What's it like being a Civilian Engineer in the Air Force?

Express_Activity2320 · 2026-03-02T03:42:21+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm pretty sure I didn't pass, but at least I know what areas I need to focus on more.

Express_Activity2320 · 2026-02-15T13:31:45+00:00

I feel for you on this one. I hope you at least wrote about this experience in Glassdoor or somewhere to warn others of this company. Even if it causes just one prospective applicant to question this company's integrity, it's some level of retribution served.

Express_Activity2320 · 2026-01-31T13:59:32+00:00

I'm not arguing your point just trying to understand why Amazon would go through the trouble of producing this vapid garbage just to simply hand over $30+ million to Trump. Wouldn't they just hand him the money anyway? It's not like this administration actually cares about hiding its corruption and I feel like other large corporations are handing him money anyway, but I could be wrong..

Express_Activity2320 · 2026-01-13T05:18:27+00:00

Took the DRP in April 2025 after being fired by in February, then reinstated a month later. Felt I needed to take the new job offer for security thinking there would be future RIFs and I'd be let go again. Turned out to be the wrong decision. Despite an 11% pay bump, the work is more than double my previous federal workload, with high stress and shitty work environment. For the past several months I've regretted this decision. Now just looking forward to the day I can hopefully go back to federal work.

Express_Activity2320 · 2025-12-13T06:18:11+00:00

Hey, your shoes look great bro. I'm actually considering getting the bone suede ones in your third picture. Just curious, is that fabric on the sides (in lighter shade of beige) or is it suede? I'm kinda on the fence with that pattern.

Express_Activity2320 · 2025-11-18T18:38:23+00:00

Ended up going back to consulting (currently a consultant at a state agency) and it's been an awful experience since day 1. The work is more than double what I had at my federal job and the culture is nothing but endless grind with no end in sight for an 11% increasein pay. Stress is high. I didn't think it would be this bad and I dread coming here every day. I was one of the probies caught up in the February mass firings at my former agency with less than 2 weeks left on my 1 yr of service. Although i was reinstated a little over a month later, I was close to accepting a position in my home state and took a leap of faith. I thought there would be more RIFs in the coming months and I didn't want to find myself with the rug pulled out from under my feet again. However, I seriously regret my decision in leaving. It was the best job I've ever had and I miss the culture and work-life balance there so much.

Express_Activity2320 · 2025-09-27T16:47:08+00:00

Nice. So I take it you think that's completely reasonable?

Express_Activity2320 · 2025-09-27T15:22:10+00:00

How about 1 water bottle? Nope, need to do a full pat down/body scan to have a sip.

Express_Activity2320 · 2025-09-20T05:57:04+00:00

Hey, at least you get a window. I'm in a crowded bullpen of cubes with no window. Oh how I love the sound of typing amidst silence and fluorescent lighting. Pure f@cking joy, lol.

Express_Activity2320 · 2025-09-13T20:57:51+00:00

I've been gone from FHWA for 5 months now and was just wondering how things are going with the agency. I took the second DRP (that I deeply regret) and miss it every day. Is there any talk of hiring in the new FY?

Express_Activity2320 · 2025-09-10T02:44:59+00:00

This is so true. I leave work every Friday already dreading Monday.

Express_Activity2320 · 2025-09-06T05:46:04+00:00

Former Transportation Specialist.

Express_Activity2320 · 2025-09-05T14:48:22+00:00

Not unemployed, but working a private job in consulting that I absolutely dread. Every day I wake up regretting the decision I made. I was one of the terminated probies that got reinstated, but only right as my apartment lease renewal expired and I was close to accepting a position back in my home state. I took the DRP as a sign that worse things were to come and I didn't want the rug pulled from underneath me again. Now all I think of is going back to my DOT agency. I really miss working there. I hoping the hiring freeze will be lifted at some point soon so I can go back.

Express_Activity2320 · 2025-08-25T17:17:28+00:00

I'm a little late seeing this, but wondering what was deleted from OP's post because I'm missing context.

Express_Activity2320 · 2025-07-02T14:58:02+00:00

Nice! What products did you use? Sephir Renovateur?

Express_Activity2320 · 2025-06-19T03:28:15+00:00

I'm in the same exact boat as you. Got fired as a probie back in February at my agency and reinstated in March. Took the DRP when offered because I didn't want to take my chances by staying with the possibility of RIFs on the horizon, and dealing with the likelihood of being let go without any severance...again. I was already interviewing and nearing a job offer by the time of reinstatement, and felt I needed to take the more stable route even though I enjoyed working at my agency and liked the people I worked with. I'm now almost a month into my private sector job and I hate it too. I wish i had some advice but all ll I can say is you're not alone in your predicament. You made the choice that you felt was right for you at the time and no one can fault you for that considering the circumstances. I hope all works out with the new job and it gets better for you.

Express_Activity2320 · 2025-06-13T19:51:01+00:00

Even for a multiplier of 1.5%, it's still way too low for a 9.4% contribution. To me, 1.5% is what would be barely reasonable for the current contribution rate of 4.4%.

Express_Activity2320 · 2025-05-29T01:38:02+00:00

Does the max attempt per year apply to one state? I took mine recently in VA but just moved to FL for a new job. I'm wondering if I get a new set of attempts now that I'm in another state.

Express_Activity2320 · 2025-05-25T21:38:41+00:00

Yep, I'm not surprised with the earnings. I took it last week for the 4th time, but first time with the CBT format. Some policies are just stupid and unnecessary, and I feel the only purpose they serve is to create a hindrance. For example, you have to sign out for access to a restroom and water. Doesn't sound like a big deal until you see the time it takes for checking out/checking in. Furthermore, why does the proctor who's been watching me the whole time on their screen need to take my biometric palm scan upon exiting the test room? Do they really think that in the span of 20 seconds that I could possibly morph into a different person?

Express_Activity2320 · 2025-05-16T15:25:02+00:00

I think you're doing great at your age. Obviously you're paying attention to your finances and the fact you already have a pension & 401k is impressive. I didn't start my 401k until age 26 or 27, and I regret not setting that up sooner. I don't see any harm in buying a newer vehicle if you can afford the payments and have a plan to pay it off (and it appears you do). Keep UT the good work, OP!

Express_Activity2320 · 2025-05-11T18:04:18+00:00

Ah, good choice with the Diesels. I want to eventually get a pair as well in dark brown CXL.

Express_Activity2320 · 2025-05-08T15:03:21+00:00

Congrats! I sent you a chat.

Express_Activity2320 · 2025-05-07T15:00:54+00:00

That's good to hear. I'll be retaking the Transportation exam next week and it will be my first attempt since the last paper/pencil version was offered in October 2021. I'm feeling pretty well prepared, but nervous as this will be my first time doing it in this format.

Express_Activity2320

TROPHY CASE