Pros
Mission-driven work that has a real impact on the public. Exposure to innovative projects like Login.gov, 10x, and cross-agency initiatives. Great opportunities to collaborate with talented designers, engineers, and policy experts. Benefits are strong (healthcare, retirement, generous leave).
Cons
Bureaucracy can be draining — decision-making is slow, and red tape often stalls innovation. Leadership changes with every administration, which can shift priorities abruptly. Pay scale is limited by government bands, making it hard to compete with private-sector salaries. Career growth opportunities exist but often depend on who you know rather than transparent advancement. Cultural shifts in recent years made the environment feel less people-centered and more political.