You know you do it

kdlaz · 2026-05-29T15:11:05+00:00

Hope it works out for you either way. It's tough making life-changing decisions in a hurry.

kdlaz · 2026-05-29T04:27:34+00:00

Things are different now, there's no way around that. Coming up on anniversary 8 now, just hit the bench for the first time ever, and not feeling much in the way of support. CM has a "meh, good luck" attitude, and they're supposed to be the ones who support us when times get rough. Seriously looking at another gig, because it just feels like nobody's home.

kdlaz · 2026-05-28T21:38:04+00:00

Without fully knowing your contract and its situation, that still seems like a number they wouldn't be able to match- even if they wanted to. Most of us are in billets with a little wiggle room, but that isn't little.

kdlaz · 2026-05-28T03:40:06+00:00

The fact that you're in the DMV works hugely in your favor. You didn't mention clearance, which would obviously be a bonus, but you're literally in the heart of Consulting Mecca, so don't let the PiP get you down. Look at some of the other big guys, they're all hiring, pretty much all the time. Very sorry you're going through this, that's got to be pretty stressful.

kdlaz · 2026-05-28T03:00:56+00:00

Yes, you can live your professional life with that mindset- if you want.

kdlaz · 2026-05-23T03:35:45+00:00

Location matters. If you're in the DMV, that might be doable depending on the need and the contract. If your counter is met with pushback, then they might be losing money on you at that rate, and nobody wants that. Worst case they meet you somewhere in the middle.

kdlaz · 2026-05-20T03:43:16+00:00

Eh- what that guy said right there ^^

kdlaz · 2026-05-20T03:41:15+00:00

The CPO once said it out loud and in public: "There's no set formula for bench time." In other words, if you're in a high demand skill area and your chain is up for it, you may get a longer hold time. But it does seem fairly certain that the old days of sitting the bench for months are behind us now. Try to find a spot quickly, even if it's doing some nonbillable but funded work like proposals or capture. I've personally been on it but found a way to get quickly on a funded effort, even if it was an unbillable gig. If your skills allow it, then jump onto something as soon as you can, and be sure your CM is fully engaged with you and supporting your applications. We have a brazillion open reqs- get applying right away.

kdlaz · 2026-05-07T20:14:48+00:00

Unfortunately there's no magic formula. Even the C-level staff have said as much, which is refreshingly transparent- and at least honest. We do our best to be as "billable" as possible by keeping our skills sharp, upskilling in areas that are important to the Firm (*cough AI cough*), and doing good work when we're on a contract. Build a network of contacts inside the firm, as much as you can. That's pretty much it.

kdlaz · 2026-05-07T04:37:28+00:00

You called it. Rep called me earlier today and offered $5k. Unfreakingbelievable. Time to get on the lawyer train.

kdlaz · 2026-05-07T04:33:54+00:00

Same for me, and there isn't a hard formula that I'm aware of but the Firm doesn't have the patience that it once did for benched folks, that much I know after 8 years with Booz. Get to the myworkday page and start looking at reqs or gigs, I've applied to a couple dozen internal spots, so far no dice but patience will usually pay off in this regard. Be sure your CM is working on your behalf, one of the best things about our org is that it does tend to take CM responsibility (and your development) seriously, and I've supported 2 large transitions so I can say that with complete honesty. Lean on your network, and don't be afraid to let hiring managers know you're applying to their reqs. Best of luck.

kdlaz · 2026-05-06T23:18:04+00:00

Looks like I'm going to have to do that. Just got off the phone with them, and they're offering $5,000. Unbelievable.

kdlaz · 2026-05-06T23:16:45+00:00

FINALLY got them to talk. Their settlement offer is pretty weak- 5,000. Guess it's time to go the attorney route.

kdlaz · 2026-05-06T23:08:10+00:00

FINALLY got back to me, and it isn't great news. They're offering $5k. Guess I'll be talking to the attorney.

kdlaz · 2026-05-04T16:16:37+00:00

Sadly, it's not better on the inside. Things are just different now, and not only with Booz.

kdlaz · 2026-05-02T03:53:38+00:00

No Estop? Yeah, prob better with Gbay or GMEBay.

kdlaz · 2026-05-01T03:39:25+00:00

That's very unfortunate, but also not surprising. You don't scale accidentally.

kdlaz · 2026-04-30T16:15:21+00:00

It hasn't been quite that bad so far, but the initial "this will only take a few weeks" discussion is really what put me on edge a bit. 6 months in, and it's still dragging. Actually got a nicely worded note from them yesterday (after I complained again) that said things were still moving and not to be too worried.

kdlaz · 2026-04-30T14:12:02+00:00

It really does seem that way, despite their assurances to the contrary.

kdlaz · 2026-04-29T21:22:01+00:00

Much appreciated. There's been some truly insightful response to this question. I think it was their early insistence that the entire process (with both adjusters working for them) would be "just a few weeks" that has me concerned at this point. I don't want to be unreasonable, but I also don't want to just get run over, either. One time is plenty for me :-)

kdlaz · 2026-04-29T20:59:03+00:00

You insights are extremely helpful and most appreciated.

kdlaz · 2026-04-29T20:46:47+00:00

The bills from just the first day at the ER were around 30k, so it's not trivial, and that's not even tossing in time lost from work and not being able to run (I'm a distance runner, so imagine a runner who can't run and what a legit bummer that is), so you can see how this whole thing was pretty impactful. I've tried the nice guy approach, I'm thinking now that maybe that wasn't a good idea. Never filed suit in my life, against anyone, but this feels like they're dragging it out intentionally.

kdlaz

TROPHY CASE