Former FED Govt Employee:
Entered after doing project as ‘consultant’. Took over job of a retiree. Within months 2 more staff retired with their job functions coming to me. Eventually carrying positions of 4 former staff - carrying 4 job positions. Was busy but could get it all done and leave by 6pm.
Made me wonder what the 4 ‘retirees’ did all day. As time passed saw that many federal employees were ‘lifers’ meaning they entered at age 18 and stayed to collect retirement pay. Many got their family members into the ‘system’. Some managers figured out how to “invent” positions for their mistresses and wives. Positions with title, big money but no tasks.
Eventually advanced to regional manager over 3 agencies carrying 2 full time positions. Within months was able to shave millions off the budget of waste built up by former position holders.
Busy but not harried. Enjoyed the work. Good benefits. Lots of vacation time. But saw was surrounded but scam artists spending time writing reports that went no where and read by no one. They spent a lot of time looking for the next position up the Fed govt ladder for more money.