Last word: Final thoughts on the life of federal workers

The year ahead poses challenges and opportunities, a common pattern in recent years but with some twists.

Some changes are inevitable. I predict that telework will take off in the next year or two, and at least 50 percent of feds will work from home part of the time.

Government will continue to go digital, in ways we have not seen before. Younger feds will take it in that direction with savvy help from experienced feds.

Women will get some form of paid maternity leave like the private sector and paternity leave for dads, too.

Raises set by the president and promotions given by managers won’t get much better, but there will still be bonuses.

Federal jobs will continue to have a level of stress but more will find their way to fitness centers or take long walks around the block.

I, too, will be making some changes. Six years ago, Federal Computer Week asked me to write a work life column, which I titled “Get a Life.” With the advent of blogging three years ago, I started to blog about federal work life too. Yes, it’s been that long.

The column began by asking you, the reader, for topics you wanted. Your responses centered on concerns about stress at work and questions about changing jobs or preparing to retire.

I have sought the research and advice of experts, reviewed their books, and shared their tips and some of my views. Topics have ranged from whistle-blowing and emergency preparedness to dealing with email, telework, toxic bosses, getting ahead, networking, retirement, succession planning, stress and more stress.

I will continue to write about work and life, but no longer for Federal Computer Week. You see, there is a life after government, and mine has taken me back to journalism, passing through PricewaterhouseCoopers and IBM on the way. Also, my book on local history, Cabin John: Legends and Life of an Uncommon Place, was published last year.

I have enjoyed looking into and writing about matters that concern you, and even more, receiving your often provocative comments. So I thank you!

Best wishes to you for the holidays and New Year 2010. I hope you will stay well and Get a Life!