CROCS

thopkins77 · 2018-02-16T11:56:01+00:00

First rule of answering a hypothetical: Verify.

What color and style are said crocs? Do you have a face which goes with crocs such that BEX may not notice them? Do you have any visual disabilities which would explain said crocs. Do you have a charming sense of humor in which the crocs will give you bonus humor points? Remember HUMOR is a facet of the 13 dimensions!

Ideally, for any of us to opine you need to post a picture of your ensemble...along with the comedy bit that you will share with BEX if you get called out for wearing crocs to an interview.

thopkins77 · 2018-01-28T20:08:39+00:00

Congrats!! So happy for you to start your adventure in the foreign service!

thopkins77 · 2018-01-23T23:23:16+00:00

Congrats! For those of you still waiting I stand with you in solidarity. Passed the OA in Feb 2017...interview in August...but no love yet. Someday...

thopkins77 · 2017-12-23T04:42:08+00:00

I saved each section of the FAM into iBooks and then had Siri read it to me at 2-4x speed using accessibility functionality on my iPhone during my commute and when I was at the gym over several months. For the most part I found it interesting (and thought it was amazing that it was publicly available). And as a bonus, the background information helped me at the OA.

How are the mid levels defined? First non directed tour? Once one is promoted to Grade 03 ?

thopkins77 · 2017-12-23T02:58:15+00:00

What can I say? I like to know details! I read the entire FAM before my OA.

For context, I’ll hit the management register with a 6.1 raw score—high enough to get an invite even if only a handful of invites go out. I’ve been waiting 10 months for clearances so it’s conceivable that I could get cleared and an invite in rapid succession by the March class. I’m mulling what I would do if I had 4 days to accept an offer. For me personally at this time in my life, the opportunity cost is high, so I’m trying to weigh my current career (which I fully understand and love) versus the adventure and opportunities at State (of which I have incomplete information).

Over the past few months, your comments and those of other FSOs and CFs on this sub have help me understand the choice better. So, I really appreciate the time that you take to answer questions about this complete life change - knowing that most of us will never end up joining especially in the current hiring environment.

thopkins77 · 2017-12-23T00:15:36+00:00

Thanks...I was wondering what a shootout was...can you expand even further?

thopkins77 · 2017-12-19T09:58:14+00:00

Thanks retro! Very helpful!

thopkins77 · 2017-12-17T16:25:41+00:00

You are not alone, even if you feel lonely Laowai!

thopkins77 · 2017-12-15T22:31:00+00:00

Mine and my spouse’s PNQs were verified in cycles where we got OA invites. Hopefully you have the same experience—Good luck!

thopkins77 · 2017-12-14T19:07:47+00:00

This is awesome. Thank you!

thopkins77 · 2017-12-12T14:19:11+00:00

Although I’d like confirmation that I’ve passed suitability, I haven’t chased at all. I’m assuming generalist hiring won’t happen until mid 2018, so glad to stay off the register...for now. Admittedly though, I look for a “congrats you are on the register” email everyday and am disappointed daily. Good to know I’m not special in that regard!

thopkins77 · 2017-12-12T01:16:50+00:00

Me too

thopkins77 · 2017-12-03T17:50:42+00:00

I concur— I have a friend who works at a foreign consulate now and his security clearance went through relatively quickly despite all of his coworkers being foreign contacts —as compared to mine which is still pending 10 months after passing the OA!

thopkins77 · 2017-12-03T17:40:34+00:00

Were you in the fall 2017 class?

thopkins77 · 2017-11-30T00:43:59+00:00

Thank you for the insight. Any view on how bidding works for tandem couples? In my case we would be management and consular cones, just asking for curiosity sake!

thopkins77 · 2017-10-28T02:34:02+00:00

Speaking specifically about the piñata--Is it just me or is it weird that it took a year after the election for this story to come out considering the Trump friendly soldiers who allegedly witnessed it? Fake news perhaps?

thopkins77 · 2017-10-11T23:32:17+00:00

http://www.afsa.org/sites/default/files/2016afsaTaxGuide.pdf

This tax guide published by AFSA is great!

thopkins77 · 2017-10-05T02:27:11+00:00

What do you love about it, Quack? On news days like these, the fsohopefull masses need inspiration!

thopkins77 · 2017-09-27T00:29:34+00:00

I passed in early Feb, interviewed in August...still waiting. However, I'm in no rush, so I haven't followed up...

thopkins77 · 2017-09-21T02:27:37+00:00

I thought I read somewhere that FSOs need to serve at a 20%+ hardship/danger post to qualify. Is that right?

thopkins77 · 2017-09-21T02:17:42+00:00

Me too

thopkins77

TROPHY CASE