A Governmentesque Reality

"Ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country." These words were said by the late President John F. Kennedy to provoke people to become federal employees. Max Stier, president of the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service,believes it is the opposite for today’s generations. Max states in “C’mon and Be a Bureaucrat” article featured in Newsweek,”It’s not about what you can do for government. We need to convey what government can do for you.” The article was based on the usual stereotypes of government work and how it’s hard to recruit for the 50% of its workforce retiring by 2012.

The main interviewee that concerned me was an ex-government employee, who worked for my agency, GSA, whom I remember. I think this is an example of people not taking advantage of what the government is doing for “you.” He referred to his experience and his understanding of his job as a “Kafkaesque nightmare”. (Side note to let me save you time: Kafkaesque, Adjective: 1. Of or relating to Franz Kafka or his writings. 2. Marked by surreal distortion and often a sense of impending danger The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.) He was in the career development program. The program is geared toward recruiting Generation Y’s at an entry level position. It provides an opportunity to rotate throughout all of GSA’s departments. The program also offers a promotion in grade scale every year completed of the program. It offers the opportunity to network, understand the agency’s process, and an overview of its clients and inventory. After finishing the program at a GS-12, you head back to your “home base” in GSA and permanent position with a wealth of knowledge. I’m going to have to comment on my experience. My job, anyone’s job, is to find out how you can better yourself, your position, and your agency’s/business’s mission. This is something that a government job offers; dynamics to take your career on a path you choose. Also in building your career, you have work/life balance with a competitive benefit and retirement plan, flexible work schedule, and 40 hour work weeks(usually). The pay scale salary is something not to forget to mention. No, we are not making millions in bonuses and stock options, but we know we are making a difference in this nation. I’m not sure the ex-government employee applied himself enough to reap all the benefits of his job and what the surrounding city was offering.

The Federal Government is portraying these positive truths to recruit and retain employees. It is trying to convey what the government can do for you. I think we are living examples. It’s something like a “governmentesque” reality.

I do wish the ex-government employee all the best in his aspiring actor career. I never said I don’t believe in following your dreams.

Mary Morrison, Social Networking Chair
Young Government Leaders
2007-2008