This Job Hack to Escape Layoffs Is Gaining Popularity — But It's Divisive: 'It Altered My Brain Chemistry' U.S. workers, especially younger generations, are considering government jobs for more security.
By Amanda Breen
Despite slowing inflation and low unemployment, the New Year started with layoffs. Employees in tech continue to be the hardest hit; the industry lost more than 260,000 jobs in 2023 and cutbacks have continued into the first quarter of this year, according to TechCrunch.
In the face of so much uncertainty, U.S. workers, especially the younger set, are seeking more job security. And one potential way to get it has been making the rounds on TikTok: opting for a government job.
Working for the government is usually a longer-term gig than private employment — in January 2022, employees in the public sector had a median tenure more than three years higher than that of employees in the private sector, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Related: Paramount Is Laying Off Hundreds of Employees Just Days After 'Blockbuster' Super Bowl LVIII Success
TikTokers have also been enamored with the benefits: In addition to standard leave and holidays, public employees can expect flexible working arrangements, comprehensive health and retirement plans, and potentially even student loan repayment and forgiveness, according to Go Government.
Last year, one TikTok user's video promoting government jobs went viral with more than half a million views. She cited some of the benefits, including the "best healthcare" and the possibility of a pension, though she admitted people wouldn't find "glamorous stock options."
@boujiebudgeter There is so many opportunities within the federal government thag many people know or understand.. think outside the box when it comes to they types of jobs you are applying to in this season #boujiebudgeter #jobtips #jobsearch #federalgovernment #applyingforjobs #youngrichandresponsible ♬ original sound - BoujieBudgeter
Commenters chimed in with tips on how to apply for government jobs and agreement that the job security is "unmatched." Still others stressed that private employers can pay "three times more" and that "the background check process is so long."
Related: Snap Inc. to Cut 10% of Total Global Workforce in 'Difficult Decision to Restructure'
Another user's parody video, which garnered more than two million views, takes the benefits enjoyed by some government employees to a humorous extreme: "Work's making me take time off because I worked for one week last month. So I've accrued like four months off."
@tamzjadecomedy They've always got time off coming up… #governmentjob #longserviceleave #annualleave #overtime #hr ♬ original sound - Tamz Jade Comedy
One commenter said they work for the government and are currently on leave in Bali, potentially revealing some truth to the skit, while others had a different take, saying "Gov is so hit or miss," and that their own "boring" government job "altered [their] brain chemistry because [they] didn't use it."
As of 2022, the federal government employed roughly 2.87 million people. USAJobs, the United States government's website for listing civil service job opportunities with federal agencies, has "urgent hiring needs" across a range of industries, including open roles for nurses, economists, HR professionals and more.
