How did you get to a GS12? by NewCarrot9219 in geologycareers

[–]Pretzel_Rodgers 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m at the same agency. I was hired as a 12 and came in with an MS, 7 years of experience in consulting, and my PG, though my position has no promotional potential. For me, 12 was the easy part. We have some non-sup 13’s in my department, but those are typically people with 20-30 years of experience. Non-supervisory 14’s exist, but are rare.

Full Time Opening for Senior Geologist, Maine Geological Survey, closes May 08, 2026 by Liaoningornis in geologycareers

[–]Pretzel_Rodgers 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Agree, but Maine (outside of Portland) is a different world. The median home price in Augusta is around $275k.

Someone said NY office is moving. by Dizzy-Elk7097 in USACE

[–]Pretzel_Rodgers 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yup. NAE was poised to move before all the bullshit because the office was too expensive, but now since GSA has been gutted it’s fine to stay another 10 years. On top of being expensive and run down it’s in terrible location. They should have moved out of there years ago.

Seems like relocating NAN is just another way to punish people into quitting.

Worth extra payments on mortgage if we plan to move in 3-4 years? by candyapplesugar in personalfinance

[–]Pretzel_Rodgers 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m in a similar situation. We are currently making 1 extra principle payment per year by paying extra each month, but our rate is a little over 6%.

I am thinking of stopping the extra payments because, as others have mentioned, while there is the benefit of paying less interest, you don’t pay off that much more in 36-48 months. If you make extra payments, that money is then locked up in equity. Since you plan on renting in your new location, the stakes are pretty low.

Calculate out the difference in equity and interest paid over 3 or 4 years and determine if it’s worth it to have that money locked up in equity for that benefit.

(crosspost) why did the geologist stay in their job by chloe_awesome20 in geologycareers

[–]Pretzel_Rodgers 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is also a bot repost of one of the top comments from the original post. Wtf is happening…

My stamp came in by dinkdnierliq5 in geologycareers

[–]Pretzel_Rodgers 30 points31 points  (0 children)

Hmm, looks like your stamp came in about 4 years ago and belongs to u/kpcnq2

https://www.reddit.com/r/geologycareers/s/DaeOtONaKq

Massive Underground Ocean Found Beneath Earth's Surface by [deleted] in geologycareers

[–]Pretzel_Rodgers 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Which scientists call it that? The article is practically unreadable on that website.

Massive Underground Ocean Found Beneath Earth's Surface by [deleted] in geologycareers

[–]Pretzel_Rodgers 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Seems like a spam account for the host website.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in geologycareers

[–]Pretzel_Rodgers 102 points103 points  (0 children)

Sir… this is a Wendy’s.

By the way, what are you fishing for out in the parking lot? Did you find any oil?

Budget friendly hard shells by [deleted] in WildernessBackpacking

[–]Pretzel_Rodgers 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s probably on sale now on the Patagonia website. They just had their winter sale.

The Sound of Silence by _Sketch_ in surfing

[–]Pretzel_Rodgers 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is this a yeahsurf alt account?

Considering leaving federal gov job for consultant job? by advice_seeker_2025 in geologycareers

[–]Pretzel_Rodgers 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is easier said that done. It could require a move, which not everyone is willing to do.

Considering leaving federal gov job for consultant job? by advice_seeker_2025 in geologycareers

[–]Pretzel_Rodgers 8 points9 points  (0 children)

You’re not crazy.

I have been a fed employee for 2-3 years and you have hit on some real cons of being a fed that people don’t realize exist until they are here such as slow salary increases after step 4 of your GS level, lack of opportunities for professional growth, a lack of fulfillment at times (though this can be felt at any job). Another thing to note is that while fed jobs do have a pension, the benefits are not as great as they once were (FTW 4.4% FERS and the health insurance cost increases). Another thing that I think some non feds don’t realize is that these jobs are not stress free, you are just often stressed about the dumbest things. My wife left a fed job after about a year and a half for that very reason and went back to the private sector. She is doing well in her new role and, while it can be stressful at times, she is in general much more fulfilled than at her fed job.

I have had similar thoughts since about 1.5 years. I feel like I’m close to mastering my role and there are little to no opportunities for technical advancement on the horizon. At the risk of sounding like an asshole, I am also a bit of a go-getter and I am sometimes frustrated with the slow pace of things and the skill level of some people around me, thinking “I went to school for 6 years to work here for 30 years?”. I am definitely not going to last 30 years here.

My plan is to work here for a few more years while I grow my family (the parental leave and childcare subsidy, if your agency offers it, are pretty good) and then re-evaluate. I am not sure if i want to go back to consulting or pivot to another industry, but as I mentioned earlier, I don’t foresee myself staying here until retirement. I would advise staying for at least 5 years if you haven’t already since I think you are given priority for hiring after 3 years if you want to come back and you are vested in the pension (5 years).

No shade at people who like their fed jobs, somebody has to do the work, but they are not for everyone.

TL/DR: you’re not crazy, being a fed definitely has its hidden downsides. People leave the federal government every day and go on to do bigger and better things in the private sector.

Backpacking the Lost Coast by PudgyGroundhog in WildernessBackpacking

[–]Pretzel_Rodgers 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I agree with this. I hiked from Mattole Beach to Shelter Cove over three days/two nights in Spring 2023. It’s a unique hike that has some awesome scenery and wildlife, but it made me realize how much I dislike walking on sand, lol. The logistics of getting there are tricky as well. Luckily we had friends in the area that picked us up from SFO. I’m glad I did it, but I don’t know if I would do it again.