[dkhenry]

If your counting the money it will never be worth it. It makes no financial sense to go work for the USDS, you will get paid less, you will work in a much worse environment, with more frustration then you can imagine. However you will directly impact the lives of millions of Americans. People who would have died, might live. Educations can be obtained for those who might never have had one. Doctors will get paid more efficiently and will take on more medicare and medicaid patients.

You might not have as much disposable income, but you can live a good life in a nice area for 161k. Thats more them most people in the DC area make.