Government & Public Interest Blog: Another Reason To Consider Federal Government

Friday, December 18, 2009

Another Reason To Consider Federal Government

How about a half day of work? A Washington Post's recent article, "Federal Eye Eye Opener: Feds Get 1/2 Day on Christmas Eve" notes that Federal workers got an early Christmas president from President Obama late on Friday, when he ordered an extra half-day of vacation starting at midday on Christmas Eve. As he usually does with such personnel matters, Obama's order notes that agency heads can determine if certain offices must remain open or if certain employees needs to work a full day next Thursday.

Presidents traditionally give employees an extra day of vacation when Christmas falls on Tuesday or Thursday, notes Tom Shoop of Government Executive.

Shoop also notes that last year George W. Bush ordered agencies closed on Friday Dec. 26, giving most government workers a four day holiday. In 2002 when Christmas fell on a Wednesday, Bush gave federal workers a half day of vacation on the day before.

Obama's move mirrors a similar decision made by Bill Clinton in 1998, when Christmas Eve fell on a Thursday.

What Is Government & Public Interest Work?

In 2008, approximately 33% of Florida Coastal's graduating class entered into a government or public interest position. The broad categories of public interest and government encompass a large spectrum of positions on the local, city, state, and national arenas. Positions can range from work in a public defender's office, the ACLU, or Earthjustice to opportunities at the U.S. Attorney's Office, the National Women's Law Center, or the World Organization for Human Rights. The career possibilities within the government or public interest entity are endless and should be considered by anyone looking for meaningful work and the opportunity to make a difference.