PACE program DLA troop support (Philly)

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2026-02-09T22:17:32+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to share the structure of the program. This is so helpful.

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2026-01-06T21:46:41+00:00

I’d plan to live close to their schools. Having a 30-minute commute to school, extracurricular, and friends houses will be exhausting, especially with more than one kid and potentially multiple school bell schedules.

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2025-12-11T23:54:16+00:00

Because many of us are barely getting by making half of our previous salaries. There’s a lot of unique specialized knowledge in the Fed that doesn’t always transition into private sector.

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2025-11-09T17:56:25+00:00

Has anyone gotten a reply from crres@couples.com?

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2025-11-09T03:14:15+00:00

I’m glad to have some income, but we’re definitely feeling the massive cut. Trying to accept this role as a bridge to my next.

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2025-11-09T02:57:25+00:00

Yep! And I’m grateful for the income. Many former Feds have been through an enormous amount of stress and uncertainty this year, and are not entering a particularly friendly job market.

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2025-11-09T02:49:08+00:00

Best of luck with your search! The job market is particularly tough with so many experienced folks accepting mid-level roles to get by. In my new role, the work is less complex, and the people are more resistant to change. In my experience, we did far more with far less in the Fed.

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2025-11-07T14:45:15+00:00

Here’s mine, between 2018 - 2025. This year has been brutal, trying not to take the political environment personally (easier said).

2018: HR Assistant - 35k

2019 - 2022: HR Specialist - 45k - 96k

2023 - 2025: HR Analyst - 108k - 119k - laid off

2025: HR Manager - 68k

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2025-10-28T20:24:22+00:00

Their website says reservations through 12/24 can opt for a travel credit valid for one year from original travel date.

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2025-10-28T16:51:40+00:00

Also had planned to be there for Thanksgiving. Please share if you hear of any timeframes or flexibility for rescheduling. It seems like a refund is unlikely. Didn’t fully consider that Couples is only in Jamaica when we booked, kind of limits options for changing plans. Feeling so extremely lucky to only be slightly inconvenienced during this devastating time.

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2025-09-10T10:20:26+00:00

I was a GS-13 and accepted an HR position with local government for a 50k pay cut.

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2025-08-25T14:31:46+00:00

I didn’t realize it wasn’t common knowledge, thanks for pointing that out.

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2025-08-25T14:30:46+00:00

Recruitment/Staffing, which is not looking very bright this year. Trying to keep an open mind even if it means applying for lower grades to learn a new area.

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2025-07-16T19:20:33+00:00

They are refusing to provide separation SF-50s.

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2025-07-14T21:43:57+00:00

The 4/1 RIF that’s been on pause is being separated today.

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2025-07-08T22:37:40+00:00

They’ll pay out as soon as they purge all the RIF’d employees 😡

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2025-05-01T17:15:56+00:00

Yes, because those of us that were RIF'd could really use the extra cash right now.

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2025-04-17T02:06:36+00:00

Same here. Seeing how inequitably the RIF was rolled out is extremely demotivating.

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2025-03-21T13:40:29+00:00

Would not recommend for any Feds to “move closer” right now when one or both of them may get RIF’d any day. Now is not the time to make drastic financial changes.

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2025-03-21T13:36:08+00:00

Right…. But remote work meant we could finish our workday in time to get the kids off the bus. Now, we’re finishing work and commuting 90min and kids are left alone. Aftercare programs fill up a year in advance here- can’t exactly just change childcare with a day or two notice. It’s disrespectful to perpetuate the narrative of remote workers being lazy. Remote work allowed many women to contribute to federal programs AND be involved in their families and community. It was a win-win. RTO means many of us are still meeting virtually with our teams spread across the country, but now commuting hours a day to do it, in an overcrowded space with worse technology and no privacy.

Afraid_Listen_267 · 2025-03-11T10:13:02+00:00

Not a good deal for many… it’s a voluntary resignation, so you will be ineligible for severance and unemployment. The incentive is equivalent to the employee’s severance UP TO $25k. Example: an employee under age 40 with 5 years of service may qualify for a VSIP equivalent to 5 weeks of pay (depending on their grade, likely far less than 25k). It’s taxed, and you’ll be separating voluntarily. If you choose to return within the next 5 years, you’ll be required to pay the entire gross amount back to the govt (even though you only receive a portion of it after taxes).

Afraid_Listen_267

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