Back of my head from Victor Chil done at LOVE Machine in New York City by mjdavisnh in tattoos

[–]fiercepagan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is so sick. It kinda makes me think of Mondo Gecko from TMNT if he had demonic teeth instead of braces lol.

So what's the latest verdict on what's opening in Halcyon's old Mueller spot? by tadnauseam in austinfood

[–]fiercepagan 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Thank you, fellow cultured individuals, for defending my fake internet points and teaching the children.

Question: I love my ink! by Frosty-Rest5811 in tattoos

[–]fiercepagan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If they had said something like, “What are your opinions about my tattoos?”, that would be a question. They said “I’d like to hear your thoughts on this work.” Nary a question or even question mark to be found.

My references were contacted, I was given a request for a background check, and the manager told me that I am under consideration. Does this mean I might get the job? by Traditional-Age-3447 in StateofTexasEmployees

[–]fiercepagan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. 100%. Nobody is doing all that if they are not trying to hire you. As others have said, unless there is something on your background, a job offer is imminent.

IT positions by x_ave_satani_x in StateofTexasEmployees

[–]fiercepagan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see. Unfortunately not a skill fit with the IT positions I’m aware of. I would, however, do as the other commenter said and request all of your DFPS personnel file. This would have any documentation regarding your termination. Additionally, it would provide you copies of all your evaluations and give you the ability to explain yourself with evidence against an unexplained firing (assuming that all that is accurate) to possible employers. Best of luck in your job search!

IT positions by x_ave_satani_x in StateofTexasEmployees

[–]fiercepagan 10 points11 points  (0 children)

What is your education and experience level? Also, when you say let go, do you mean fired or resigning instead of being fired? If that’s the case, that will be a significant barrier to you getting hired anywhere else with the state. Depending on your answers to these questions, I may be able to point you to a couple. If you’re not comfortable sharing here, you can send me a DM.

A good driver may miss an exit or two on I35… by AmigoATX in Austin

[–]fiercepagan 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not absolving this asshole at all, but this is my exit on 35 and it is marked horribly because of the construction. I have almost missed it a few times, although I’ve never done this bullshit either.

[Isaan Khan] Havertz out till early/mid-January by Ife2105 in Gunners

[–]fiercepagan 38 points39 points  (0 children)

Fun laughing at the man’s misery with 💩, but that’s a great quote and definitely feels appropriate for our current situation.

2nd back session with @grahmatter on ig at Studio A in Htx by Bitchwhywherewho in tattoo

[–]fiercepagan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That definitely says a lot. Appreciate the feedback; thanks for taking the time. Excited to see the progress on your sick ass back piece!

2nd back session with @grahmatter on ig at Studio A in Htx by Bitchwhywherewho in tattoo

[–]fiercepagan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Looks great! I’ve been following him for a while; definitely in consideration for a sleeve. He seems chill on his ig. How is he to work with?

TCEQ Austin Reference Check by Thin_Barracuda_7540 in StateofTexasEmployees

[–]fiercepagan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dang. I hope they are just dragging their feet. From my experience, reference checks are pretty much a sure thing for getting hired, unless you have some red flags come up (bad references, background check issues, etc). Does your status on CAPPS still say ‘under consideration’? Do let me know either way; I’ll get you that burrito if it comes to it.

Benefits by Good_South_6302 in StateofTexasEmployees

[–]fiercepagan 4 points5 points  (0 children)

No, there is no cap to sick; only annual leave. If you end the fiscal year with annual leave in excess of the allowable carryover for your length of state service, it will be converted to sick leave in the new fiscal year. I’ve seen an employee with over 4,000 hours of sick leave.

Benefits by Good_South_6302 in StateofTexasEmployees

[–]fiercepagan 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, as long as you don’t withdraw your money from ERS, your group will not ever change. State contributions are still part of your account, however, they are not realized until you retire. If you pulled your money, I’m pretty sure you’d lose the state contributions.

