In response to
A Job Too Good to Be True

Note that part of the essay "...the most skilled federal workers may actually be underpaid."AMEN!Can only describe my circumstances.Two master's degrees, post master's research and studies, numerous professional awards, still making LESS than when I retired from the Army in 1994.Civilian sector jobs for skilled former military were very few (still are), nepotism common. After a year of failed second-careeer searches, I finally settled for federal government. The compromoise felt like failure, but it kept the kids fed.I can not dispute the assertions in this essay. Rather, like my civilian counterparts, I wish I could experience them! Eighteen years stuck-in-the-rut; spite of flawless performance appraisals, exceeding expectations at all levels, constant professional awards, constant training upgrades, out-of-pocket $ and time, and willingness to do anything anywhere. And I watch the only retirement option, an IRA type account, continue to shrink. This gets old, but so am I. Alternatives are nil.Oh, did I mention I am a white, heterosexual male, not disabled, not a member of any minority? Implication: The federal worforce is best employer for all types of "minorities." Most are deserving of equal chance. But I have witnessed too many falsely claim minority status (e.g. some small part American Indian heritage is easy to claim, impossible to refute). This minority status is often the decisive factor for promotion, the best assignments, awards, all kinds of favorable personal actions, including performance raises in salary. But don't dare complain to the EEOC! On the other hand, if you can claim you are a member of a minority, and if your conscience allows you undeserved advantages without guilt, seek employment with the federal government.Hmmm... Do you suppose if I engaged in sodomy, and bragged about it, I could get promoted?Well, maybe I am not as willing to do "anything" as I thought.