The Political Employment Project investigates the career patterns of individuals working in political careers, such as staff members for elected officials, elected or appointed officials, civil servants, and lobbyists.

 

Why do political actors take the jobs that they do?
What do people working in politics like and dislike about their jobs?
How easy is it to balance work and family?
Why do political actors leave their jobs?

PEP research aims to answer these questions.

 

Click here for more results from the Congressional Staff Study

 
The House of Representatives Staff Study
" I think that the reason we change our attitudes towards are jobs is because of the intensity with which we have to work. I know that I grew to love what I was doing because I saw and felt the difference I was making. Even though some may leave the Hill because of money and stress, I believe many people stay here as long as they do because it is a thrilling environment and there is no other job or people like this in the world."

-- A legislative assistant working in the House of Representatives
 
"Overall, I consider myself very content with my job responsibilities and salary level. Because I don't yet have a child, the occasional long hours don't bother me too much. However, there's no real position to aim for next (press secretaries sometimes become the AA, but it's not all that common), so the logical jump would be to leave the Hill or try for a press job with a higher ranking member. However, another member office might not have the good office camaraderie I now enjoy, nor the somewhat reasonable hours. I plan to leave in 3 months to be a stay-at-home mom. While my office offers 3 months paid leave (very generous by most standards), there is no flexibility to accomodate a part-time schedule. I think it's just too counter-culture for the Hill."

 

  
-- A press secretary working in the House of Representatives

Click here for more results from the Elected County Executives Study

 

The Elected County Executives Study

“"I enjoy my job as County Executive. I feel that I have done a good job for the citizens of my county. I look forward to serving as long as I am able."
 
-- A Tennessee county executive
 

“"As an elected official a person should not expect to make it a career. Someone with a family could not do very well on the salary I make. I have made a living in the private sector and do not depend on my salary very much. People at the county and local should receive a better salary in order to attract good young leaders."
-- An Arkansas county judge executive
Click here for more information about the New York Supreme Court Justices Study   The New York State Supreme Court Justices Study
The Political Employment Project is currently conducting a study of New York State Supreme Court justices. Supreme Court justices in New York are trial court judges who are elected to office; there are 323 justices, in addition to certificated (senior status) justices and acting justices. New York uses acting justices to help manage its caseload; these acting justices are likely to hold other positions on another bench in the state trial court system.