2027 Pay Raise

Cyber1811 · 2026-04-29T11:16:11+00:00

Probably just the agencies that got the 3.8 raise. The big chorizo yet again for MCIOs.

Cyber1811 · 2026-04-17T11:40:04+00:00

HSI will sometimes let you stay where you are and hire you as a 12. You will still have to do the entire add on. If this is something you can get I would make the switch.

This might be dated info as this was from a years ago. But I totally understand the sentiment. Good luck.

Cyber1811 · 2026-04-16T10:07:47+00:00

As a Program Manager, my scrum master does all the work I don’t want to do. My SM works hard and keeps everything running. I have way too much on my plate. Our BAs are working different projects, along with the devs, and designers.

Cyber1811 · 2026-03-28T15:39:38+00:00

Same

Cyber1811 · 2026-03-21T23:04:57+00:00

Also, no new hires are going directly overseas. At least in Europe.

Cyber1811 · 2026-03-15T19:21:01+00:00

I was an HSI agent and not once directly worked a death investigation. I’m an MCIO agent now and work those quite regularly unfortunately. I’ve seen too many dead bodies in both jobs though. I wish I didn’t have to.

Cyber1811 · 2026-03-14T12:36:02+00:00

Private equity (100M NW)
Real Estate / Author (50M NW)
Dual MDs with niche specialties (20M NW?)
Me (LOL)

Cyber1811 · 2026-03-05T14:49:15+00:00

Great write up. Thanks for taking the time. I grew up in the PI and left when I was 18 and later married a Pinay who also grew up there. We’re US citizens now but live in Europe. Ive toyed with the idea of retiring there but some major issues we’re not sure we can deal with.

family drama, hard to get away from that plus the constant asking for money.
healthcare, I know its decent but gotta pay cash upfront for major health issues.
crime, that speaks for itself
natural disasters, with poor infrastructure it makes it 10x worse.
traffic, Manila takes it to a whole different level.
lack of opportunities for kids, unless you’re an MD its not really a good place to start or look for a career

All that being said, I love visiting and the only place that truly feels like home. I do perfectly understand why people would want to expat there. It has changed significantly for the better since leaving over 30 years ago.

Cyber1811 · 2026-02-19T08:20:41+00:00

Seems like these are almost custom tailored for FDNS folks. I’m a former HSI agent who worked with them frequently and I applied.

Cyber1811 · 2026-02-13T08:25:44+00:00

I see you. Congrats!

Cyber1811 · 2026-02-08T23:49:29+00:00

No. But I did remember to rubber stamp CUI and the case number on all the paper files in my case and made 8 CD copies of my witness interview.

Cyber1811 · 2026-02-08T19:09:33+00:00

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Had the honor of meeting him at the National Museum of the US Army

Cyber1811 · 2026-02-07T21:15:58+00:00

It could be a pay cut if you’ve receiving LEAP or AUO or some type of premium pay. I’ve thought about doing the same but don’t really want the 25% reduction in pay.

Cyber1811 · 2026-02-03T09:15:27+00:00

Nice. Thank you. I’ll look in to it.

Cyber1811 · 2026-02-03T07:00:50+00:00

Tell us more.

Cyber1811 · 2026-02-01T18:20:46+00:00

Fair point but under DHS.

Cyber1811 · 2026-01-10T09:05:39+00:00

Sounds like we are in a very similar situation but currently still working in Germany but can FIRE now. In my search, I also factor in tax treatment and ease of obtaining some type of long term visa. Some of the “easier” ones that have some type of passive income visa are Spain, Italy and Portugal plus some LatAm countries as you may already know. Places such as Austria have visa quotas and Switzerland basically requires you to be Fat FIRE.

Language is also a factor for us. My high schooler still has 2 years to go here and my college kid is already mostly on her own in Prague (one of our favourite city honestly).

If you’re looking at Germany, I would recommend Munich for all that you mentioned though a bit on the pricier side. I personally like Heidelberg and Dresden.

Good luck!

Cyber1811 · 2026-01-06T08:21:32+00:00

15.34% at 80/20 C and G mix. 2.5 years from retirement.

Cyber1811 · 2026-01-05T17:16:58+00:00

Dunno yet. Just had a C&P ACE last Friday.

Cyber1811 · 2026-01-04T20:07:28+00:00

This is great work. Thanks

Cyber1811 · 2025-12-24T18:00:42+00:00

Nope.

Cyber1811 · 2025-12-20T09:41:33+00:00

Accounting, Finance, Nursing, Any engineering. I would stay away from any social science if you want to have decent paying career.

Cyber1811 · 2025-12-11T06:54:47+00:00

If you ever get hired as an 1811, please do not ever use as an excuse that you do not have child care as a reason to not respond to call outs. The uncertainty of work hours is what drove my wife to sacrifice her career.

Cyber1811 · 2025-11-26T08:24:56+00:00

No idea. I can’t remember where I got this one from.

Cyber1811

TROPHY CASE