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I spent two years in the Feds in CA. Recently got a job at DOJ main (which came w clearance). DOJ main was horrible the first two-three months but has gotten a little better. This job seems like a resume builder and definitely not something or somewhere I’d do for more than two years. I’m at the 6 month mark now but got offered to interview at USAO back in CA doing criminal law which I’ve always wanted. My wife is not excited at all to move back to CA. She’s really enjoying DC. Her family is there and so is mine and I own a home in the city I’m interviewing for. I would be taking a pay cut to go to the USAO as well, but not by much. I’m concerned I’m jeopardizing my resume and future by leaving my current job so soon and another cross country move is very difficult on us financially and stress wise.

Anyone having any thoughts on my situation? Would I be ruining my legal career leaving a prestigious Main Justice job to go to a run of the mill USAO back in my old city ?

Career wise, what is your end game and does moving back fit the narrative or is logical in achieving that gold star?

Lifestyle wise, I’m also a fed in DC and know plenty of colleagues from CA and all said, including me, that they would go back in a heartbeat just for the lifestyle. Which part of CA are you talking about?

Financially, if you’re planning on sticking to being a fed for your entire career it won’t make much of a difference where you go (plus or minus COLA). If you just want a cushy job, I’d go back to CA rather than just rising up the ranks in DOJ as a line attorney.