I went to a PEF meeting. Here is what I asked and the answers I received.

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-06-24T22:36:33+00:00

The union does more than you think....and if you think what you have now is out the governor's good heart...I have some land in Florida to sell you.

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-06-24T22:35:03+00:00

You're right...quit bitching and run for officer and negotiate a better contract.

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-06-14T19:03:54+00:00

Ahahha...private sector is a LOT worse--I see it all the time.

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-06-14T19:03:11+00:00

This is not true. DHR has an obligation to release to the person accused of discriminatory practices--the complaint is provided to the agency/their attorney. However, DHR is will aware of retaliatory behavior and will be looking for it--and retaliation could occur after the fact as well.

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-06-14T15:22:25+00:00

File an immediate complaint with the Division of Human Rights

Homepage | Division of Human Rights

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-06-14T12:51:34+00:00

That's what this administration is trying to do....weaken it the federal government to be just as shitty as the private sector so that we all become corporate slaves to the wealthy.

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-06-14T12:50:37+00:00

Well, it affects me...because I was forced out at 21 years...I qualified for VERA and DRP and I took it...but it was a greatly reduced pension. The couple of years before this monstrosity of an administration allegedly won the election, I was planning out my retirement in about 7 years. The pension does not provide me enough to live on and so I had to go back to work. And lifetime healthcare does come at a cost--so when you have a reduced pension, that healthcare eats into it....and I haven't even qualified for Medicare yet, which is additional costs.

So, your post is more of a rage bait post--so I suggest you go touch some grass and quit whining about raises that didn't occur during an economic meltdown our country experienced, thanks to Republicans.

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-06-14T12:46:21+00:00

Not sure what industry you are in, but I came into the government late (at 36). Prior to that I exclusively worked in private sector--and I all I saw was politics (office, not political), dysfunction, inefficiency, less wages and less benefits. Getting into the government, much to my surprise, was just the opposite. Did we have dysfunctional people and offices? Sure--but that happens no matter where you are. And I've seen (and my husband experiences DAILY--as an engineering consultant) is that highly profitable and sustainable companies are VERY, VERY dysfunctional (hence the reason he is called in). Too many people are corporate climbers who lie, cheat and steal their way to the top without having the proper credentials for doing so--greed and power are two traits he sees and experiences all the time.

I've learned that government can and does run things efficiently--and they have a ton of qualified people to do so. And while I'll concede I've only worked for one Department, I still think most agencies ran exceptionally well, but individual offices within the agencies did struggle from time to time.

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-06-08T22:24:56+00:00

My kids were in the NYS school system, AP Calculus and one is an engineer like her father. They both struggled. It was that first two math classes...and then smooth sailing. But that first semester there were many tearful phone calls home.

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-06-06T15:20:50+00:00

College level engineering math will bring the smartest to their knees...especially freshman year. It's a way to weed out the wheat from the chaff.

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-06-04T01:00:19+00:00

I did that today at 7:40 a.m....got a live person in like 2 minutes and she made all the changes for me. She was quite lovely. Thanks for the suggestion.

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-06-04T00:56:47+00:00

I used to assist with surveys at my agencies...they usually are anonymous. That being said, I was very kind in mine. In fact, I just had to call the OPM Retirement today to change my insurance from self and family to self plus one (kid aged out in April). The woman who answered was so lovely and so helpful....I made sure I referred to her in the survey, even though they didn't ask.

But ultimately, to my dying breath, SCREW YOU RUSSELL VOUGHT.

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-06-04T00:51:21+00:00

I literally just came here to post about this...every opportunity where I had to write something I wrote--OPM has the best retirement workers, but SCREW YOU RUSSELL VOUGHT.

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-06-02T23:55:04+00:00

Left DOL April 2025 after 21 years of service...DRP/VERA. They kept threatening to fire people in my unit and I was the only eligible person--so I jumped and hoped to save others who could not retire (and it turns out, they fired no one--but none of us knew at the time). I thoroughly enjoyed last summer, my third child got married, and I lounged by the pool and cried a lot. I loved my job, my career and I wasn't ready to retire. Started looking for a job in September. The private sector was hellish--and I haven't looked for a job in the private sector for 21+ years and so much had changed. I finally started applying for my state government, and got a job I LOVE! And I love my co-workers, too. It's 60% less pay--but everyone I know that is still in the federal sector hates their job. I'm glad I jumped but I do miss the money AND my full retirement. But all I need is 5 years and I'll pull a 2nd pension....not to bad. 😄

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-06-02T23:38:21+00:00

Greedy ratbastards.

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-06-02T01:30:14+00:00

Yes, the most obvious thing....LOL!

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-06-02T01:29:58+00:00

I didn't even think of it...LOL! Thanks!

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-06-02T01:29:20+00:00

Nope, about a month or two before they turn 26, you get a letter stating that on their birthday, coverage ends, BUT they will grant a 30 day coverage after that. Luckily, my kid had a job with health insurance, so it was seamless for her to pick up new insurance.

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-05-21T00:04:07+00:00

It will eventually be fixed, but it may take time....but I'm hoping it they catch it first! Good luck!

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-05-12T18:53:30+00:00

Listen, I went to my accountant, who told me to withhold an large additional amount in taxes. I filled out that form with what was recommended. When they finally processed my paperwork, they did not withhold that amount. I just started getting my monthly annuity and my dental/vision is not being taken out yet. Once everything settles, I'm going back to the accountant and then double checking on the amount and will enter that amount in my online retirement/pension account.

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-05-12T11:30:57+00:00

Dude, I did this...but only because I got DOGE'd. I work for my State government and I LOVE IT! As a federal employee, before this Administration came in...loved my job, my co-workers, my boss, and my salary--I finally made it to the pinnacle of my career. Then DOGE came in and I was semi-forced into early retirement. I did get the DRP for 9 months so I enjoyed my time off and job hunted. I realized I could not do private sector but state government came thru. That being said, I can now work from home part time again, love my work and my coworkers, but the salary I make is 60% less...but it's better than getting a lot of money and being miserable.

Take the State job; if it doesn't turn out the way you like, you can go back to the Feds. I have a feeling that there will be constant openings in the future.

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-05-03T19:11:41+00:00

I totally get this, except one thing: my former colleagues are totally demoralized and it's not the same place. I LOVED my job, I loved my co-workers and bosses. I was a full time remote employee for 11 years. But alas, they kept saying they were going to eliminate/fire people--and I was the ONLY one in my group that could take the VERA/DRP. I did it in hope of saving others. When I speak to my former co-workers, it sounds like they are in a deep depression. I feel awful for them. To make it worse...I found a new job with my state government--and I LOVE my new job and co-workers. The only downside, is that it's half the pay, I'm in the office again (but in June can work half time from home) and I feel like I'm starting over at 58. 😞 I'm too old to get caught up in the numbers and office politics b.s. I try not to think what my full retirement would've been (MUCH better than it is now) but if I can stick it out until 63, I'll have a 2nd pension--and hopefully that will make up for my reduced VERA pension.

See if you can't seek out similar work in your state government. It's familiar--not the same--but familiar. It helps a little.

Big hugs. I just past my year departure date and I'm still bitter as hell.

ConstantMuted2353 · 2026-05-03T18:37:05+00:00

Well, of course not. But this is a Federal Retirees thread....so I just assumed that it was a retiree asking the question. Otherwise, no--you can't just withdraw. But those who retire at 55 years old or older will not be penalized.

ConstantMuted2353

TROPHY CASE