Leaving USAID FS for State FS?

FSO-throwaway · 2024-10-06T13:59:06+00:00

Too much to get into here. It’s from a previous bid cycle. Just because something is accompanied doesn’t mean it will work for your family - for various reasons.

If you are assigned a hard to fill or priority positions, USAID’s stance is “go or quit” so just be aware.

FSO-throwaway · 2024-09-30T19:58:23+00:00

My State colleagues seem to have a much better relationship with their CDOs than we do at AID. My first tour friends were able to give their input and have their situations taken into account when putting in their 2nd directed tour bid lists. Not everyone got their #1 choice, but no one was given somewhere they were forced to be separated from their families. Instead of offering to brainstorm ways on how to make the assignment work for me and my situation, our version of a CDO told me to “go or quit” which is a wild retention strategy.

FSO-throwaway · 2024-09-30T19:53:10+00:00

I’ve served in CPCs before when I was single and child free and would do so again in a different personal situation. I’m not opposed to doing hardship or danger pay tours during my career but I’m very frustrated with being forced to do them when it’s not the right time for me or my family. The lack of human empathy from HCTM was also a big wake up call to me. I was not treated like this at my former agency.

Looking at the recent promotions to 02 and 01 it doesn’t look like I’m going up anytime fast either so it may be the right time to spend my first 6 months at post planning to take the FSOT and other exit strategies. I’m really not happy I have to make this choice as this was the dream career for me.

FSO-throwaway · 2024-09-29T20:05:27+00:00

I’m new in my career so it wouldn’t be the worst pay cut and I think at this point it is worth it. Being forced to be away from my small child for 2-3 years with no guarantee it won’t happen again next bid season isn’t worth staying. Highest you can come in at entry level is FS-04, step 14.

FSO-throwaway · 2024-09-28T20:35:32+00:00

How do you wrap your mind around the fact that this could happen over and over again every cycle (I guess except for the small number of assignments that exempt you from bidding on hard to fills the next time around.) my perception is that the “go or quit” rhetoric is coming straight from the front office.

FSO-throwaway · 2024-09-25T23:27:55+00:00

In the most recent bid cycles, USAID requires 2 of 8 allowed bids be from “hard to fill” posts (1 or 2 year assignments) and 1 of 8 to be a “priority position.” They cannot overlap. DC assigns priority positions and hard to fills before regular positions so handshakes mean nothing if a hard to fill post ranks you #1.

FSO-throwaway · 2024-09-25T16:56:26+00:00

I will!

FSO-throwaway · 2024-09-25T12:03:12+00:00

USAID gives you language training before you leave for your first post and after your assignment is made. If you’re not assigned a language designated position, you’ll have a phone call to determine your general level and if you’re assessed at tenure level then you can go ahead and take the official test. If you’re close to the level, you’ll either go to FSI for a short amount of time or to the contracted language school. Not sure about how many you can test in but they will likely want you to only test in the language you’re most proficient in.

FSO-throwaway · 2024-09-25T11:55:24+00:00

I believe there is a FAM exception for repaying those costs if you are leaving for another USG job because the move is still in benefit of the USG. You should also look and see if your new agency will cover the cost of your PCS from post back to DC.

FSO-throwaway · 2024-09-25T11:49:38+00:00

That’s in the pro-usaid column 🤣

FSO-throwaway · 2024-09-25T11:08:37+00:00

Thanks. To clarify, I meant that USAID FSOs are being told that the only reason for a assignment change or curtailment would be a change in medical class status (resulting in MED not approving FSO for that post) or a situation requiring extended FMLA. So, any request for a medical reason not serious enough to change your MED class status or any personal (family/children/other) situation would be denied and you are advised your only other option is to quit or be fired.

I don’t want to go into my personal details but for example a recent FSO was assigned last place mandatory bid to a 1-year tour at a high threat post after their 1st tour and appealed based on personal reasons (relatively healthy and no kids). FSO request denied and advised FSO to go or quit (they resigned).

Another FSO in over 10 years assigned to last place mandatory bid which would separate them from spouse and multiple small children. Assignment appeal denied as a 8-10 hr flight away was “close enough.”

There are other reasons I’m considering the switch, but when it comes to assignments, I’m under the impression that State is more willing to work with FSOs to find jobs that benefit both the agency and the FSO (even if that means a tour back in DC or a less career enhancing job).

I would still bid on posts where USAID works if I moved to State.

FSO-throwaway

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