These are tough days to be working in public service, especially federal government. It’s hard for people who have been under constant fire and derision for years to stay motivated to serve the greater good, and it’s difficult to inspire younger people to want to do it for a living, but this may in fact be the best time. Evidence suggests that tough times are cyclical. We may not have hit bottom yet, but we will, and smart, talented people will be the rock stars that rebuild a public sector that really works for people.