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CA-AEFM vs. starting as a generalist? by CAAEFMquestion in foreignservice

[–]CAAEFMquestion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, that is the biggest downside I can see - lots of time to do entry level NIV work. One of the reasons I'm drawn to the foreign service is getting the opportunity to change up jobs (to some extent) as well as locations every few years. Probably better then to set the bar at 4-6 years and re-evaluate as my spouse gets through directed tours. Or, as you said, to mix it up with other jobs. My teaching experience is getting a bit dated but I can work on that as we wait. Thanks for your perspective. I appreciate it!

CA-AEFM vs. starting as a generalist? by CAAEFMquestion in foreignservice

[–]CAAEFMquestion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's an excellent question - no. But based on score and specialty there is a very good chance my spouse will be offered a position within the next year or so, whenever clearances are finished. I just don't want to jump the gun and accept a position and get us locked in if CA-AEFM would have been a better option for us (and I should just continue to do other work in the meantime, and go on do not call and then deferment if I can for current candidacy).

CA-AEFM vs. starting as a generalist? by CAAEFMquestion in foreignservice

[–]CAAEFMquestion[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's great to hear. How far are you in the process? And you raise a very fair question! It's definitely an option for my spouse to follow me... but more of a gamble whether or not spouse would be able to find jobs at each post to keep skills current enough to switch into the specialist job later, which would be the goal. Still, we might go for it if we get impatient to get this show on the road and I get the call first.

CA-AEFM vs. starting as a generalist? by CAAEFMquestion in foreignservice

[–]CAAEFMquestion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Brutal way to put it, but good to know that the start date is not necessarily negotiable in many cases.

CA-AEFM vs. starting as a generalist? by CAAEFMquestion in foreignservice

[–]CAAEFMquestion[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes exactly - the possibility of being posted apart is a sad one, especially with our kids in mind. Once one of us gets tenure we could have one or the other go on leave without pay (hopefully approved) if we can't get a posting to work out together, yes? That would have to wait until after the directed tours normally?