Message #2035

[phoenix55]

I don't have on-site day care, but there is day care through my work a couple blocks away--practically on-site, very highly rated, but....



I work for the government.  I was considering availing myself of this (it is somewhat costly, but the care is very good) and then came OKC.  I know it's a great comfort to the parents knowing your child is very close, but I just can't justify bringing little kids into a federal building anymore.  And to follow through, it's not just the government people don't like--it's big corporations, etc.  Just too risky for me, despite all the precautions and safety measures now being taken.  My kids are quite a distance away, but it's certainly harder on me than them.



I like the day-care reimbursement Radar suggested, but we have a flexible benefits plan where we can put away pre-tax dollars into an account and withdraw it to pay for childcare (as well as one for non-covered medical expenses and medical insurance premiums not provided for in our regular benefits package, one for commuter benefits and one for parking).



Our office (not the government as a whole--just my boss) does offer somewhat limited educational assistance.  Some of the biggest perks of government work, as everyone is aware, I'm sure, is the time off.  And retirement benefits--don't forget those.  Not much else--everyone is always surprised at how much we have to pay for our other benefits, raises are based upon our budgets and what Congress and the President decide are decent COLA's.