Environmental Protection Agency reviews

Very stifling, institutionalized culture, some of which was simply legal/legislative realities in government, but some of which was definitely career employees viciously stamping down everyone who might come up under them. My ideas for better ways to do things were poorly received, even when there was no particular obstacle to making changes. I eventually left for the private sector, seeing little opportunity for advancement and little encouragement to excel.

- Based on what you get stuck working on and who it's with, you may find yourself in the middle of an inescapable Kafka-esque nightmare. Incompetent managers, connected regulated community with deep-pocket ties to Congress, political appointees, and lobbying groups can all make it seem like a waking nightmare - If you're a career peon like me, you'll suffer from the changing political winds almost always screwing up the work you're doing, in some way. Or the agency lawyers screwing things up....god help us all, there are a few good ones, but largely they're just the worst. - Like to take unplanned, unscheduled, and potentially unpaid vacations from time-to-time? Well, every time the politicians cause the government to be shut down, that's what happens. So far, the past few times this has happened, employees at least get paid a few weeks later, but there's never a guarantee that will happen. Prepare to become a trading chip in the dysfunction of American government. -You'll work with some of the least qualified, disinterested, nasty, bad-boned, lazy and incompetent people on the face of the Earth. It's a total mixed bag. Some were improperly brought in or promoted during narrow windows where hiring was possible in a rush to get butts into seats. Others started off with great intentions, and were ground down over the years by the numbing ineptitude, terrible management, idiotic program leadership from HQ or the Regions, the bean-counting, the poorly written rules, and political interference. It happens a lot. - Want to start up a related side business in your off hours? Well, hold those horses! Federal employment is unlike that in the private sector. There are rules on what you can do, with whom you can do it for, and limits on political activity. Some roles require financial disclosure.Fun!