Pros
Stability, 40 Hour Workweek, Overtime, Benefits
Cons
Lack of diversity in all aspects - depending on your area, you may not be able to bring your whole self to work. I am talking about all the positive and unique attributes that enable an individual to advance the purpose of the agency. Favortism and Nepotism - too many family members and friends forming a village which keeps potentially more qualified applicants outside the circle for hiring in available positions and most importantly details which are the main vehicle for obtaining specialized experience to advance within the agency. Discrimination and Racism - sure there are laws against it but what do people do when laws are implemented - they find a way around it legally. The IRS has over 20 business units and within those units are multiple factions which makes the agency like a box of chocolates. Some areas are better than others; but, unfortunately, there is a lack of communication and networking between the business units which makes it difficult to find out what the work culture and environment is actually like unless you know someone in that department. I worked as a Transcriber and Tax Examiner in Submission Processing and in Accounts Management as a clerk. If someone had warned me, I would have went back into corporate immediately. I have 25 years of work experience with only 8 in government with this agency. Not ever have I seen such a backwards operation. Lack of Training - the alignment of course materials with the actual work needs to be better organized. I was fortunate in that my training lasted for several months. Most hired employees are lucky if they get 2-3 months. The instructors are people who volunteer which does not often breed an environment of excellence. Technology - the computer software programs and equipment goes on the fritz constantly resulting in time loss to assist taxpayers and process case workloads. Employee Engagement - non-existent and severely lacking