Pros
This has been the most rewarding period of my life. I've been challenged intellectually, been able to make change in my community, and feel a sense of satisfaction like no prior job. The job offered the stability to raise a family. The current administration of my agency is fantastic. The current Governor, like the one before him, seemed to genuinely care about the people who work for the State. My current union is also amazing.
Cons
Two major cons:
If you want to get rich, find yourself a side hustle, as salaries will let you live a comfortable middle class existence in most of the State.
CWA, which is the union for most employees, sucks. If the org's leadership isn't committed to mission or the Governor is unusually bad, it can be a difficult place to work.