Career opportunities? Basically nonexistent. Jobs are capped at GS-13, so unless you’re willing to waste decades hoping for crumbs, don’t expect to advance.
The retirement and benefits might look good on paper, but those are being chipped away and watered down. Don’t be fooled by the “federal benefits” pitch—it’s not what it used to be.
They brag about “core values,” but in reality racism, sexism, and blatant favoritism are everywhere. Leadership turns a blind eye, and worse, they enable the toxic people who do the damage. The higher up you go, the less diversity you’ll see—it’s an old boys’ club where being white and male is still the unspoken requirement for moving forward.
Training is offered for supervisors, but senior leadership still couldn’t manage their way out of a paper bag. They don’t listen to subject matter experts, they don’t respect employees, and the whole culture is built around authoritarian, paramilitary micromanagement. You’re not valued here; you’re expendable.
Work-life balance? Forget it. Telework doesn’t exist unless you’re disabled, and even then, the “accommodation process” is a nightmare. They’ve designed it to funnel people into the office no matter what—and be ready for your private medical information to be shared around without your consent. Alternative work schedules exist in theory, but CBP makes them nearly impossible. The agency only offers rigid, limited schedules (like 4/9s or 4/10s) and only if you’re in the union. Everyone else is stuck.
Bottom line: This is a toxic, outdated, hostile place to work. The leadership thrives on control and fear, not competence or vision. If you value your health, career growth, or even basic respect—look elsewhere.