Wow, Mustang,

No big decision is ever simple, is it? There are always trade-offs.

Normally I would say there is a lot of security in a Federal government job, and a lot of good benefits, many of which are not available to you as a temp employee.

But given the economy, one worries a bit about job security. In a Federal position, are you subject to "LIFO" RIFs? That is, "last in first out" should it come to a reduction in force?

That would be the main thing I would worry about. Though if you are a former federal employee and/or a veteran, you sort of have a "golden glow," once hired, as I understand it. (I am speaking as the former wife of a federal employee. But it's been almost 30 years since I was married to Bill, so rules might have changed since then...)

In any case, I will keep up the prayers, praying now for clarity in your decision-making process.