Federal employment—a family business?

In the old days, careers often ran in families. If your father and grandfather were blacksmiths, well, there was a good chance you’d be one, too.

Fewer of those multigenerational career tracks are out there today.

Small businesses used to be handed down from generation to generation. But today’s definition of a small business, at least according to the Small Business Administration, generally includes any concerns with fewer than 500 employees. Not exactly the corner grocery.

Ditto with family farms, which are dwindling in the traditional sense, many either acquired by or under contract to huge agricultural concerns.

Some of the most consistent intergenerational careers seem to be related to public service. We know plenty of people who have followed their parents into politics, the military or federal service.

But have times changed? From where you stand now as a fed, would you advise your child to follow you into the federal government?