Working for the PBGC

[BadBeatMe]

I've been thinking that pursuing a position at the PBGC might be a good career move for me within the next few years. I'm open to the possibility of relocating (although I've heard living near DC is expensive and involves a long travel time to get to work). I think that a PBGC job might give me valuable experience I could eventually take back to consulting if I decided that I wanted to go back eventually and in the shorter term would provide job and income stability.

Does anyone have any pros or cons they could share? Feel free to PM if you have personal experience and want to keep it confidential.

[JMO]

I've been thinking that pursuing a position at the PBGC might be a good career move for me within the next few years. I'm open to the possibility of relocating (although I've heard living near DC is expensive and involves a long travel time to get to work). I think that a PBGC job might give me valuable experience I could eventually take back to consulting if I decided that I wanted to go back eventually and in the shorter term would provide job and income stability.

Does anyone have any pros or cons they could share? Feel free to PM if you have personal experience and want to keep it confidential.
The first problem with this idea is that it won't work unless PBGC decides that it needs someone with your skills and background. I, for one, wouldn't count on it. But anyway, good luck.

[BadBeatMe]

The first problem with this idea is that it won't work unless PBGC decides that it needs someone with your skills and background. I, for one, wouldn't count on it. But anyway, good luck.

??? I'm not too sure why that would seem unlikely. I'm a pension actuary and they have quite a few on staff. I'm not trying to imply I expect to walk in the door anywhere and be hired but I don't really see why they wouldn't consider me if they had an open position.

[Chilango]

For federal jobs in general, the pros include job security; employee benefits; hours; telecommuting; and cultural attractions. The cons include the cost-of-living; commute time; pay freeze; and the use of length of service rather than merit to determine compensation and benefits.

[Texas_Acty]

The first problem with this idea is that it won't work unless PBGC decides that it needs someone with your skills and background. I, for one, wouldn't count on it. But anyway, good luck.

??? I'm not too sure why that would seem unlikely. I'm a pension actuary and they have quite a few on staff. I'm not trying to imply I expect to walk in the door anywhere and be hired but I don't really see why they wouldn't consider me if they had an open position.

I'm intrigued as to why she is so pessimistic about your prospects?

[BadBeatMe]

I'm intrigued as to why she is so pessimistic about your prospects?

As am I. I'm actually somewhat offended given that she's someone I respect around here and her response sort of came out of left field from my perspective.

[JMO]

I'm intrigued as to why she is so pessimistic about your prospects?
Given the current situation on Capitol Hill, it seems unlikely that a government agency like PBGC is going to be able to do much in the way of increasing staff. Also, I misunderstood that BBM thought he could just walk in and get hired, but his reply seemed to show fairly realistic expectations. So I apologize for the way I answered. Except for the "good luck" part. That was completely sincere.

Oh, and ITA with Chilango's comments. Not that I have worked for the government much.

[BadBeatMe]

Given the current situation on Capitol Hill, it seems unlikely that a government agency like PBGC is going to be able to do much in the way of increasing staff.
My understanding is that the PBGC doesn't rely on tax revenue, even though they have a long-term deficit I think all their operating expenses are paid out of premiums collected.

Also, I misunderstood that BBM thought he could just walk in and get hired, but his reply seemed to show fairly realistic expectations.
I reread my post and can totally see how it would read like that even though it wasn't intended. If I ended up making a move it wouldn't be for a while and I'd have lots of flexibility about timing. I've seen PBGC actuarial positions posted several times in the past so I assume they hire on a somewhat regular basis.

So I apologize for the way I answered. Except for the "good luck" part. That was completely sincere.
No apology necessary although I appreciate the explanation. Thanks for the luck, I certainly could use any bit of luck which comes my way.

[BadBeatMe]

For federal jobs in general, the pros include job security; employee benefits; hours; telecommuting; and cultural attractions. The cons include the cost-of-living; commute time; pay freeze; and the use of length of service rather than merit to determine compensation and benefits.

Several good points in there, especially the concern about length of service being a major driver of salary. That would be a big change from consulting where I feel they try to pay us what they see us as being worth. Thanks for the response!