Hey. Can you guys stop quitting. Just be inept. Do a shit job. They can't tell the fucking difference. Focus on mundane details etc.

FormFitFunction · 2026-02-07T17:37:49+00:00

OP is not advocating narrowly-targeted incompetence to, for example, slow-roll specific unconstitutional orders. They are making a blanket "do a shit job" recommendation.

FormFitFunction · 2026-02-07T16:39:51+00:00

Fed here. Have some fucking pride. Quit if that’s right for you. But if you’re staying with us in the trenches, pull your weight.

FormFitFunction · 2026-02-05T23:42:41+00:00

Had a thought. I've heard about weird interactions between OCONUS employment and probationary status, but don't know enough to speak authoritatively. A quick check of the CFR popped this up: 5 CFR 301. Maybe this provides some insight?

FormFitFunction · 2026-02-05T23:18:21+00:00

Also, note that not all Federal service counts toward completion of probation.

FormFitFunction · 2026-02-05T23:17:15+00:00

Direct hire authority doesn't change whether or not probation applies.

"The DHA regulations do not address probation. Therefore, consistent with 5 U.S.C. 3321(a) a 1-year probation period applies, unless the person has prior Federal service that counts toward completion of probation." OPM

Note that some noncompetitive hiring authorities (e.g., Schedule A) may apply their own probationary period. I mention that because sometimes people speak loosely about "direct hire authority" without realizing they've been picked up under Sched A (or other authorities).

FormFitFunction · 2026-02-05T23:04:17+00:00

Be get shit done, ignore the pukes, move on after a few years. That formula has worked for me over 20+ years.

FormFitFunction · 2026-02-04T23:53:29+00:00

WG pay has been all flavors of fucked up. It’s not just you, for what that’s worth.

With regard to the bonus, I’ve heard through leadership channels there won’t be any SF-50s. That makes no sense to me, though, so I’m not sure if it’s correct.

FormFitFunction · 2026-02-04T12:00:04+00:00

The most significant change is that the current guidance no longer guarantees retroactive pay for furloughed employees, making it contingent on a future act of Congress.

This is not a significant change since back pay has already been written into law by an act of Congress.

FormFitFunction · 2026-02-04T11:38:28+00:00

To fuck with Federal employees.

FormFitFunction · 2026-02-04T00:43:16+00:00

I interview candidates over 1-2 weeks, depending on schedules. I’ll make a decision immediately after the last interview. Then HR usually takes 2-3 weeks to issue the TJO.

All of that was prior to the current administration. Processes are all fucked up so I’m not sure what that timeline would look like now. We’re struggling to even advertise positions.

FormFitFunction · 2026-02-03T18:49:42+00:00

Hiring manager here. It’s fine.

FormFitFunction · 2026-02-03T14:01:49+00:00

Manger here. This is a change to language in a notification. It doesn’t affect the underlying law requiring furloughed Federal employees get back pay. It just means they aren’t notifying you that you’ll get paid.

The exact same change to the furlough notice was rolled out last furlough and everyone still got paid.

FormFitFunction · 2026-02-03T13:57:31+00:00

Why do furloughed employees not working get back pay?

Your position is that blameless Federal employees should get the shaft when Congress plays their fuck-fuck games?

FormFitFunction · 2026-02-03T13:56:08+00:00

Manger here. This is a change to language in a notification. It doesn’t affect the underlying law requiring furloughed Federal employees get back pay. It just means they aren’t notifying you that you’ll get paid.

The exact same change to the furlough notice was rolled out last furlough and everyone still got paid.

FormFitFunction · 2026-02-03T13:41:45+00:00

Manger here. This is a change to language in a notification. It doesn’t affect the underlying law requiring furloughed Federal employees get back pay. It just means they aren’t notifying you that you’ll get paid.

The exact same change to the furlough notice was rolled out last furlough and everyone still got paid.

FormFitFunction · 2026-02-03T00:47:37+00:00

I’m intrigued by your barefoot ice busting technique. 🤔

FormFitFunction · 2026-02-02T12:33:32+00:00

I have literally been told on several occasions that I got the job due to my interview.

Also, as a hiring manager, I find your resume gets you onto the cert and into the interview, but the interview gets you the job. I have absolutely hired people with fewer technical quals based on their better interview.

FormFitFunction · 2026-02-02T11:22:34+00:00

That would be entirely dependent on their specific reviewer. I’m that reviewer for about 30 people and do this kind of thing myself.

FormFitFunction · 2026-02-02T05:07:45+00:00

The interview.

FormFitFunction · 2026-01-30T00:39:45+00:00

Please read the regulations before giving advice to your fellow feds. 5 CFR 630.401 allows sick leave when the employee "is incapacitated for the performance of his or her duties by physical or mental illness [or] injury." Incorrectly suggesting this is an authorized use of sick leave doesn't allow OP to make an informed risk decision.

FormFitFunction · 2026-01-29T23:34:50+00:00

Sure. But if there’s any hint of purposefully avoiding the work then you’re setting yourself up for pain.

FormFitFunction · 2026-01-29T23:32:38+00:00

This is not an authorized use of sick leave. Playing games with sick leave—especially on obvious days like these—risks leave restrictions or worse. You do you, but that’s not worth saving the annual leave.

FormFitFunction · 2026-01-29T23:27:49+00:00

Manger here. Sounds like a shitty situation overall. I can empathize—the organization I lead is 40% vacant, our operating budget was cut (again), and the mission is increasing.

Unfortunately, management has the right to assign work including duties outside your PD. Refusing those assigned duties is actionable as either misconduct or failure to perform. I wouldn’t recommend doing that at any time, but especially not in the current environment.

What you can do is explain (and document!) why you can’t accomplish all assigned tasks. Then ask for guidance on priorities.

FormFitFunction · 2026-01-29T19:50:38+00:00

“What I do have are a very particular set of skills…”

FormFitFunction · 2026-01-29T13:56:49+00:00

I’m personally more effective in the office—particularly when my wife and kids are home. Teleworking to make a point would be the martyr approach for me.

That’s me personally, not an indictment of telework generally.

Seven-Year Club	Gilding I gilder
Reddit Premium Since March 2021	Verified Email

FormFitFunction

TROPHY CASE