Monday, February 13, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Goodbye, Uncle Sam
I just retired from federal service!
32 years of serving the American public. I've had some really terrific experiences and left behind some great work. Also, some profound disappointments.
In the midst of all the hoopla about good government, I finally felt it was time to go. I have always given my full effort and worked long and hard to make American strong. But, I just don't have it in me to keep going without resources and reward.
I believe the federal government has not done a good job preparing for the time when experienced senior workers leave. As an executive leader, I left my division in excellent hands as I retired, but this is not the norm. Problem.
The government has not done a good job keeping its eye on the ball. Instead, each new political party changes priorities when it takes office. Priorities are ever changing, and people don't build expertise in any given area. Problem.
Federal employees have been subjected to "do more with less" philosophies for the past 30 years. The ultimate result is senior workers are heavily relied upon and younger employees do not have necessary skills. The federal reward system petpetuates specialization, so knowledge, skills are not widely shared. Problem.
Public opinion has once again become negative toward federal workers. Problem.
So, the problems outweighed the benefits and rewards (no pay raises for years now, and another 2 years ahead). Time to go...
32 years of serving the American public. I've had some really terrific experiences and left behind some great work. Also, some profound disappointments.
In the midst of all the hoopla about good government, I finally felt it was time to go. I have always given my full effort and worked long and hard to make American strong. But, I just don't have it in me to keep going without resources and reward.
I believe the federal government has not done a good job preparing for the time when experienced senior workers leave. As an executive leader, I left my division in excellent hands as I retired, but this is not the norm. Problem.
The government has not done a good job keeping its eye on the ball. Instead, each new political party changes priorities when it takes office. Priorities are ever changing, and people don't build expertise in any given area. Problem.
Federal employees have been subjected to "do more with less" philosophies for the past 30 years. The ultimate result is senior workers are heavily relied upon and younger employees do not have necessary skills. The federal reward system petpetuates specialization, so knowledge, skills are not widely shared. Problem.
Public opinion has once again become negative toward federal workers. Problem.
So, the problems outweighed the benefits and rewards (no pay raises for years now, and another 2 years ahead). Time to go...
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