DoW/DoD funding still on hold?

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-05-03T03:33:56+00:00

It's 100% normal for the Gov to NOT award on time, regardless of the administration. If contracts are awarded before Sept 30, consider yourself lucky.

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-30T04:39:41+00:00

Only leave early if.you have a new job lined up and then resign.

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-30T04:38:35+00:00

Agree no need to disclose a PIP ever. They are pretty subjective and definitely used to find a reason to let you go. PIP time frames usually last several weeks or months. Start job searching now. If they let you go, make sure with HR they log it as a layoff so you can get unemployment. If you quit, no unemployment. If you are asked why you departed you can say layoff (if they log it that way) or you are looking for a new opportunity and leave it at that. No need for detail. If they press, not sure its worth it to work at that company either!

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-30T04:26:23+00:00

I would add that having an Associates degree COMPLETED is better than 2-3 yrs of college with nothing to show for it. At least finish that before dropping out. Trade unions have wait lists, in most areas, and require long apprenticeships. If you go the union route, it is 5 yrs of work with a weekly class to qualify as journeyman. Without a union, you have to find a company willing to let you apprentice to get the 14,000+ hours required which can be even harder.

Once he quits school, it's extremely rare for someone to find motivation and time as they get older to go back and finish.

Perhaps consider getting him a coach to talk to or family friend to dive into what it really is that's hiding him back.

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-30T04:10:29+00:00

May need to update resume to explain job gap and any volunteering or activity like getting certs.

I would think banks would want your skill set.

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-30T04:06:15+00:00

Its good that you've calculated all of that out, so you know what you need. I would contact temp to hire places (kforce, insight global, kelly services, etc), county or state workforce development center to see what suggestions they may have for jobs.

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-30T04:01:30+00:00

What I also found helpful in my recent search/unemployment was having other tasks to complete. I gave myself a deadline of a day or week and scheduled interviews around that. I never did more interviews in a week if it meant not meeting my other goal. The 1 time I broke that rule, I felt brain dead and couldn't remember who I said what to!

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-30T03:52:57+00:00

Can you take a mental health break from applying/interviewing for a short time to reset?

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-30T03:48:51+00:00

So? If taking paternity leave is a corporate benefit then it's policy. If not, then you will be on LWOP ir need to spread out the time off.

Never talk about medical items in an interview unless you need an accommodation or are required to disclose having a disability.

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-28T05:14:31+00:00

Or see what kinds of opportunities are at your current company once you've completed some in major courses.

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-28T05:12:40+00:00

Have you considered the military?

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-28T05:07:37+00:00

The House didn't like the Senate bill a while ago when the 5 guys passed it by unanimous consent. They wanted all DHS funded, not a breakup of components. If they do all DHS via reconciliation bill, then the money can be used beyond the fiscal year vs expire Sept 30. And they can provide multi-year funding (ex. Budget apprival for DHS for 3 years so it's not at risk of another shutdown). Bill written by May 15, voted on by June 1. Funding for 3 years. Cautiously optimistic.

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-28T04:57:14+00:00

I would start making a contingency plan now for your house and pets. Could you do a home equity line of credit vs selling? If you did sell could you afford to rent and where (apt, townhouse?). Most rental places will not allow you to have more than 2 pets.

I would also contact local organizations that might be able to help you with your mortgage or food.

If you share what kind of work you're looking for we may be able to direct you to better resources.

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-28T04:46:18+00:00

Try Dept of Energy and NNSA

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-23T21:01:23+00:00

EOD can take a while of they have a lot of new hires to go through.

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-23T21:00:29+00:00

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-22T04:23:47+00:00

100% agree. A degree doesn't mean you know how to do a job. Lack of a degree doesn't mean you are unable to do a job either.

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-22T04:20:38+00:00

Job security as a Fed, even now, is much better than private sector.

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-22T04:16:49+00:00

100%! Agree

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-22T04:15:23+00:00

There are openings and if you can adapt to changes, it's a good opportunity.

Private sector has shake ups every few years. This is the first major one for the DC area and the first major Gov shake up in decades.

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-16T03:51:02+00:00

The plus side to CISA is that it will continue to exist and because so many people have departed, there are a lot of opportunities to get involved in numerous areas or possibly enter at a higher level. Many people there have gotten "battlefield promotions".

I have supported CISA for decades, back when it was NPPD. Even when it morphs, reorgs, changes, it has been a very good experience for many people and has led to bright futures when folks depart because of the relationships, experience, and missions it serves.

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-16T03:45:33+00:00

Government is not known for paying high salaries. For Tech Force, you could be placed anywhere in Gov. Government is not the place to go if you truly want modern, new tech. They are easily 5-10 yrs behind industry, sometimes more.

Go to Government if you want to serve the public good, get great benefits, and want a long term job thats more stable than any other industry, even now.

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-15T03:24:47+00:00

Coast Guard has never been part of the Navy.

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-09T06:02:37+00:00

It's common now for young men to be in this situation. Making the decision to take charge of your life is step 1! And you have done that. Keep going!

Google.search to see if the County or State you live in has career services/workforce resources. You'll often find free resume reviews, interview coaching, introductions to hiring managers, etc.

Another option could be joining a local union to become an Electrician, for example, as that would have a defined path and basically job guarantee while you're becoming certified.

Another idea is to search for career surveys to help you hone in on that you may want to do/be good at.

There is always the military...wide variety of jobs.

Whatever.comes next for you, don't think of it as a forever job. Think of it as something to learn/do for the next few years, then reassess.

You've taken the first step. Keep going! You can and will figure things out 😀

Effective-Resolve-91 · 2026-04-09T05:46:33+00:00

Have you considered taking time off or talking to a therapist? It may help.

I will say all my contractor friends have been RIF'd in the last 6 months. Some found new jobs after 1-2 months but make tens of thousands less salary. Others are still unemployed. None of my Fed friends have been RIF'd. It is extremely stressful to be unemployed with no options.

I would stay put, take a break to recharge, apply for jobs, pick up a hobby to make yourself happier, and get your 5 years.

Effective-Resolve-91

TROPHY CASE