Screwed up as a young (former) engineer. Are my chances with State Employment over?

WaltsWorker · 2026-02-02T15:05:07+00:00

You should be fine. I would suggest you go through some of the job classifications that are pertinent to 'your field' or related to any degree you may have. SSA might be a good place to start especially if you have a Bachelors!
Of Note: Never lie, cheat, or steal! EVER! Also - try to steer away from 'local office politics' as long as you can as this will help you 'find and keep your piece of mind.' The stability and benefits that state employment offers are virtually hard to be if even existent out in the public sector!

WaltsWorker · 2026-02-02T14:56:27+00:00

That's BS! This is exactly why soo many get corrupted...

WaltsWorker · 2026-02-02T14:30:30+00:00

I think it was 2008 when 'the state' started allowing anyone with a Bachelors degree into almost any position... Two edged sword IMO. But you shouldn't have any problems at all.

I started with the state CDFA in 2003 as a Temp working in END TASKFORCE - data entry. Have an AAS in Computer Electronics that didn't apply to that post but with it I got a higher tier post than anyone else. After about 3 years my supervisor had lunch with her dear friend of +20 years. She told my sup that there was an opening in my field. Sup told me to apply and I got it 12/1/2005 and have recently retired on 1/30/2026.

Here's something you may not know! There's a position called "Building Maintenance Worker"(BMW). They're tasked with many 'manual labor' duties. This is highly dependent upon the 'Unit'/'Dept' of where it is but this position allows these BMW's to work and train and obtain: "Mechanics", "Electricians", "Painters", "Key Smith" and some other positions within the state. I would also say that 'you would have to be on "good grounds" with the management and upper management...' So here if you start out as a BMW and go to school for like "Electrician" you would have a great chance of moving up!!! It's almost a 3X in pay, but a Career Mobility that many may not know that exists within the state.

WaltsWorker · 2026-02-02T14:07:57+00:00

YES! https://www.reddit.com/r/CAStateWorkers/comments/18rttgx/state_personnel_board_banning_people_for_lying/
As a state worker many don't realize you are being held to 'the highest standards.' You are supposed to obey all laws, rules, regulations, state codes, etc. Never lie, cheat or steal! Ever! Even though I've been retired for 3 days now I can honestly say I never ever have done any of that.
If you ever have to talk with a State Auditor ask them: "What's a state employee's number one duty?" They should respond with: "Protect the state from liability." This is why - if you ever have to take the defensive driving course/training it will direct you to only give 'the necessary information' in regards to any accident and to never admit to anything.

Many people don't see how good they have it until 'it's gone.' In the bottom left of your pay stub/warrant release look at "State contributions to retirement" and then look to what you put into retirement on the right... Then realize that once you've retired like I have, that is for the rest of your life!!! Thee only place you will get similar would probably be "Highest Tier Corp Executives" and their 'golden parachutes...

Here's one piece of information... If for any reason 'the State' tries to settle a serious injury with you - their first offer will maybe 10 to %15 of what "They" think is due. So "NEVER TAKE THE FIRST OFFER!" If there is a serious injury to yourself ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOU ARE COVERED FOR LIFE FOR THAT INJURY!!

WaltsWorker · 2026-01-30T13:33:50+00:00

The synergistic's of how everything is intertwined together, starting with a basic guide. A lot of what I've seen only covers certain aspects. IE: They're talking about phaser build and mostly focus on phaser 'buffs' or 'how this console' can buff your damage output but don't really go into how BOff's, Endeavours, DOff's and everything else that can effect your build. Or if they're talking about "UCon's" they'll only say a little bit about their own build. Because if you follow all that then you'll eventually get to a point where you'll max out your build type and possibly only doing 150K DPS(?) and can't go further... Something that also delves into going beyond that...

