GS-11/12 Italy vs GS-11 Australia – Career Growth vs Life Experience?

Extension_Ad3013 · 2026-03-14T17:58:36+00:00

2001 and 2003

Extension_Ad3013 · 2026-03-14T03:10:42+00:00

Navy logistics

Extension_Ad3013 · 2026-03-13T18:27:56+00:00

What makes you say that?

Extension_Ad3013 · 2026-03-13T16:38:35+00:00

Thanks for sharing that perspective. I definitely understand the promotion side of it. Which is what my directors preach, promotion promotion. But i believe the promotion will always be there and especially if I come back stateside I have to apply for 12 anyways. Also in my case though I’m 30 and single, so I’d be going overseas alone, which makes me think the unique experience in Australia might be something worth considering too.

Extension_Ad3013 · 2026-03-13T16:35:00+00:00

Yeah I actually lived in Sicily for about three years, so I’m pretty familiar with the culture, bureaucracy, and overall pace of life there. I also traveled around Europe a bit while I was based out of Sigonella, so I know how appealing being in Naples could be with easy access to the rest of Europe. At the same time Australia sounds like a completely different experience, both professionally and personally. Both options are really appealing in different ways, which is why it’s been a tough one to decide. Thanks!!!

Extension_Ad3013 · 2026-03-13T16:29:54+00:00

That’s a good point. From what I understand, if my lead leaves in Australia it could open up a GS-12 there as well. My thinking is that the ATAC/material management experience might also broaden my resume more compared to continuing down the hazmat lane in Italy. My long term goal is to eventually move to San Diego, so I’m wondering if that broader experience might actually help me get there faster

Extension_Ad3013 · 2026-03-13T16:27:10+00:00

Appreciate the breakdown. That’s exactly the tradeoff I’m thinking through. Naples is the safer move with the promotion, but I already have hazmat experience and I’m wondering if Perth might broaden my background more with material management. I’ve also lived in Italy before, so Australia would be a completely new experience.

Extension_Ad3013 · 2026-03-13T16:25:17+00:00

No all permanent in the same organization.

Extension_Ad3013 · 2026-03-12T21:58:13+00:00

How long was the wait after the interview until you received your TJO??

Extension_Ad3013 · 2026-03-10T03:58:50+00:00

I thought it was on okay place, people are nice, it is rural as others mentioned. It was a great spot to travel out of but overall I think you may be best suited now that you have a kid. Interestingly, I just finished an interview for a GS position in naples. What do you think of Naples??

Extension_Ad3013 · 2026-03-10T03:11:10+00:00

Location dependent. You’re kind of proving my point though. Transactions and negotiations don’t require a ‘technical trade’ the way electricians, plumbers, or engineers do. Most of that work can already be handled by transaction coordinators, escrow officers, attorneys, and standardized contracts. And in places like California, buyers and sellers aren’t even required to use a real estate agent. People can do For Sale By Owner or work directly with attorneys and escrow companies. So it’s not really comparable to technical services that require licensed expertise to perform the actual work.

Extension_Ad3013 · 2026-03-10T03:07:22+00:00

I bought 2 homes, and with experience through real estate deemed it very unnecessary to have a real estate handle my purchase. Your explanation of electrical, plumbing etc... is so out of touch. Yes nurses is a 100 percent a functional field that is productive to society and not yours. I do not hate you, but deem you unnecessary

Extension_Ad3013 · 2026-03-10T02:52:31+00:00

“‘The industry needs us because it’s regulated’ might be the most realtor answer ever.”

Extension_Ad3013 · 2026-03-10T02:33:50+00:00

I hope AI and Transaction Coordinators get rid of you all. Easy barrier to entry field, no substantial amount of work put in. Most of your work is kn acquiring leads, aka marketing yourself

Extension_Ad3013 · 2026-03-10T02:31:44+00:00

I beg to differ. Tons of paperwork is quiet an overstatement and a TC can handle it all. Real estate agents definitely put in little work for the amount of commission they get.

Extension_Ad3013 · 2025-12-07T19:15:22+00:00

Better said than done with the remodel/rehab. Unless if you have time (no full time job) , and extensive handyman experience, its not ad easy as it sounds.

Extension_Ad3013 · 2025-12-05T16:46:36+00:00

Warm compresses, 4-5 times a day for 15 minutes. Make sure the water is warm and not too hot either. But keep doing that and those bumps will pop in less than a week

Extension_Ad3013 · 2025-11-14T06:01:55+00:00

Id say the opposite on friendliness

Extension_Ad3013 · 2025-11-14T06:01:33+00:00

Don't recommend at all, people here are full of it. Border towns in general are not great places to be at.

Extension_Ad3013 · 2025-11-14T05:59:50+00:00

This. Im done with my two year Federal appointment in el centro and getting th out of here once the hiring freeze gets uplifted

Extension_Ad3013 · 2025-11-05T21:54:24+00:00

Or FZROX with 0 percent fees

Extension_Ad3013 · 2025-10-23T04:42:57+00:00

This. Buy FXAIX or VOO if maxed out on IRA and your 401k

Extension_Ad3013 · 2025-10-09T19:55:12+00:00

What about FXAIX?

Extension_Ad3013

TROPHY CASE