I have an "entry level separation" from Navy boot camp, should I take this low-end federal job?

I have an "entry level separation" from Navy boot camp, which is hurting all my chances at getting a federal job. However, I was recently offered a position at a very low pay-grade, but it is Federal. If I took this job, would I be able to work my way up the ranks by proving myself, or will the discharge haunt me for the duration of my federal career? I dont want to sacrifice the good job I have now to get my foot in the door if I still cant transfer around afterwards.

It was an entry level separation, which means I only spent 2 weeks in boot. They said I had a personality disorder, but it was not bad behavior. Thoughts?

John,

I don't know. I'm getting my masters in international relations and learning turkish to make myself more marketable, but i'm afraid it won't be enough even in the future. So i'm torn with taking this job now as an "archaeological assistant", and hopefully transfering over to homeland security, or just working my way up the civilian ladder and trying later.

Why do you want to work for the government? Private sector pays better and is more interesting. The feds will always know your record, but businesses may not check it. And you know, maybe you should look into that "personality disorder" and get treated for it. It might be a medical condition or you might need therapy, or a combination, or it might be nothing at all, but if someone asks about it later, you can always say that you were treated for it or checked out and found not to have one.

Regardless of the pay, if you don't take this job, how long will it be before you find somebody else who is willing to give you "the benefit of a doubt"?

I would take it. The separation you got is more than likely a generic administrative separation to get rid of anyone they do not want to pay benefits to. A lot of people get this type of separation. You normally will not work your way up, but it may help you network. If you have a job right now that pays well why step down and take anything less. Forget working for homeland Security it is a joke your better off working as a civilian.