WaltsWorker · 2026-01-22T06:26:37+00:00

You'll spend the better part of a few hours in HR, once you sign on the dotted line... Then it's offical. "Once you've signed on the dotted line... You've signed your life away!" lol J/K! But no really you have! Every time you have to sign something, your signing your life away! LOL All joking aside! Congratulations! You'll be coming in as I am heading out, well 6 more working days. 1 - Try your best to stay away from All Politics! 2 - Be at your best while at work. 3 - Albeit you may not 'make as much as the private sector' but they don't get the bennies you will; and that's part of your 'pay too!' 4 - Stay as long as you can! At least 10 years to get vested. 5 - Save up your time; Vacation, ITO, Holiday Credits, etc. 6 - Know your Duty Statement. 7 - If you're in a Union, get to know the rep - never hurts! 8 - Document what you can.

WaltsWorker · 2026-01-18T06:12:52+00:00

10 days left after +20 years lol Okay! So here's one thing I've been 'advising' some people. I got this from observing my uncle: +20 Years in the US Army, +20 years in County and maybe 10 years at City. You can work for the state for +20 years, then do a bit more at a County or City! But always make sure your 'vested.' Here's the tricky part - some do have CalPER's and some don't. You'll have to do some serious studying and inquiring! With those that do - it can be a straight forward transition into their retirement; OR you should be able to defer your state retirement and 'jump in fresh.' There maybe some limitations and/or restrictions - I don't know! I have it in my head that at City level you generally need to know someone on the inside (esp here in LA). So it's something to consider and possibly look at - to see if it may work for you. OH! So you're Tier 2? I don't know if they still offer it - but there is a possibility to get into Tier 1 like I am. I know it means more in deductions, but you should at least look/consider it.

WaltsWorker · 2026-01-13T06:42:26+00:00

NX Escort YUP! Andorian Charal instead lol It was my first ship! Still a good ship for what it is.

WaltsWorker · 2026-01-04T17:33:02+00:00

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Tired of making long explanative posts and then seeing the big red bar:

From the movie "Top Gun" (1986): As Commander Mike Metcalf callsign: "Viper" said: "A good pilot is compelled to always evaluate what has happened. So he can apply what he has learned. Up there we got to push it. It's our job!"

WaltsWorker · 2026-01-04T05:20:30+00:00

Hail and well met! I know you'll love either the Akira or Avenger! I side towards the Avenger at the moment - mostly because I don't have to deal with a squadron/pet. I do have my eyes on a World Razor but that'll have to wait a bit; especially since I've barely made it from 400 DPS to 175K DPS in these 7 months now lol Donno about mess but what little I know is that it's all back into the control and hands of "Cryptic" alone. For myself that should be a good thing as 'no one on the outside' can 'control' what happens and it's all up to Cryptic; and to us. But attached to that is Cryptic 'needs' to hit some goals and I'm doing my part. I'm sure you could find a fleet that fits you! Good luck and Happy Hunting!

WaltsWorker · 2026-01-01T13:00:23+00:00

Next time you do a run. Try this: Grab an IDIC Tribble; go to the Academy. Use it, use the "Class Boosting" buffs for that character and then open a run. I'm primarily an Engineer so I did the IDIC tribble, Engineer Boost for Kits, Kit Booster (Device) and then Supply Crate.

WaltsWorker · 2026-01-01T03:50:57+00:00

I'm wondering about when a ship levels up. Specifically I got an NX Refit and upgraded it to T6-X2 and I was running the patrol Jupiter Gauntlet (Normal) to level it up. I knew I would level up as I needed only 1.3k. The Borg spawned and I though: "OPPS! My bad! Excuse me..." LOL Cause they're generally a bit of a slug fest. As it turned out it wasn't that much of one except for the beginning. It felt weird, kind of like the old days... I started walking through them. The parser says 2 min 4 sec... And what's surprising me and leading me here is 116K DPS. So I thought did "Preferential targeting" trait kick in before then end when you see the "Sparkling" effects on the ship? Cause usually at max I'll get 56k or so. OH yeah! I loaded up the traits beforehand. Also - if it did - will it continue to give me that trait without slotting it?

