Does following news about the federal establishment make you depressed. Does talk about extended pay freezes and reduced retirement benefits make you nervous in the civil service? So what's preventing you from chucking it all and retiring? Do you love your job regardless or worry that you'd have nothing to do in retirement? There may be another way out, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.
Federal Times Senior Staff Writer Stephen Losey will give us an update on a new retirement law...and other legislation affecting federal workers. July 11, 2012
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Is it a dedicated IRS auditor, a serious federal agent or a compassionate VA employee? Or, do you have a Charles Dickens moment and spot the ghost of Christmas Future — you after you have retired? While feds have mostly held on to their jobs, things could change quickly, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.
Senior Correspondent Mike Causey has often exhibited psychic powers. Now we have proof. Read about his latest prediction and the price he paid for it.
Editors Note: Senior Correspondent Mike Causey wrote today's back-from-vacation column more than a week before he actually went on vacation. But we'll run it in confidence that he made all the improvements he had planned and returns a slimmer, smarter fighting machine.
When you were little, you may have had an invisible friend, maybe a pet, a pretend brother or sister who loved you unconditionally or a superhero who defended you against bullies and monsters. Now that you are a grown-up federal worker you've graduated to new friends: invisible politicians.
If you ask the typical federal/postal worker what his or her greatest job-related fear was, many would answer they are afraid Congress will change their retirement rules and base their benefits on their highest five-year average salary. Yet the likelihood of losing the current high-three system is small compared to other, more real threats, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.
Senior Correspondent Mike Causey turns the column over to reader Doc frrom the Energy Department, for today's guest columnist. He's been in the private sector too, and worked overseas for Uncle Sam. And he says the good old days sometimes weren't all that good.
Senior Correspondent Mike Causey once again turns over to longtime reader, Dennis S., who spent a long time with Uncle Sam and a lot of time in the private sector. He says both the government and the private sector have their upsides and downsides. But he thinks its important to appreciate what you've got and live in the moment.
Democrats control the White House and the Senate, while Republicans call the shots in the House. So what impact has divided government had on federal workers? Some people think things could be a whole lot worse if one party ran all three operations at the same time, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.
Today's guest column is from Tony, an IRS employee in San Diego. He says he's loved his time with Uncle Sam, but because Congress is on the warpath against feds he can't wait to retire ... Sound familiar?
Host Mike Causey will talk estate planning with attorney Tom O'Rourke, and long term care with Paul Forte and Mary Lou McGuiness of Long Term Care Partners. June 27, 2012(Encore presentation July 4, 2012)
Although its hard for some D.C. folks to believe, there is life "Beyond The Beltway." Sounds like a pretty good life at that. Check out this first hand report from revenue agent Linda Heeney in far off Montana.
Is having a government job the same as real work on the outside? Some folks think Uncle Sam is a soft touch, so we checked with a fed who's also spent time in the private sector. He says working outside the government is very much like working inside. Check out his report...