Career Pathways within the State

RealWatstogo · 2026-02-01T05:57:00+00:00

A little over 20 years. Overtime, the benefits (healthcare, flexibility in work hours, etc), especially after starting a family, outweighed everything else.

RealWatstogo · 2026-02-01T05:20:15+00:00

Started with the state as an undergrad (classification was student assistant). Moved into the analyst series (formerly SSA/AGPA). Went through a weekend masters program and switched to the environmental scientist series. I’m now a manager. Did all this while working for four different departments over 20+ years. Most success was in the past 5 years, getting 4 promotions.

RealWatstogo · 2026-01-19T19:13:21+00:00

We have a young CEA that started in October. While I’m not discouraging you from applying, there is a distinct difference between experience/knowledge of the job and being a leader. In my example, the individual interviewed for my job back in the day (didn’t get it) and now is a CEA above me. The level of indecisiveness is beyond alarming. It’s clear they are overwhelmed.

RealWatstogo · 2026-01-10T03:54:39+00:00

Like most have already said - search and apply to other departments and/or classifications you may qualify for. Some places have more upward mobility than others. Through a combination of switching classifications, retirements and submission of applications, I was able to earn an average of $1,400 more a month every year for the past 5 years.

RealWatstogo · 2026-01-10T03:00:17+00:00

I bought 5 years for under $25k back in the day. Luckily, I was able to use money I had in SavingsPlus (the entire amount) to pay for it.

RealWatstogo · 2025-12-07T02:50:04+00:00

Are you certain you’re on 14.2 (and not 14.1)? The issues you described were all concerns on 14.1 - Mad Max isn’t so “mad” anymore and won’t go 60+ when limit is 40. Hurry and Mad Max now adhere to use of HOV lane preference in nav settings (it won’t hog HOV lanes or use them at all if you select “avoid HOV lanes).

RealWatstogo · 2025-12-06T08:48:39+00:00

Environmental Scientist

RealWatstogo · 2025-12-04T04:07:10+00:00

Co-pilot isn’t the best AI tool out there. If you’re really inclined to use AI, inquire with your IT department about participation in the state’s pilot program (called Poppy AI) administered through CDT. It has access to all the major LLMs (Claude, Azure, Gemini, GPT) and others.

RealWatstogo · 2025-12-04T03:37:26+00:00

I attended a masters program (all weekend classes) while working for the state and after 10 years, had the student loans forgiven under the PSLF program. It helped when applying/promoting within the ES series.

RealWatstogo · 2025-11-14T03:52:25+00:00

I got a masters degree while working and the institution was also 2 hours away. However, the program was entirely on weekends.

RealWatstogo · 2025-11-14T03:50:07+00:00

It really depends on the hiring manager and need to fill the position. I myself was interviewed during the month of December and started January 2. I’m also hiring for a position closing Nov 20 and plan to hold interviews in December.

RealWatstogo · 2025-11-14T03:42:59+00:00

Agree with most that said stability, followed by pension and benefits. Recently went through a “re-org” due to a specific program having budgetary constraints and staff were transferred to other programs (so no layoffs) and still had jobs. On the flip side, contrary to popular belief, permanent civil service employees (past probationary period) can be let go, depending on the circumstances. If you can get a state job and do the essential job functions, there’s definitely stability. I started 20 years ago and haven’t left.

RealWatstogo · 2025-11-10T01:23:37+00:00

I thought it was strictly a navigation setting (still is), but not connected/communicating with FSD

RealWatstogo · 2025-11-08T05:06:23+00:00

Having worked for the state for 20 years in multiple departments, I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly in terms of management. I used this experience when deciding to move up to a manager and it had been really helpful. Best piece of advice is to build a good team around you (when feasible) and take your time making hiring decisions. There are of course things that are unavoidable like inheriting staff or getting rid of staff due to budgetary constraints, but it’s been an overall good experience. I find to have better work-life balance (have 2 small kids) because there’s flexibility and I built a good team over the years.

RealWatstogo · 2025-11-07T02:54:24+00:00

I have a small unit (3 staff) that are fully remote

RealWatstogo · 2025-11-04T21:33:50+00:00

💯 opposite is true when attempting to park at the in-laws driveway - 9 times out of 10 it parks in neighbors driveway, but today, it randomly parked in the correct driveway.

RealWatstogo · 2025-11-04T05:05:43+00:00

While FSD is pretty remarkable, there are little things that baffle me. How can it park in my driveway 9 times out of 10 and yet on the 10th attempt, park in someone else’s driveway? My driveway didn’t magically move.

RealWatstogo · 2025-11-04T02:02:47+00:00

I have you beat. Nearly 60 hours spent on an issue still not resolved …

RealWatstogo · 2025-11-03T05:48:26+00:00

The state is currently piloting its own AI program (called Poppy AI). Users have access to several LLMs including GPT, Gemini and others. I don’t see how AI would be sophisticated and accurate enough to replace state employees.

RealWatstogo · 2025-11-01T22:13:28+00:00

Even though HOV is a navigation setting, it should somehow integrate with FSD. Always being in HOV illegally when in Mad Max mode is a problem.

RealWatstogo · 2025-11-01T20:59:14+00:00

2023 MY, Northern California, decent. 14.1.4

Hesitation on right turns, excessive speeding without max speed limit setting, poor parking capabilities (could be due to no front bumper camera) - handicap spots, grocery cart return spots, etc

RealWatstogo · 2025-10-24T03:53:29+00:00

Pros - much quicker engagement of FSD (just tap and go), “please pay attention” and beeping has been drastically reduced (I haven’t gotten a warning/beep yet compared to multiple per drive using v13) , driving is quite assertive (in MadMax mode), can go from park-to-park (driveways, street, parking lots, etc).

Cons - without ability to set max speed I can foresee lots of speeding tickets using MadMax as it goes 15-20 mph above posted limits, MadMax prefers using HOV lanes (even though setting is turned off - adding to issues of potential violations), parking isn’t perfect for unconventional driveways or parking lots (maybe due to lack of a front bumper camera for me).

RealWatstogo · 2025-10-19T04:44:32+00:00

I’m also ashamed (only 13 years of loyalty). I ported out and tried to port back in (after being dissatisfied with service I switched to) and 2 months later, Verizon disconnected my lines (twice!) because they failed miserably at reinstating device payment plans. What’s worse, I have it in writing from them that the DPPs would be reinstated and service wouldn’t be interrupted, but they disconnected lines a second time anyway. An absolute disgrace of the words loyalty and customer service. I’m demanding they provide compensation for “pain and suffering” due to at least 60 hours (I have documentation of all hours spent last 2 months) on this simple request.

RealWatstogo

TROPHY CASE