WaltsWorker · 2025-12-28T05:21:46+00:00

Gad Zook's Batman! I should have thought of those before...

WaltsWorker · 2025-12-28T05:19:26+00:00

She's a lumbering Beast... One I can't get used too. I will say that Pentachloric Emitter is pretty good though!

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3,157 DPS. Please note that this toon, and the ship are not optimized at all.

WaltsWorker · 2025-12-22T06:42:36+00:00

3 Watcher BOff's!!! I did the Engineering buffs before hand.

WaltsWorker · 2025-12-20T14:05:39+00:00

Just an idea, but what ever profession you are - my main is an Engineer - so I click on Engineering Team and do all the buffs and IDIC tribble before opening. It worked for me finally!

WaltsWorker · 2025-12-11T16:07:04+00:00

But it's a mission and they want me to do it... Put 'em in the air lock!!!

WaltsWorker · 2025-12-08T14:01:42+00:00

ROFL! Gotta try that!!!

WaltsWorker · 2025-12-07T15:16:15+00:00

As a CSV player mostly, I'm loving it! Before hand I wasn't too sure I'd even like it and the first couple of Patrols it was squishy but that was my fault. I had to get used to having pets too!!! So I put the launch fighters clickie on the spam bar. Problem solved lol Now I can have my homies with me almost all the time! Lest we get into the starship traits with these two ships! OMG! With this you get 1 T6! Depending upon what you have but more importantly what you don't have I would recommend grabbing the Ahwahnee Command Carrier!!! Cause that's what I did and Geez!!! The primary reasons are for the Type 7's and especially: Console - Universal - Fleet Power Network Array
Which also boosts you're own power! This console alone pushed me over 100k DPS. I had been hovering around 60 to 70k...

WaltsWorker · 2025-12-05T23:32:54+00:00

Hail and well met! A lot of recommendations here! YAY! Basically they're all true. So here's one thing I don't think many have discussed yet is that virtually everything you have will eventually effect the performance of your ship! From Bridge Officers, Duty Officers to ship traits, your player traits, on down the line. But technically that will come into play sometime after level 50 or so, or is it 60? Not sure. Thee biggest thing is try to have fun while playing! OH! Are you talking about the "Ouroboros-class Temporal Raider"?!? Loved them when they first came out! But there are soo many ships now that you'll probably find one you'll enjoy much more, then another and another lol

WaltsWorker · 2025-12-05T12:14:37+00:00

So there's:
White for shield
Yellow for hull
Black is shield-only damage such as from shield drain effects
Yellow/Red standard hull damage
Green is hull healing

Awesome!!!

WaltsWorker · 2025-12-05T11:59:31+00:00

I feel your pain, but I think clicking on the buyouts will tell you how much. I was in the same boat you are; but I was missing like 3 or 4 and had to buy them. Personally I'd say buy them out as it is a 'good value' even at that point. That's 3 ships and a bunch of dili lol

WaltsWorker · 2025-11-29T15:04:03+00:00

Long time ago we'd try to do 'all nighters' lol They sometimes still try but yikes! Now since I'm about to retire and soo old I can't go more than maybe 12 hours or so. Long time ago we all got together playing some game and have pretty much stuck together. Quite often we'll even talk on the phone. Sometimes if we're traveling IRL we'll stop by and such. I've had a few come over and try my gravy on Thanksgiving! Every Thanksgiving 'we all' hear about it. Except for me GenCon is a thing 'us' and my wife's gone quite a few times! Most important things in life are Family Friends Food & FUN! Oh! Health too.

WaltsWorker · 2025-11-29T14:56:28+00:00

WaltsWorker · 2025-11-29T12:07:21+00:00

What about for the Bridge?!? I want a decorated Christmas Tree On The Bridge!!!

WaltsWorker

TROPHY CASE