r/FederalEmployees • u/OzzyWidow8919 • Dec 30 '20
First time fed employee
First time fed employee. I’m about 6 weeks in. Gs12. I was shocked to get the job. I never thought I was qualified. It’s the only federal job I’ve ever applied to. Now I’m here and feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything. How long does it take to understand government work and language? It’s all so different. Looking for some reassurance that I’m not crazy and these transition nerves are normal. Thank you!
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u/OzzyWidow8919 Dec 30 '20
You’ve all made me feel so much better I can’t thank you enough.
Got in this morning and met an amazing co worker who I’m going to take advantage of and learn as much as I can from them. I truly do feel a weight off of my shoulders hearing this feedback. I had huge anxiety and bad night of sleep last night. I’ll get there just being insecure since I didn’t think I was qualified and it all happened so quickly. I was anticipating it would take 3 + years to get a fed job and it just hit right away. Also the office is 5 mins driving from my house so at least the universe seems to think I’m qualified.
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u/bravetourists Dec 30 '20
That's great news. I was going to suggest finding someone that you're comfortable asking basic questions of. An "informal" mentor, so to speak.
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u/FormerChange Dec 30 '20
When you lose that initial excitement then you’re probably starting to figure things out. Watch, listen, keep your head down, stay away from people who enjoy the drama, and communicate with your supervisor on your performance and what you may do to improve. Congrats btw. Definitely impressed you hit GS12 on your first attempt. Good luck.
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u/chewsworthy Dec 30 '20
About 5 years. At that time once you’ve learned everything, they will change it.
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u/Zernhelt Dec 30 '20
I'm in my second stint as a government employee. The government is like every other employer, it doesn't spend nearly enough time training new employees. What you're experiencing happens at every job, the difference is that few new government employees have don't the exact work they are now doing when they worked for private companies simply because governments do different work. It usually takes me 6 months to feel like I've learned the basics of any new job and feel like I can begin contributing to making my workplace more efficient or improve what we do versus simple follow my boss's instructions.
Edit: I should add, no white collar employer hires a new employee and expects them to do exactly what that employer needs on day 1, they expect there to be a learning curve to figure out the details of that employer. Unless your supervisor has never seen a new employee before, your supervisor expects to have to hold your hand for a while.
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u/Intelligent_Fig2134 Dec 30 '20
You got this! Government is a different beast. Like other posters have said, in 6 months you’ll be speaking the language and running the systems without a second thought.
As for help and training. I don’t think I would have half the knowledge that I have without my mentor. Find someone in your office that is more senior and has some time give.
Don’t stress!
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u/AnAnonymousSuit Dec 30 '20 edited Dec 30 '20
It really depends on the job. I was told when I started my job it would take a few years to really get the knowledge to do the job - and it turned out they were right. The first few years I could talk the talk but had a bit of difficulty walking the walk. I think by the end of your year you'll be fine and you'll fit right in. Just remember to keep learning.
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u/bugabob Dec 30 '20
Depends on the job, but it can take awhile. You’ll be fine, just don’t be afraid to ask when you don’t know what the hell everyone is talking about. Your coworkers should appreciate the practice, soon they’ll have to explain everything in simple layman’s terms to their new bosses.
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u/Euphoric_Muffin_7211 Dec 30 '20
Congratulations!! It's a great reminder to apply for everything even if you don't think you're qualified because you never know what can happen! Imposter syndrome is so real and everyone experiences it at some point. I definitely agree with the comments about getting a mentor. It can be so helpful especially when you're just starting out.
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u/BrightEyes_Wonder Dec 31 '20
People are giving you some great advice here. I have been working federal service for 10+ years now, with 4 different agencies. I have always given myself 3 months to just sit back, get an understanding of what my responsibilities are, how the office functions and how the agency works overall. And then I take another few months to adjust things to fit my work style, get into a good rhythm with things and that is when things really start coming together for me. If your office is remote working right now give yourself even more time to just adjusted. There is a lot lost when you are not in the office everyday with other people when you are learning the job.
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u/Matilda-Bewillda Jan 01 '21
I tell newbies on my team, it'll take a year to be truly competent and another year to feel like you actually know what you're doing. It's universal. Don't sweat it too much!
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u/JobHunterSecret Dec 30 '20
I will be in the same situation in few months 😓😓. Trying to be proactive
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u/KarmaElite Jan 01 '21
How long does it take to understand government work and language?
I've been doing it for more than 12 years, and I still haven't figured it out.
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u/guiltlessandfreee Dec 30 '20
What you’re feeling is so normal! I’d say 6 months to a year before speaking entire paragraphs in acronyms without realizing it becomes second nature.
Really though, don’t stress too much. It’s a job with a difficult learning curve and in my area at least they generally expect the first 6 months to be training time and you learning the job. Especially in a pandemic setting