Is all this really worth it?

[southernmiss]

I hope this doesn't come across as maudlin, but one of the reasons I would like to be an ODAR ALJ is I think I can give the claimant a fair trial that, as nearly as possible, follows the law. I have worked for some conscientious judges, but a larger number of them never bothered to learn the basics, much less the nuance. It resembled the lottery more than a court of law. Furthermore, I am itching to use all that I have learned all these years.

I am aware that the ALJ position has become more pressured and particularly with DGS/FIT, there is very little room to render a well thought out and written decision, but it still allows someonen to use his or her knowledge to the benefit of the claimant. As in any job, it will be as interesting and stimulating as the effort you put into it.

And, good intentions aside, it is not that stressful, the work hours are good and you won't face a malpractice suit if you screw up.

[chris]

I wouldn't characterize it as maudlin at all. It is very refreshing. I think you would probably make a good judge. I don't practice before ODAR but I go before a lot of ALJs every year and at least 50% do not seem to have any serious interest in doing a good job.

[Pixie]

As many have said, it is the best job in government. That's true if one is in a "good" office. If not, then it isn't quite as good, but still a very good job. If you are fortunate enough to make the cut, you are fortunate indeed. Pix.

[crazybroad]

So Southerner, how many decisions do you average a month? We have SAs here too but they do not do any harder cases than we AA's do. We also screen cases along with the Paralegals so I'm not quite sure why they are a whole grade ahead of us when we do the exact same work. It's aggravating.