The job itself is not difficult; the management and organizational policies are what make the job unenjoyable.
Pros
Entry to Federal Government After a year you receive competitive status for federal hiring. This allows you to transfer to other (better) agencies. Applying The TSA does not look for a specific work history or skill set when considering applicants. They merely want to see that you are competent and can follow simple and complex directions. Benefits The benefits are good. Retirement, paid vacation, paid sick leave, life insurance, discounts at businesses, and free community college classes that focus on homeland security (at some airports). Pay The pay is ok, but the extra pay is good. You receive 10% extra for any time worked before 6am and after 6pm, 25% extra for working on Sundays, 1.5X pay for overtime, and 2X pay for holidays. Co-Workers Some of your co-workers are amazing. You can work with them to trade shifts so you can take vacations, work extra hours, or you just need a day off. TSA is a very diverse organization and many of the people are kind and interesting. Passengers You will meet some of the funniest, most interesting, and kindest people working at the airport. If you put out positive energy, they will reflect it right back and you will have an amazing experience with them.
Cons
Hours Do not expect full time work at most airports. The TSA is moving to a part-time work force in order to decrease costs and increase flexibility with scheduling. However, there are opportunities for over time. You may need to work long shifts or split shifts though. Sick Time You are informally punished for calling in sick or being injured. It is a good ol' boys club. Many senior officers are former military and they practice the same cultural standards as the military; do not get your friends in trouble, solve issues without taking it to management, ignore issues completely if you do not think it's an issue, etc. Expect crass and disrespectful behavior towards passengers. Work Schedule You will have two work schedules during the year and these are chosen by seniority. Do not expect a good work schedule when you start. It is likely that you will start working at 4am and you will not have weekends off. Vacation Vacation is chosen by seniority. DO NOT expect to take a vacation in the summer unless you get very lucky. In my first year I was able to take 2 weeks of paid vacation though. Co-Workers Some of your co-workers will be absolutely horrible. They will not work hard, they will be negative all of the time, and they will yell at co-workers and passengers. These people are remnants from when the agency first formed and accepted just about anyone who could lift a box, work long hours, and follow simple instructions. Passengers Some passengers are in a hurry, going to a funeral, just lost their job, etc. They are not happy and no matter what you do they will treat you poorly. It is best not to take it personally because they are not really mad at you. They are just mad.
