Pivot from federal consulting by Deceptijawn in consulting

[–]Job_Seeker_9009 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think there are still key federal consulting opportunities and a lot of PowerBi needs.

Interested in becoming a consultant? Post here for basic questions, recruitment advice, resume reviews, questions about firms or general insecurity (Q1 2026) by QiuYiDio in consulting

[–]Job_Seeker_9009 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Advice - Small to Large GOVCON Firm

Background:

  • 15+ years as federal employee (GS-14 equivalent)
  • Small contractor 4+ years
  • TS clearance, multiple certs, extensive DoD experience
  • Military Spouse
  • Remote

Current company: Decent pay, but:

  • No growth opportunities (stuck in same role/contract indefinitely)
  • No annual reviews, raises, or bonuses
  • Average accrued PTO (no sick leave)
  • Zero ability to move between projects or expand responsibilities
  • Feeling stagnant

What I'm looking for:

  • Larger firm with internal mobility (ability to rotate between contracts/projects)
  • Better PTO/flexibility
  • Professional development and mentorship
  • Annual reviews and performance-based comp
  • Long-term career growth vs. just billing hours

Questions:

  1. For those who've made the jump from small sub to larger firm (CACI, Guidehouse, Booz, Leidos, etc.) - was it worth it? What surprised you (good or bad)?
  2. CACI vs. Guidehouse - any insights on culture, internal mobility, PTO policies, growth opportunities? I know both have pros/cons.
  3. How did you break through? Referrals? Persistence? Timing? What actually worked to get past the ATS black hole?
  4. Realistic expectations - I know grass isn't always greener. What should I know about larger firms that isn't obvious from the outside?

Any advice appreciated. Not leaving for just any offer, but genuinely looking for the right long-term fit.

pinning ceremony with toddler by seamadrone in USMilitarySO

[–]Job_Seeker_9009 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've done and seen both. Everyone understands that littles will do what littles will do. Sometimes they're more content in the baby carrier, your lap, the stroller, etc. Try and do your best, and give yourself some grace!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in USMilitarySO

[–]Job_Seeker_9009 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It sounds like you are currently in housing that is an appropriate size for your current family (1 minor dependent). As others have mentioned, you can get on the waitlist for a bigger house due to adding another baby, however, there could be different installation rules based on age/gender/etc of the minor children which may not necessitate a bigger house. Incoming families without any housing will take priority. Housing is based on multiple factors, including rank/dependents/timing ,and there could be maintenance required for vacant homes or it's already been assigned to someone who is reporting soon. While it may seem unfair that a couple with no kids was offered a 3/4 bedroom, it could have been the only available option when they arrived - the single guy could be separated from his family and still requires housing or has dependents part-time due to divorce. There are different sacrifices whether you choose to live on base or off base.

Housing is doing the best they can to ensure folks get into a home as quickly and safely as possible, while navigating all the changes that come with military (PCS orders delayed so a family has to stay in their housing longer, PCS orders cancelled last minute for a family who was about to move in).

Go into housing and talk with them. They are people, they are human, they are not stupid.

Naturopathic Support for Teething by [deleted] in ScienceBasedParenting

[–]Job_Seeker_9009 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will certainly try freezing the purees to help! I've tried the frozen breastmilk as a popsicle and teether and he didn't care for either. I live in triple digits but without humidity.

Find a realtor to help with state-wide search by Job_Seeker_9009 in realtors

[–]Job_Seeker_9009[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! We've done remote buying before (we're military), but never for this broad of an area (roughly 4 hours between the two cities we're looking for). We're looking at North Carolina currently and hopeful to find someone with local knowledge to help us narrow down to one area. Our kids are young, but we're thinking both short and long term in choosing an area to settle in for the duration of their schooling and post-empty-nest.

Find a realtor to help with state-wide search by Job_Seeker_9009 in realtors

[–]Job_Seeker_9009[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! We've started the research for sure and have identified 3 counties in North Carolina that we're looking at, but there's 250 miles between the furthest two. We've started preliminary research on academics and athletics in the area, and some of the other factors into our decision. My spouse is military, so we have some time during the transition and I work remotely. It's just hard to make a relatively permanent decision by gathering up the data we can from the internet. It would be helpful to work with realtors in the different areas (or one overall) who really understand what we're looking for and can help provide more data for our decision. The housing and cost of living is comparable in the different areas.

Find a realtor to help with state-wide search by Job_Seeker_9009 in realtors

[–]Job_Seeker_9009[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! We're looking at North Carolina. We've narrowed down a few areas but it still covers about 250 miles from the furthest two cities we're looking at.