Vantaggi
As other reviewers have stated, working for the federal government affords you great job security. Unless you deliberately do something to get fired (cheat on timesheets, use your gov't card for personal purchases, fight on the job, etc.) you will not lose your job. Depending on what organization within SSA you work for, there is some work-life balance. Some management are more understanding than others when it comes to chlld care needs, doctor's appointments and such. The pay and the benefits are decent. It probably pay less than private sector jobs, but in this economy all that matters is that you have good pay to make your monthly expenses and a benefits package to take care of your family. The security measures to protect the agency, the employees and the important data that we handle is second to none. They employ cutting-edge technology to secure the agency, and that helps employs feel they can do their jobs not only safely, but efficiently.
Svantaggi
Some parts of the agency are extremely restrictive -- nickel-and-diming employees on their time, leave and not allowing for flexiplace arrangements (telecommuting). There is a lot of complacency within the agency. You'll often find employees with 30+ years are resistant to change, and that makes it difficult to innovate and create efficiencies. I've never seen so much nepotism in the workplace in my life. Education and experience doesn't count for much at SSA. If you are related to someone there -- someone high up in the food chain -- chances of getting a cushy job and opportunities for promotion are excellent. The agency could do a better job upgrading the systems and equipment employees use to do their jobs. A lot of the equipment is outdated and inefficient. Where I worked in the agency required the use of paper timesheets to track daily time and attendance. A total waste of resources, supplies and time. The massive operation employed to produce the paper sheets, process them and then store them was ridiculous and a complete waste of taxpayers money.