you contribute the better the benefit and who knows with this health care thing going on what will happen. So, good luck.

My mistake teh job fair is today, Thursday.

I hear you on the redundant part. But it when by quick. I'm 44 w/ 20 years in the justice Dept, 5 years in the Marine Corps. For 25 years Gov service. Some of it sucked. But, I was trying to get the point out about the group med coverage. For people in our situation. I can still work for 13 years before they kick me out. Because of the law enforcement retirement. But, after 3 years on the job you are eligable for a medical retirement. I don't look forward to that. But, if I where to get worse it's nice to have the option in a MS situation. At this point I'd just be happy to be around for another 13 years.

Just remember that if you have a health issue like MS the health insurance does NOT exclude "pre-existing conditions". So, it is great for someone like us. I worked for the DoD for 30+ years and was never required to "volunteer" for things I didn't actually volunteer for.As far as redunant works goes just remember that all government employees work for the deaprtment of redundancy department. At least it pays the rent and keeps food on the table. The retiremen is not as good now as it was when i started, but, it is better than most private companies. So, go for it and I hope you get a job.

I was working for the state and got dumped 6 weeks after my diagnosis. So much for all of those great benefits, etc. You'd never know I was a vested employee given the way they treated me. I will never forgive them, never. :(

As for the Feds - been there/done that too for 10 years. Walked away with nothing and they did not have you pay into social security (it was their pension system instead).


Why all was said and done my SSDI payments were minimal - just barely enough to escape having to take SSI. All that "public servant" work for nothing IMO.

*sigh*