Career growth in government service isn’t just about getting promoted. It’s about creating more security, meaning, and options now and in retirement. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking ahead to your last five years, professional development is one of the most valuable ways to invest in yourself. For federal employees, the right growth strategy can strengthen your financial future, expand your opportunities, and help you stay engaged and purposeful in your role — it’s not just good for your career, it’s good for your long game.
Development Today, Retirement Tomorrow
Professional growth in government jobs doesn’t just enhance your work life now—it builds the foundation for stronger retirement outcomes later. Promotions and step increases directly impact your High-3 salary calculation, which determines your federal pension. The higher your earnings during those peak years, the higher your monthly annuity for life.
Those same increases can boost your ability to contribute more to your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) over time, especially if you’re trying to catch up in your 40s or 50s. And the benefits don’t stop there. If your role expands or your salary rises, it can also result in higher Social Security credits, which may improve your retirement benefits outside the federal system.
In today’s uncertain environment — where some agencies are experiencing hiring freezes, reassignments, or early retirement incentives — investing in your professional development may also protect your options. Certain Feds may find that broadening their skill set makes it easier to pivot into private-sector roles, especially if faced with a reduction in force (RIF) or downsizing. Simply put, career development isn’t a luxury. It’s a smart, strategic move supporting career resilience and retirement security.
Learn more about your retirement benefits at our No-Cost webinars, featuring Ed Zurndorfer -
Leveraging Available Resources
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own—federal agencies offer a wide range of professional development resources that are often underused. From agency-sponsored training sessions to certification programs and internal workshops, many opportunities are already baked into your workplace. If you haven’t reviewed your agency’s offerings lately, it’s worth a fresh look.
Many Feds are also eligible for tuition assistance or student loan repayment programs, which can be powerful tools for pursuing advanced degrees or specialized credentials. If you’ve been putting off finishing that degree or earning a project management or cybersecurity certification, now may be the time to explore what funding options exist.
On-the-job growth matters, too. Seek out a mentor, volunteer for a stretch assignment, or apply for a leadership development program. These options can sharpen your skills, expand your network, and increase your visibility — all of which can support your next step.
There are also low-cost or free tools that make it easier to keep learning outside the office. Tools like LinkedIn Learning let you take short, focused courses on your own schedule — covering practical topics like Excel, project management, and workplace dynamics. Harvard also offers a wide range of free online courses, with options in data analysis, public leadership, and policy. These tools can complement your agency’s offerings and support your federal employee career development in a way that keeps you competitive and prepared for change.
Aligning Career Growth With Retirement Goals
Professional development isn’t just about promotions — it’s about setting yourself up for a stronger retirement. Each step forward in your career can raise your High-3 salary, increase your TSP contributions, and improve your overall financial outlook.
As you make career moves, consider how they’ll affect your long-term income and benefits. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional can help you connect those dots and build a strategy supporting your career and retirement.
Reach out to the team at Serving Those Who Serve at [email protected] to explore how your career growth can fuel your future.
The information has been obtained from sources considered reliable but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Serving Those Who Serve writers and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy suggested. Every investor’s situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon before making any investment or financial decision. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. **
