This insider's perspective on the federal workforce demystifies the myth of the underworked and overcompensated employee, examines workers' daily challenges, and considers the future of government work and its workers.• Examines the claims that federal workers are underworked, overcompensated, and expendable• Analyzes comparable pay and benefits between the federal and private sector workforce to dispel rumors of overcompensation• Uncovers the truth behind the misconceptions surrounding the work of federal employees and explains how these workers differ from those in private companies or unions• Contains contributions from federal career employees, political appointees, and politicians familiar with the operation of the federal workforce• Shares nonclassified policy documents and mission statements from across federal agencies to illustrate the daily workings of these offices