I agree that forensics is very serious work, there is much at stake. Your investigation, report, and/or testimony can make or break a case. It also has a direct influence on the lives of the people involved. Still, if you find the investigative aspect of the work interesting, why can't you enjoy it? I tend to equate interesting and enjoying with fun. Sil, I think that you and I may have a different definition of fun

Also, I don't know about all feds, but the ex-feds I work with made good money in the government. The problem with the fed pay scales is that you can move up very quickly, but after a while your salary plateaus. You are still making good money, but not as much as the high-end of the private sector. This is usually when some make the jump.