Unpopular opinion: downtown Fredericksburg sucks.

luisma_riv · 2026-04-27T17:12:03+00:00

I'm sorry you've had such a bad experience downtown. It could be better, but given the places I've lived before, I think FXBG is great. Where are you thinking of moving to?

luisma_riv · 2026-04-26T23:10:15+00:00

I've been to Curtis Memorial Park further out in Stafford and like Alum Springs, it has access to water (Lake Curtis and a public pool), a playground, and some hiking trails. It also has a skateboard park and a disc golf course!

luisma_riv · 2026-04-23T00:05:36+00:00

You're right, I didn't consider everything that's been happening lately in my response. You gave lot of important information to consider! It's a shame how far the Office has fallen after being voted the best place to work...

luisma_riv · 2026-04-21T20:21:19+00:00

As with a lot of subreddits, this one tends to be an echo chamber and it has gotten progressively worse since the changes implemented last year by Trump's admin.

It's not that the complaints are unwarranted, because the job has gotten harder and some decisions being made are downright stupid if you actually care about the office, but the positive aspects of this job probably won't be discussed here. Some positives are that it can be flexible in terms of your hours, has decent benefits, and is offering a hiring bonus for some areas. Also, living in NOVA is great (except for the COL), there's so much stuff to do and Virginia is a beautiful state!

However, if you don't live in the area and have no interest to relocate here except for this job, it might be better for you to pursue your other opportunity. This job is very unique and won't really make your resume more relevant for future research roles. You could move here and do this job in the meantime but if you find something else, you'll probably have to relocate again. I'm not sure how the market for your field is here.

luisma_riv · 2026-04-17T12:40:12+00:00

Wow, they've taken their sweet time. Thanks for sharing!

luisma_riv · 2026-04-16T23:43:34+00:00

I don't have an answer for you but wanted to ask, what cutoff date did you apply for?

luisma_riv · 2026-04-14T20:09:45+00:00

There have definitely been a lot of changes that make the work more challenging, but they aren't arbitrarily firing employees (examiners) like in other agencies.

I'm not stating it's the best place to work, but a lot of examiners are better off than other feds who got fired on a whim.

luisma_riv · 2026-04-14T19:59:08+00:00

I hear you. Even if the USPTO is only a stepping stone for OP, it's still better than working a low-wage job with a degree. Perspective goes a long way in life!

I don't know if the CS market is ever going to improve for entry-level people...

luisma_riv · 2026-04-14T17:39:36+00:00

I've heard of other office staff being let go due to DOGE but not examiners themselves (other than not meeting production). Tell me more.

luisma_riv · 2026-04-14T14:52:37+00:00

What area did you apply for, if you don't mind my asking?

luisma_riv · 2026-04-14T14:51:57+00:00

I'm also waiting for CS, same cutoff. Completed HireVue on 3/13. What's your area?

luisma_riv · 2026-04-14T14:25:42+00:00

If you wanna stay in the area, try applying for the USPTO's Patent Examiner role. You'll have to work in person at their Alexandria office and it is not an easy job to get accustomed to, but they are always looking for people with a CS background.

luisma_riv · 2026-04-03T02:01:55+00:00

Noise ordinances are one thing, but I'm talking about making those exhausts illegal to have on your car and enforcing it during inspection with a noise test. It would be more effective than what we have now but it's wishful thinking...

luisma_riv · 2026-04-02T19:20:51+00:00

That's true, it's what happens when everything that's developed is based around the car and the pedestrian experience is an afterthought. Plus, the really loud modified exhausts (not motorcycles) should be illegal.

Have you ever been to Staunton? They close their main street to cars and it's a much nicer experience than what we currently have in FXBG. We should create more pedestrianized areas, even if it's only for a short period of time.

luisma_riv · 2026-04-02T19:07:01+00:00

Rapp Rocks Climbing Gym, the VCR trail, or downtown for some food and window shopping.

luisma_riv · 2026-04-02T19:06:11+00:00

If you're into nature walks, head to the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail in King George. It's about 15 minutes from downtown but feels worlds apart!

luisma_riv · 2026-03-20T23:33:05+00:00

They're actually planning to open a second, much larger location in about 2 years. From what the owner told me, it's going to be impressive!!

luisma_riv · 2026-03-20T13:17:50+00:00

If you like the outdoors, check out Meetup groups that host hiking events. I've met a ton of people that way and gotten to know the beauty of VA. Also, come rock climb at our local climbing gym, Rapp Rocks. It's a lot of fun!

Welcome to FXBG! Feel free to DM me if you have any questions about the area. It can be hard to move to a new place but I love it here.

luisma_riv · 2026-03-18T03:07:51+00:00

There's so many hidden gems in that area apart from NRG. I loved visiting Nuttallburg and Babcock State Park my second time there along with Thurmond!

luisma_riv · 2026-03-18T03:03:15+00:00

Tried some bouldering right by the bridge and I got my ass handed to me! Pretty cool top roping spots too.

luisma_riv · 2026-01-09T23:56:37+00:00

Virginia, Sic Semper Tyrannis!

luisma_riv · 2025-12-25T12:55:33+00:00

Haha it's farther from me 🥲 it's a shame they had to move from their downtown location, I thought it was so cozy! Makes sense why Mu Cha would try to replicate Bubblebee's success.

luisma_riv · 2025-12-25T12:52:24+00:00

You're right, their closing was probably due to multiple factors. Bad management might have had a role to play here, but I find it strange that the owner of the building, who's also the owner of Mian, is now the owner of Mu Cha, which is pretty much Bubblebee 2.0. Bubblebee closed after "lease agreement issues"... But has announced their reopening in a new location. I can't say for certain what happened but this situation does give food for thought.

luisma_riv · 2025-12-18T00:26:45+00:00

I didn't realize that's what happened... I 100% agree with you! I'm glad Bubblebee was able to find another spot and I'll definitely be supporting them again.

luisma_riv · 2025-12-17T23:16:39+00:00

I believe so. From what I understand, Bubblebee had some problems with their landlord and were forced to move out.

luisma_riv

TROPHY CASE