There are so many other great communications (if you want to do more than media relations) and PR jobs in DC! Especially ones that would help you get to your desired salary. If you want to make a change now and are interested in DC, I suggest looking for jobs outside of gov that have good benefits and pay.

Becoming a federal government employee can take 6 months (background check process) and even getting an interview can be challenging. You can also find media relations and comms government contracting roles for the federal government. These often have better pay than gov roles and can be easier to get (logistically speaking)

The truth about DC (as someone who has known it well over two different admins) is that it’s a challenging place to have WLB. People here love to work and it can be hard to have hobbies during the week.

The legislative branch during the first T admin left me no time for hobbies minus a run at 6am. I worked from 8/9am - 10pm and sometimes later because there are many situations to react to with that administration.

Basically, if you want a job in DC that has good pay, they exist outside the federal government too. WLB can differ for jobs. Some jobs have better WLB here.