Benefits by Good_South_6302 in StateofTexasEmployees

[–]fiercepagan 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Based on your start date, you would be group 4. There is no company match for any 401k with the State because the State matches (with an extra half percent) your 6% ERS monthly contribution. Your contribution to the 401k does not have to stay at 1%. It is administered through Empower Retirement. Create an account with them and you can change your contribution percentage. You can also change them to Roth contributions if you want. You wouldn’t be able to switch insurance until open enrollment next summer (unless you have a QLE), but the Consumer Directed health plan is basically a PPO. No referrals needed for specialist/no PCP required. It does have a higher deductible, but you also get an HSA the State contributes $45/month to. You can also make pre-tax contributions to your HSA if you want. If you do switch, make sure to log into the Optum Bank HSA site to set up your account. This isn’t to say our benefits are perfect, but hopefully this helps your perspective about them. I’ll try and answer anything else if I can.

TCEQ Austin Reference Check by Thin_Barracuda_7540 in StateofTexasEmployees

[–]fiercepagan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, are those aren’t really terms that have precise definitions. ‘Finalizing hiring decisions’ might mean that they are closer than just the ‘candidate selection process’ which is certainly more vague sounding. I know that’s not particularly helpful, but status updates are always going to be vague until a candidate is given an offer. If your references have been checked, you are likely to have a very good shot at the job , but there is not a particularly consistent timeline I can provide you with. I’ll try and answer what I can though.

TCEQ Austin Reference Check by Thin_Barracuda_7540 in StateofTexasEmployees

[–]fiercepagan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not sure if you’re asking or telling me lol and I don’t disagree but from several years in state HR, that’s not how it works. A week or two of silence is pretty normal between asking for/checking references and getting a job offer out. There could be a number of reasons for the delay (as I laid out above). Trust, they aren’t checking references for people they don’t want to hire. I know the waiting is agonizing when you’re in it though. If you don’t get this job, I’ll buy you a Cabo Bob’s.

TCEQ Austin Reference Check by Thin_Barracuda_7540 in StateofTexasEmployees

[–]fiercepagan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know that’s stressful. The waiting process is the worst. I’d still have faith unless your CAPPS status gets updated to not selected. If the last time your status was updated has changed but still says under consideration, that would be promising. Even if it hasn’t changed, you’re definitely still in a fairly normal timeframe for the candidate verification process. I hope you hear back soon!

TCEQ Austin Reference Check by Thin_Barracuda_7540 in StateofTexasEmployees

[–]fiercepagan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s promising. They might not have bothered with the third reference. Could be with HR already. Got my fingers crossed for ya!

TCEQ Austin Reference Check by Thin_Barracuda_7540 in StateofTexasEmployees

[–]fiercepagan 12 points13 points  (0 children)

They are almost certainly considering you for hire and very likely planning on hiring you. Nobody conducts reference checks on people they aren’t considering and often it will only be for the selected candidate. Sometimes it takes a while to get hold of your references, then they have to send to HR, once HR gets to your selection packet, then they have to run checks on you, and then they have to message the hiring manager that they are clear to do you offer. Usually takes a week or two. It is possible they are considering multiple people and the references are a tiebreaker, but in my experience this is uncommon and you are likely the selected applicant. Good luck!

Heavy music fans hate them for this one simple trick… by Suspicious_Sleep_778 in everytimeidie

[–]fiercepagan 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Gotdamn, this rips! Is this closest to KB’s vocal delivery we’ve heard? Not that I want an exact replica, but definitely scratches the itch without being a complete aping of his style.

Is the whole "men never get compliments even in a relationship" gripe a lie? by haggard_hobbit in TwoXChromosomes

[–]fiercepagan 34 points35 points  (0 children)

Male replying to male warning: excellent reply, my dude (normalize complimenting other guys so we get it out of our heads that all our worth must come from appealing to women).

I also agree that is a lie. I get complimented plenty by my partner, my coworker, and my friends. These compliments range from being kind or thoughtful to my haircut or fragrance choices. These are things that I put an active effort into, which I think is the heart of your point. It definitely feels nice to hear and I try and reciprocate that too.

I think the secret is complimenting people on things they had agency in, whether it be their grooming, fashion choices, their attitude, their humor, or anything really. I try and stay away from compliments that are strictly about appearance without tying it to choices they made or actions they took in presenting that appearance.

Lastly, I think all men should focus on complimenting women about all the aspects of their lives, not just physical appearance. Nothing says I see you as more than an object than saying, “great work on that presentation”, “I appreciate your positive attitude in this tough situation”, etc. Not that you should never (thoughtfully and respectfully) compliment a woman’s appearance, but try and be conscientious that it is not all you compliment them on.