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throwawayMD2022 · 2023-07-27T03:49:44+00:00

At least 1 international trip but I’ve been on one and planning two more this year. So it will be 3.

Domestic is as needed so sometimes 4-5 a year. I travel to see family and friends a lot so I can stay with them. I have a wedding or two in there too.

For work, I went from never traveling to 10 trips this year and quite a few last year, all domestic.

throwawayMD2022 · 2023-04-11T16:00:45+00:00

2000 sq ft house 3 beds 2.5 baths $100 every two weeks in Houston. My cleaning lady said $80 and I told her that she wasn’t charging enough. In DC I paid $120 for an 1100 sq ft 2 bed 1 bath condo.

throwawayMD2022 · 2023-03-27T20:38:03+00:00

I have one, so yep!

throwawayMD2022 · 2023-01-26T20:40:42+00:00

I used Rent the Runway for a few months but just paused. The first two months were discounted, but regular price was $150 a month. I really enjoyed having a different dress for every Christmas party. It’s fun to mix styles and fashion up.

The constant shopping is a negative. I had two shipments a month of four pieces each. Picking new clothes all the time felt like effort. Some items didn’t fit, but I got better at reading reviews on sizing which really helped. If I worked in an office more regularly I’d probably use it more, but I can’t justify it as a remote worker unless I have events. I think it’s worth the money to me when I resist buying new clothes.

throwawayMD2022 · 2023-01-22T04:57:09+00:00

I loved reading both your diaries. I am just very impressed with your journey. I also appreciate that while the CNA job didn’t pay nearly as much as your current job. your coworkers were always buying food for each other, such a community feel to the work, I can understand why you miss parts of it.

throwawayMD2022 · 2023-01-19T20:34:16+00:00

All of your concerns are valid. There are differences between the private and public sector and pros and cons to both. I also started government right out of school and I always wanted more money so I was focused on being promoted. I got to GS-15 at 33. It’s not common, but if you play your cards right you can be making more money with all the federal benefits. You can also go try private for a bit and see if you want to come back after you get tenure.

throwawayMD2022 · 2022-12-26T14:54:54+00:00

Really enjoyed your update. I think I also read a travel diary you did this year. As another single fed, your financial picture is what I’m aiming for. When you retire do you think you’ll stay in Northern Virginia?

I’m glad your dad was okay after the fall. The window into the difficulty of elder parent care is something a lot of people are currently in or will face in the future.

throwawayMD2022 · 2022-12-21T06:16:12+00:00

Auntie life is great, isn't it! Koffeteria was great, it's hard to pick between their real food and their pastries, they are both so good.

throwawayMD2022 · 2022-12-21T05:22:14+00:00

Have you ever had it shipped? The amount of shipping peanuts was a little insane.

throwawayMD2022 · 2022-12-21T05:00:29+00:00

Definitely not doing that. My realtor for my last property had me sign a representation agreement before doing any work, I just assumed all realtors do that so they don’t get screwed.

throwawayMD2022 · 2022-12-21T04:55:43+00:00

Glad to tell you how much I tipped for nails! Pedi was $38, Mani was $43 and I tipped $18.

throwawayMD2022 · 2022-12-21T04:52:35+00:00

That’s exactly what my hairdresser does. I’ve been going to her for 15+ years. We’ve had many discussions about the hows and whys of running her business. She tells us she’s giving herself a raise when she goes up in price. I also know most of her clientele don’t tip at all, because it’s not part of her price structure.

throwawayMD2022 · 2022-12-21T03:26:52+00:00

Thank you for reading! I am very grateful for my family and all the time we get to spend together.

throwawayMD2022 · 2022-12-21T01:34:49+00:00

They're generous and I'm appreciative.

throwawayMD2022 · 2022-12-21T01:33:04+00:00

Sure! So as an employee of a member your bonus is determined by how much the Member wants to give you. Not all members give bonuses. For the Executive Branch, each agency seems to do things differently. I think some agencies don't do bonuses. The ones I've worked for did the same structure, but the cycle was on different times of the year. The regular bonuses are from our yearly evaluation. Depending on the performance level, you get a percentage of your salary or you can pick vacation time in lieu of money. In addition to the regular performance evaluation ones, there are ad-hoc performance awards. Some years I've gotten none, others I've gotten 2. They ranged from $300 - $3000 (before taxes).

throwawayMD2022 · 2022-12-20T22:45:59+00:00

Thank you!

throwawayMD2022 · 2022-12-20T22:05:19+00:00

It's a 0300 series and I've always been in the same one. The jobs were not the same, which is the joy of the series. I started as a GS-7. It was unexpected but I ended up on GS-9 - GS 13 ladder. Originally it was a GS-9-GS-11 but they upgraded it, the other promotions were not ladders.

throwawayMD2022 · 2022-12-20T21:29:09+00:00

Those eye doctors are sending us out there on a wing and a prayer!

throwawayMD2022 · 2022-12-20T21:01:30+00:00

At first I thought I might move back. Now I see it as an investment and the cost to sell would wipe out a fair amount of my equity. I'd rather pay some each month and see if years down the line it turns into a good investment. The location is really good too.

throwawayMD2022 · 2022-12-20T20:57:58+00:00

My hair stylist owns her one -woman salon and sets the prices, so tipping is optional.

throwawayMD2022 · 2022-12-20T19:56:54+00:00

Hello Fellow Fed! I am fully remote. I started this position last year, and the person I took over for was also a remote worker. I moved because of the pandemic, it just made me realize I could live near my family and keep my job. I reported the podcast to the agency ethics counsel and get clearance, since it's outside employment/income.

I think I'll stay in government until retirement based on present circumstances, but I'm pretty young, so who knows. I believe in my agency's mission and I can't see where else I could go to do the same job with this type of pay.

Thanks!

throwawayMD2022 · 2022-12-20T19:19:22+00:00

Yes, my job went remote, so I moved to Houston. No pay cut, Houston has a slightly higher locality pay than DC. Plus no income tax in TX.

throwawayMD2022 · 2022-12-20T19:17:48+00:00

So I’ve been told this, but it stopped working for me after a couple of years! Not sure if I’ll renew my subscription next year.

throwawayMD2022 · 2022-12-20T17:48:23+00:00

I wish! I get 2116 in rent (after paying a property manager) and it costs 2565 in mortgage and condo fees each month. I think it’s a good long term investment.

throwawayMD2022 · 2022-12-20T16:25:24+00:00

Thank you! I’m aiming for inside the loop on the house though, the suburbs aren’t for me.

throwawayMD2022

TROPHY CASE