Advice for New Federal Employees

Recently, I shared some advice for new federal employees. This advice was the same counsel I gave to my daughter when she started her federal career. My goal was to provide her with a solid foundation of knowledge that would guide her on a clear path to success and help her overcome obstacles in her professional journey. These fundamental principles were based on my extensive experience in government service, spanning thirty-four years. I worked as a Senior Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) specialist and analyst, and headquarters Lead ELR Specialist and Analyst, an ELR Chief, and even nine years as the union president of a large local federal union (much larger than most federal local unions). While some of these suggestions may seem basic or even childish, and may not need to be repeated, they are crucial for achieving a successful and relatively smooth federal career, especially for the younger generations. It's important to remember that some friction is inevitable in any career, and certain situations may simply be beyond our control or influence.

Advice for New Federal Employees

• Go to work and get there on time. I have removed federal employees with over 20 years of federal service because they were Absent Without Leave (AWOL of various types including no call/no show, out of leave, etc.) or constantly late.  While supervisors are typically very understanding, they will get tired of repeated excuses.

• While you are young and healthy, build up your annual and sick leave balances early in your career. Think of it as an insurance policy for both unexpected non-medical and medical emergencies. This should be much easier for future parents now with Paid Parental Leave (PPL).

• Get along with everyone. Each individual personality must adjust to the workplace. The workplace will not adjust to the personality of each individual. The workplace does not exist for you. You exist for it. This may sound harsh, but I cannot tell you how many people I have disciplined or removed (fired) from federal service because they were simply a-holes and expected the workplace to adjust to their own personality disorders or personal problems.

• Read your Position Description (PD) and Performance Plan.  Discuss any concerns with your supervisor.

• Communicate with your first-line supervisor regarding expectations and performance. Always clarify. This has become a significant issue with new federal employees who were hired as remote employees and never worked in an office. 

• Communicate effectively.  Words have meaning and meanings have words.  In the modern era it is not unusual to encounter employees who speak without thinking first.

• If you are unsure about your performance, set a meeting with your supervisor to get his or her perspective.  Supervisors appreciate this and it demonstrates your good intention.

• Maintain a positive attitude. Go to work, do your job to the best of your ability, and go home. Very simple equation that some employees never seem to understand.

• If you are a remote employee, ensure you are doing your job and available during your tour of duty as required. Thinking of using a “mouse jiggler” to make it appear you are working when you are not, think again.  Trust me, I can pull primary source data to prove you were or were not working.  I have done it. 

• Never trash talk coworkers, supervisors, or leadership regardless of circumstances or what other people are saying.  It ALWAYS gets back to the person and creates issues. Also, NEVER get involved in drama. Run away from both situations as fast as you can.

• Cooperate with all administrative investigations. Federal employees have a lawful obligation to cooperate with administrative investigations in connection with their employment. Many employees are removed (fired) from federal service for refusing to do so or otherwise demonstrating a "lack of candor". Most never do well on appeal. Think you are different, trust me.  You are not.  Be careful in following the advice of "jailhouse lawyers" (the obviously disgruntled employee) who will tell you that you do not have to cooperate. They are wrong. Acting on bad advice, whether from another employee, the union rep, or an attorney, does not immunize you from the consequences of your actions. While employees enjoy certain rights during these investigations, there is no right, under any circumstance, that would permit a current federal employee from fully cooperating in any workplace investigation.  If a union representative tells you otherwise, find a new union representative.   

• Make maximum contributions to your Thrift Savings Plan starting on day one. 

This article is a slightly modified and expanded version of a recent Reddit post I authored in response to a forum question from a new federal employee seeking advice for new federal employees.  If you are not on Reddit, I suggest you check it out.  It is a good source of information for federal employees.