I’m an IT Specialist at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in a software developer role and have been involved in various IT projects for the last 14 years. I may not have stories like one of high-stakes drama like an FBI agent’s or saving lives in a disaster, but I wanted to share my side of the story to show up every day, to pour my heart into my work, regardless of the paycheck or the recognition.
After working in the private sector for several years, I switched primarily to the work-life balance that Federal employment offered. It was actually not an easy decision, I had to take a pay cut of 40% for the same job at the IRS. However, the high-stress environment and chronic lower back pain that I experienced in my private sector job forced me to quit and join the Federal Government. Also, the thought of directly reaching millions of the general public by writing software code really excited me. With a deep breath and a leap of faith, I traded my cushy private-sector job for the world of federal employment.
My first project involved implementing the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) at the IRS. With the complex, precarious legislation requirements and an aggressive timeline, my team and I worked an average of 10 hours a day for most days. During one phase of the project, I needed to collaborate with various stakeholders and teams both within and outside the IRS. This resulted in a marathon of online meetings that stretched from morning until evening, often without breaks for lunch or coffee.
Then we were hit with a government shutdown. My entire team was classified as essential, so we were required to continue working. We were informed that we would not receive pay during this period, and it was unclear how long the shutdown might last. We were also told that there are no guarantees of backpay once the government reopens. As the sole breadwinner for my family, I felt the weight of uncertainty. Despite the circumstances, I maintained my dedication and passion for the project, ultimately completing it successfully and on time.
The shutdown lasted nearly four weeks, but fortunately, Congress approved back pay, and I eventually received my paycheck. One morning, I woke up with difficulty walking and noticed I was limping. Since I hadn’t sustained any physical injuries, I visited a doctor who determined that long hours of sitting over several months had put significant strain on my lower back. For about a month, I continued to limp while undergoing multiple physical therapy sessions to aid my recovery.
Ultimately, my hard work and dedication proved worthwhile. Every time an American tries to enroll in medical insurance through the healthcare exchange, I take pride in knowing that a small piece of code I wrote checks their eligibility. It gives me a sense of satisfaction and brings a smile to my face.
So the next time you hear someone say government workers are lazy, remember this tale. Remember that behind every form, every system, every service, there’s someone like me – working tirelessly to make our country just a little bit better, one line of code at a time.