The Challenge—and Opportunity—of Government Work
A career in government can offer a strong sense of purpose and satisfaction. It’s a place where you can make a real difference in people’s lives. But let’s be honest, it can also be frustrating. Government systems are often slow, complex, and tied up in red tape. Getting even the simplest improvement off the ground can feel like trying to move a mountain.
Over the years, I’ve worked at both the state and local levels, particularly in solid waste management and environmental services. I’ve had a front-row seat to how things get done, or don’t, in government. And I’ve learned that creating change from the inside requires patience, persistence, and a whole lot of strategic thinking.
If you’re passionate about public service but find yourself discouraged by bureaucracy, I want to offer some practical advice. You can be a change agent from within. It’s not always fast or easy, but it’s absolutely possible.
Start with the Mission, Not the Mess
One of the biggest mistakes new public servants make is jumping straight into fixing problems without understanding the bigger picture. Before you push for change, get clear on your agency’s mission. What are the legal mandates? What’s the political landscape? Who are the stakeholders?
When you align your goals with the agency’s mission and frame your ideas in terms of how they support that mission you’re far more likely to gain support. I’ve found that even the most resistant colleagues will listen if you show them how your proposal helps meet shared goals, not just your personal agenda.
Build Relationships Before You Need Them
In government, relationships are everything. Policies and procedures may govern how things are supposed to happen, but it’s people who actually make things move. If you want to be effective, invest time in building strong working relationships across departments, not just within your own.
That means showing up to meetings, listening more than you speak, and respecting the expertise of others. When the time comes to propose a change or ask for help, you’ll find that people are much more willing to collaborate if you’ve already established trust and credibility.
Some of the most important alliances I’ve built have been with colleagues in finance, legal, and procurement. These are often the gatekeepers of action. If you want to move a project forward, you’ll need them on your side.
Pick Your Battles—and Know When to Push
Not every issue is worth falling on your sword for. Part of being a smart change agent is knowing which battles to pick. Focus your energy on high-impact areas where change is truly needed, and where you have some degree of control or influence.
Once you decide to push for change, be prepared. Do your homework. Anticipate objections. Bring data, case studies, or real-world examples to back up your idea. And most importantly, offer a solution, not just a critique. It’s easy to point out what’s broken. It takes real leadership to suggest a workable fix.
That said, don’t be afraid to push when it matters. Some changes will be uncomfortable or politically sensitive. If you’ve built the right relationships and come with a thoughtful plan, you might be surprised how often people are open to rethinking outdated systems.
Work with the System—Not Against It
Government operates on policies, procedures, and regulations, and with good reason. These systems are in place to promote fairness, accountability, and consistency. The challenge is that sometimes those systems can feel like roadblocks to innovation.
Instead of fighting the system, learn how to work within it. Get to know the budget cycle. Understand how contracts are awarded. Learn what kind of approvals are needed and from whom. When you understand the rules, you can figure out how to navigate around the obstacles without breaking any of them.
In my prior roles, I’ve often had to find creative ways to work within regulatory frameworks to move projects forward. That might mean breaking a project into phases, leveraging outside grants, or partnering with other agencies to pool resources. Knowing the system is half the battle.
Celebrate Small Wins—and Learn from Setbacks
In government work, big wins don’t happen overnight. That’s why it’s so important to celebrate small victories along the way. Maybe you got a new policy drafted. Maybe you streamlined a form that saves staff hours each week. Maybe you convinced leadership to pilot a new idea. These are all signs of progress, and they matter.
At the same time, not every effort will succeed. Sometimes your idea won’t get approved. Sometimes the politics will shift. Sometimes the timing just isn’t right. That’s okay. Learn from the experience, regroup, and keep going. One of the best qualities of an effective public servant is resilience.
Leadership Is a Mindset, Not a Title
You don’t need a fancy title to be a leader in government. In fact, some of the best change agents I’ve worked with are people in mid-level or even entry-level roles who care deeply about their work and the people they serve. Leadership is about mindset, not position. It’s about showing up with integrity, asking the right questions, and being willing to do the hard work to make things better.
If you’re working within the government, you have a powerful platform. You’re not just sitting at a desk or following orders, you’re part of the machinery that shapes people’s daily lives. That’s a big responsibility, and it’s also a huge opportunity.
Change Takes Time, But It’s Worth It
Bureaucracy will always be part of government. But it doesn’t have to be a barrier to progress. With the right approach, you can navigate the red tape, build momentum, and help create a government that truly works for the people.
Change may come slowly, but it does come especially when driven by people who care, who listen, and who stay committed to doing what’s right. I’ve seen it firsthand, and I believe in it fully. If you’re in public service and wondering if you can really make a difference, let me assure you: you can. Just don’t give up.