When I first started at the federal government a little over a decade ago,  I was excited. Wow, an indeterminate federal government job. I had prepared and was prepared for the job (Master’s degree, Canadian and international work experience, and four languages in my hand; however, I must confess that I did not have a full appreciation for the benefits I had until I had my first child. I can now say, that my job provides me with several benefits that have helped keep some dollars in my pockets.

Here is a list of five benefits of working in the Government of Canada and how it helps my FIRE goals:

1. Defined benefit pension plan – When I first started in the Government, my future pension was not something that I ever thought a second time. Yes, I was aware that I was contributing to a pension, but I didn’t once consider how it would positively impact me in the future.
2. Job security – I’ve already had a strong work ethic and have never been fired from a job. That being said, it’s nice to work where one has a stable work environment.
3. Family related leave – Let’s face it, life happens. When you have children, it’s great to have five days to take care of them when their sick or have appointments rather than having to use your vacation days.
4. Various options for leaves without pay – The Government of Canada provides various options that allows employees to take time to off from work and still be able to have their jobs when one returns.
5. Paid maternity leave – For those who decide to have children, the Government of Canada adds a “top up” to the regular Employment Insurance benefits that provides an employee with the equivalent of 93% of their income (to be honest it’s a little more as some other deductions are not paid during that time). This helps keep the finances in check during the first year of a child’s life when the costs to parents are very expensive. 

Bonuses: Medical and dental care benefits: I must admit that I have friends who don’t work in the Government who have similar or better benefits than I do; however, I’m still happy that we have them. It’s definitely saved us money over the past decades.

Training opportunities: If you know how to make a learning plan that satisfies  both your needs and those of your manager, there are a lot of opportunities for paid and unpaid training in the Government.