I've been around on Kos for a very long time, since the MT days in fact. All of you are like a very big extended family for me. When I started reading/commenting on Daily Kos in late 2002 I was a Freshman and college. It's surprising how much time has flown by because I'll be graduating in December. And that is why I've come to you asking for some advice.
I am a double major in Economics and Political Science. I have excellent grades and am incredibly politically involved (in fact, I serve on the Baltimore County Democratic State Central Committee, to which I was elected when I was 18). I could essentially work in either field. Jobs in Economics (specifically of the governmental variety for the Bureau of Labor Statistics or the Federal Reserve b/c I'm not really interested in working in private finance) offer much better pay, would certainly have health benefits, and set me up for a life long career. This goes along with my idea of having a secure job that would set me up to have a nice stable family life in the relative future.
Jobs in politics (particularly campaigns) would offer much lower pay (and much less likely to have benefits unless they are on the Hill in which case the work load can be backbreaking yet also thrilling) but would be far more exciting for me. I practically live and breathe politics and would most likely highly enjoy such a job. However, considering the lower pay I'll get, not so sure this would help me eventually get on a stable financial footing that would allow me to start a family at some point, which is also important to me. Also how much I would enjoy the job will of course depend on the candidate/official who I'd work for.
An important factor in my decision would depend on how much political volunteering/donacting/activism/ect. I could still do while working for the BLS or Fed. I know that this is governed by Hatch Act; however, I have had trouble getting clear answers on what I could or could not do as a Federal employee evern from the recruiters for these agencies. Now almost everyone here is pretty involved in politics and I imagine a lot of you are federal employees. Any who could elucidate for me what is allowed and what is not allowed would be most helpful. Fell free to let me know in the comments.
Of course, I could always get back into politics later after working the Econ govt. jobs; however, if the Hatch Act is very restrictive I could lose valuable political connections over time. I also imagine once I have the responsibilities of a family and house to pay for it may be very difficult to give up a secure salary.
Also if anyone wants to give me advice on my larger conundrum, I'd be glad to here your perspectives in the comments. Many of you are much older and wiser and may have had to make similar decisions throughout your life.