Work/Life Balance

You want to make a difference — but you also want to have a life? Having a healthy work/life balance is important, and in the federal government, it is not only possible, it’s encouraged!

Generous Vacation Leave

Vacation starts at 2.5 weeks and increases to 4 weeks after 3 years
In addition, you receive 10 paid holidays per year

Flexible Work Schedules

If you work 80 hours in nine days, you can take every other Friday off! That’s 26 three-day weekends!
The Alternative Work Schedule allows you to select certain arrival/departure times
Telework programs allow eligible employees to work from home or at a remote location at least one day a week
Family-Friendly Leave Policies allow employees to take time off in the case of an emergency, to care for a sick relative or to take military leave
Job Sharing Positions may also be available — this allows two employees to effectively work part-time and share one full-time position

Family Care

Many agencies have resources for Child Care and Elder Care and may provide other family support services.

Top Ranked Agencies for Work/Life Balance

The Top Ten Places to Work, Based on Work/Life Balance

Rank	Agency	Score
1	Nuclear Regulatory Commission	76.6
2	Securities and Exchange Commission	70.0
3	National Air and Space Administration	67.0
4	General Services Administration	67.0
5	Office of Personnel Management	66.2
6	Department of the Treasury	65.8
7	Department of Transportation	65.2
8	Department of the Army	64.9
9	Department of Energy	64.7
10	Department of Commerce	64.5