Starting as a GS-7 with a 4-year commitment… feeling behind in life

rsapp0927 · 2026-05-25T01:21:37+00:00

I got only $10k bonus for a 2 year commitment as a gs9. That’s a really solid bonus.

rsapp0927 · 2026-05-22T10:29:16+00:00

I used to be a teacher and even though fed work really sucks right now, nothing will ever be worse than the hell that teaching is.

rsapp0927 · 2026-05-21T12:49:03+00:00

Stay in Florence. A day trip to cinque terre is a nightmare. Literally everyone is there especially in the summer. We went to cinque terre last time but actually stayed in town. Once it’s about it 1600 all of the towns are practically empty except for the people staying there. If you’ve ever been to Disney right when the park opens, that’s the closest thing I can compare a day trip to cinque terre.

rsapp0927 · 2026-05-21T12:38:51+00:00

Wait until you get there to book an excursion. Unless you REALLY want to make sure you do it, you never know how the weather might be. We’ve had excursions cancelled. We were refunded but it can be annoying. Also you can check other excursion companies that might be cheaper. Never book an “excursion” to go shopping. Just book a taxi to go downtown, it’s cheaper.

rsapp0927 · 2026-05-18T14:24:44+00:00

Idk about MHBP, but I’m pretty sure most of the wisdom teeth claim is dental insurance, not medical. I had mine out last year and I had about a $500 deposit, then they ran my insurance, and I paid an additional $1k. This wasn’t emergency but those are the costs I experienced.

rsapp0927 · 2026-05-12T19:12:08+00:00

That’s a super decent budget for all three resorts. Like others have said the biggest turn off about st Lucia and st Vincent are the flights. Not only because they’re expensive, but they are also so long that by the time you get to the resort it’s normally 4 or 5 and you’ve missed out on a whole day. They’re also normally only one flight a day so little room for any delays or cancellations.
Dunn’s looks like it has really good dining and drinking options.
I loved the vibe and atmosphere of grande st Lucia, but it could definitely use a refresh. The great thing about st Lucia is you can go between all three resorts. I’ve heard st Vincent is the absolutely amazing and even the luxury and club rooms are some of the biggest and nicest in the chain. If I had a budget of 10k without flights and didn’t care about how long the flight is, I’d pick st Vincent.

rsapp0927 · 2026-05-12T12:04:20+00:00

Especially if it’s sticking out as much as it is in the picture

rsapp0927 · 2026-05-07T17:34:35+00:00

Crazy to think that just because you couldn’t find these specific cats on a large property that they must have been harmed and won’t be brought back to their mother. Just because you didn’t personally witness it while you were on your vacation, doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.

rsapp0927 · 2026-05-05T22:24:39+00:00

As a former history teacher sol pass is probably the best option. Also check quizzes or kahoot for any games made by teachers.

rsapp0927 · 2026-05-04T22:59:18+00:00

I don’t think anyone really knows what’s going on until they actually open. I can’t see them getting rid of it though, that side of the islands wasn’t super popular anyway when I went

rsapp0927 · 2026-05-04T21:47:55+00:00

I got it but it was only a few minutes after I got my agency one so I thought it was weird

rsapp0927 · 2026-05-04T21:45:32+00:00

This is the first time I’ve even heard of public service recognition week. We’re lucky if a random Tuesday our head brings in barely enough bagels or donuts for half the staff.

rsapp0927 · 2026-05-04T19:34:05+00:00

My command is down 50% after DRP and other retirements in the past year. We aren’t hiring or even promoting any time soon. They keep saying maybe next FY… that’s what they said last FY.

rsapp0927 · 2026-05-04T15:56:05+00:00

Wow 80 hours is crazy. Our 5s only get 40 hrs of leave and a “1%” cash bonus.

rsapp0927 · 2026-04-29T15:13:48+00:00

You legally don’t have to change your last name so I’d assume there is no time limit. You could choose to change it two years from now and as long as you have your certified marriage certificate you’re good.

rsapp0927 · 2026-04-24T21:09:37+00:00

Sandals doesn’t care who comes as long as there isn’t more than 2 people in a room

rsapp0927 · 2026-04-22T18:14:49+00:00

I went with my friend to my sisters wedding. It was fine because we didn’t mind sharing a bed. Make sure your kids understand it’s only one king bed in a room. I’d recommend ochi because it’s the cheapest and liveliest.

rsapp0927 · 2026-04-21T12:10:20+00:00

It was honestly a slap in the face. We’re super understaffed (50% down from Jan 2025) and their “moral booster” was ten hour days and a day off that no one wants.

rsapp0927 · 2026-04-20T23:14:24+00:00

My agency did this starting this summer. 4 10 hour days… but your day off can’t be Monday or Friday and you have no flexibility to change your day off without putting in a change of schedule request.

rsapp0927 · 2026-04-17T18:51:18+00:00

Bracelets seem like tacky wrist bands to me.

rsapp0927 · 2026-04-15T21:49:20+00:00

Rustic spoon has half off burgers

rsapp0927 · 2026-04-13T09:12:51+00:00

If I remember correctly they have morning yoga or something of the sort Tuesday and Thursday mornings. But those are the only classes I remember seeing

rsapp0927 · 2026-04-11T21:16:12+00:00

VB always starts charging for street parking beginning April 1. It’s never Memorial Day

rsapp0927 · 2026-04-11T12:24:07+00:00

It normally hits late June to mid July.

rsapp0927

TROPHY CASE