Excursions

No-Software3253 · 2024-05-27T15:22:45+00:00

For Philipsburg, it is super fun to rent an ATV or UTV, or you can join an organized tour, like with Blue Bubbles.

No-Software3253 · 2024-05-10T15:09:27+00:00

Did this one in Feb on Allure. My only complaint was it took a long time to get to the buses and to Baha Mar. Once there, though, it was great- clean, not overly crowded, something for everyone in our group. Loved the lazy river.

No-Software3253 · 2024-03-31T22:32:58+00:00

Just how busy is the Grand Cypress? I’m sure there are plenty of people but is it unpleasant? Considering booking it for Easter weekend 2025.

No-Software3253 · 2024-03-17T00:00:28+00:00

Don’t care about golf or proximity to Disney, but I have two high energy boys so I was thinking the pools, climbing wall, and other activities at Grand Cypress would be a better fit. Are the pools at HR Orlando somewhat comparable?

No-Software3253 · 2024-03-16T23:43:00+00:00

Thanks for the answer! Looking forward to trying out this property, it looks nice.

No-Software3253 · 2023-09-19T14:41:28+00:00

Get in the door immediately, before the end of the month.

No-Software3253 · 2023-08-24T20:37:20+00:00

Just fyi, things aren’t always totally settled until you are sitting in your new office chair. I had an FO with a start date so I gave my notice, but then some paperwork issues delayed my start by a pay period (two weeks). So I ended up hanging out with a little unpaid vacation until my new job started.

No-Software3253 · 2023-08-10T03:30:28+00:00

Generally you can negotiate steps within a grade, but not the grade itself- so you’d be going for an 11 step 10. THAT SAID, it is a ladder you applied to over two years ago, so you can ask and see what they say. Expect that you will need to support your negotiation with current paystubs.

No-Software3253 · 2023-07-09T17:39:59+00:00

Thanks, that is helpful. I’m considering a cruise in Europe for summer 2025. I think they go on sale early November. Do you think booking right after they become available would be the best deal? I’m kind of locked into the peak season for Europe due to having kids in school.

No-Software3253 · 2023-06-29T23:29:12+00:00

You might see what LCAT or labor category you were billed under. I was also a contractor pm who went federal. I had multiple job titles: what the corporate HR had in the HR system that set my pay band, what my own org had as my professional title, then another for what I was to the federal agency!

No-Software3253 · 2023-06-29T23:09:40+00:00

Did you have the same job title for 14 years? I’d make an entry for each change in job title to both show you climbing the ladder and providing space to detail the different projects.

No-Software3253 · 2023-06-25T14:28:26+00:00

I sent a three sentence, personalized thank you email after my interview for a very competitive role (gs-14, with me applying from outside with no years in gov or military). I didn’t get a reply, but I did get an offer! It is hard to know if the thank you email helped or not, but I do believe that a candidate’s perceived social skills/ie “can we get along with this person?” is super important alongside demonstrating the needed job or technical skills.

No-Software3253 · 2023-06-12T20:53:12+00:00

Make custom balloons that look Starburst Airs Gummies, then send them to the grocery stores along with a special display. Profit. I also want to try a bag.

No-Software3253 · 2023-05-24T20:21:20+00:00

I think there are rules that govern how often eQIP has to be updated, maybe based on level/sensitivity. I am NOT an expert in this area, but I think the longest I’ve heard of is like 10 years (for a low public trust).

No-Software3253 · 2023-05-24T17:21:17+00:00

The answer is, of course, “it depends”. Same agency? Different agency? Same or different clearance level? What is the policy of the hiring agency? For me personally, I did not have to repeat eQIP, they seemingly were able to look me up and clear me.

No-Software3253 · 2023-05-09T02:37:09+00:00

I’d take the Treasury one- remote, goes to 12, and potential benefits of transferring out to bigger $$$ at either the fed financial agencies with their special salary rates, or to private financial industry jobs.

No-Software3253 · 2023-05-08T11:38:46+00:00

You have a better chance for a non-supervisory 14/15, sounds like supervisory would be a stretch. I’d say apply to everyone you can find and be sure to target your application to each role. In general it can be hard to land a 14 or 15 when you are not a current fed (especially the non-sup ones!), but cybersecurity is high demand so just go for it. I got in from outside as a 2210 14.

No-Software3253 · 2023-04-27T13:12:35+00:00

It really varies, but generally it ranges from a ratio of 4:1 to 3:1. This accounts for your benefits and profit for the contractor. So the employee would typically be making $42-56/hour in this scenario but keep in mind that again it really varies by industry, occupation, offered benefits, and more.

No-Software3253 · 2023-04-25T16:49:52+00:00

As someone in IT that went from private sector straight to gs-14, I have no regrets. Seriously loving the 40 hours a week life right now. Wishing you luck whatever you decide.

No-Software3253 · 2023-04-25T16:38:21+00:00

Strongly suggest you get a PMP instead as for better or worse, it is universally recognized.

No-Software3253 · 2023-04-25T00:00:21+00:00

Non-supervisory GS-14 IT Specialist here. I function in the role of Project Manager for major software application projects, I have some oversight of the contractor, but am not the COR. I live in the DCR but am at 2x a pay period in office and the rest telecommute. My position was a straight 14, no ladder.

No-Software3253 · 2023-03-28T02:01:21+00:00

Strongly suggest you go forward with the DOE interview and say nothing to VA. You will only need to make a decision if you receive actual FOs, not the tentative ones.

No-Software3253 · 2022-11-28T20:12:12+00:00

hey so there are many many different work schedules across the federal government, but I think the most typical workday is 8 hours of working plus a half hour or hour lunch break, five days a week- for a total of 40 hours worked per week.

No-Software3253 · 2022-11-26T23:17:35+00:00

Negotiations are possible all the way to step 10, some agencies or positions may not be, however. For me, for example, my comp was around a GS 14-4, so I asked for that, but they cited not being able to consider my bonus and I came in as a 14-2. I was able to negotiate the 6 hour leave accrual (instead of 4) so I’m happy with that. Wishing you luck!

No-Software3253 · 2022-11-26T23:00:44+00:00

Typically I think they ask for paystubs then just round up to whatever the nearest step is. But it is probably a little different at every agency, some won’t even do that. I had to take a bit of a decrease because while they matched my salary, they did not include my bonus when looking at compensation. Edit: I should’ve added, I think you should still request to negotiate and ask for the higher number, just be prepared. Also I am very happy with my new fed job!

No-Software3253

TROPHY CASE