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Someone give me TSP advice, please? All my money is in the G fund
Beerdeer fucked around with this message at 02:55 on Jun 9, 2015 |
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Jun 9, 2015 02:51
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Argh, bad gateway
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Jun 9, 2015 02:54
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I've been informed that a few positions in my field will be posted to USAJobs soon, so I'm getting my profile updated. Are there any guides that would help with the buzzwords/formatting to beat the computer filters? I've sent an email to a person that is involved with the postings in some way, and they said they would inform me when they are going to be posted.
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Jun 9, 2015 03:11
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Beerdeer posted:Someone give me TSP advice, please? All my money is in the G fund How old are you? What are your goals for retirement? How long do you plan on continuing to work? You need to talk to a financial planner. AFL-CIO union members get access to this, which is a good resource but it's just a start. Talk to a professional about this, preferably someone with experience in working with feds.
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Jun 9, 2015 05:34
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Beerdeer posted:Someone give me TSP advice, please? All my money is in the G fund L funds, my friend. They are target date fund that is more aggressive while your young and then scales back as you approach retirement. Question: is it worth it to join the AFGE union? I haven't been too impressed by anything I've seen so far. As far as I can tell, the main benefit is legal representation in case things hit the fan with my agency.
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Jun 9, 2015 14:59
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Thesaurus posted:L funds, my friend. They are target date fund that is more aggressive while your young and then scales back as you approach retirement. My experience with AFGE has been very poor, but that was our local's fault. On the other hand, Union Plus has some good travel discounts. If you join, realize that seniority really matters in unions, so keep your mouth shut until you really need them.
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Jun 9, 2015 15:09
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Full disclosure, I'm employed by AFGE as an organizer, so I'm something of a biased source. And if you are going to read the following on a government computer or federal property, I'm going to be discussing stuff that breaks the Hatch Act so read my fine posting when you aren't on government time or turf. And for the love of God don't read SA on a government computer. It's always worth it to join the union, if only for the discounts alone, and representing workers who have been done wrong by management isn't this union's only role. The FY14 and FY15 pay raises wouldn't have happened if not for AFGE and other unions working over Congress enough to get them through. All federal employees being made whole after Congress shut the government down would not have happened if not for the federal sector unions lobbying to get back pay attached to the budget deal that got things moving again. Last month, we worked with the other federal sector unions to get 49 GOP Congressmen to vote against an amendment supported by the leadership that would have severely damaged every union's ability to represent employees. All of this is done so that we can build the power at work to hold management to account when it is abusive. We're right now in process of distributing a multi-million dollar settlement from the EPA for unpaid overtime and have been fighting the Bureau of Prisons tooth and nail to get correctional officers access to pepper spray. AFGE is heavily involved in fighting privatization across the government, but especially in DoD. We've been going at it with the VA for years over the inadequacies of management in that department that has caused the scandal around scheduling (which is mostly a story of not investing in hiring providers). I could keep going, but you get the point. Worker power matters, and building power in the federal sector is going to be necessary if feds are going to keep what they have. Congress has been talking about further pay cuts by increasing employee contributions to FRS/CSRS and dicking around with the FEHBP. The proposals we've seen have that being an 8% cut to a GS-12. It's even worse for the wage grade folks and it's only the beginning. De Nomolos is absolutely right, though: the function of your local is probably the most important thing. That said, the strong locals didn't get that way overnight and they don't stay that way without a lot of work. Folks paying dues is part of it, but it's also members showing up to meetings and communicating concerns with their elected leadership and participating in local elections and knowing what is in the contract and what their rights are. The number of people afraid to even talk to the union when they have a problem is depressingly common, even in places with a strong union presence. But I'm digressing. If anyone has any questions about AFGE or what it takes to get union representation if you are in an unrepresented unit, shoot me a PM or ask here.
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Jun 9, 2015 16:42
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So I hear it's pretty easy to get a job with tsa.
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Jun 9, 2015 16:51
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Wizard of Smart posted:So I hear it's pretty easy to get a job with tsa. Only if you've got a completely fabricated identity. Great policy of "Oh, no SS# or full name? Checks out" I really enjoy that the report attached to this was to extend the ability of TSA to delve into records; yes, they do such a great job let's give them access to my bank statements so they can lose those too.
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Jun 9, 2015 17:47
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I always feel bad for the frontline TSA staff at checkpoints. Not only do they have to cope with hostility from the flying public, their management is pretty much the worst in the federal sector.
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Jun 9, 2015 19:04
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I'm just a contractor for TSA financial systems but I can attest to the state of management. Nothing makes sense from them and they rarely ever seem to be managing efficiently at their assigned level. Things that should be delegated are not and things that should not be are. If there's anyone here who's at TSA HQ hit me up and I'll buy you a Costco hot dog.
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Jun 9, 2015 21:30
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Thesaurus posted:L funds, my friend. They are target date fund that is more aggressive while your young and then scales back as you approach retirement. That said, while they did some good work fighting management on things they needed to be fought on, they also wasted a lot of time and credibility fighting minor crap they had no chance at winning. And the usual protecting crappy employees stuff. Also I got a lot of stuff about how the TPP is the worst thing ever and we needed to fight it because something something. Our jobs were literally impossible to outsource since they required physical presence in the U.S. Stop wasting my money and your time on these quixotic socialist causes and just help us deal with management. There are serious issues that are very winnable if you'd just concentrate on them rather than everything else. Frustrating. Realistically, if things hit the fan with your agency, and you hire a lawyer, if you're right and you win, your agency is going to be paying your lawyer's fees anyway. Also, I've seen too many useless employees completely avoid disciplinary action and never saw good employees get in any kind of trouble that would require a lawyer (other issues with favoritism and managers being dicks, but you're not getting a lawyer for that). I think "we'll get you a lawyer" sounds really great and gets people in, but is extremely unlikely to be useful for a good employee. Better to just be on the ball with knowing your agency's rules and knowing who is looking to stab you in the back. Also if you're young just put your TSP in something aggressive. If you're going to roll the dice, roll them when you don't have much to lose. Could pay big dividends down the road.Try to have some basic knowledge of the world economy and throw it back in something conservative if things start to go to poo poo. The S fund made something like 40% a couple years ago. Sucks if you had all your money in the G fund that year.
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Jun 10, 2015 21:50
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So the OPM breach gets that much worse. ' “We believe that Social Security numbers were not encrypted, a cybersecurity failure that is absolutely indefensible and outrageous,” the letter said.'
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Jun 11, 2015 21:33
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Must Love Dogs posted:So the OPM breach gets that much worse. ' “We believe that Social Security numbers were not encrypted, a cybersecurity failure that is absolutely indefensible and outrageous,” the letter said.' To be clear, that's someone from the government employee union basing the claim on unsourced internal OPM briefings. It's not necessarily the case. Although I do love the link name: "union_hackers_have_personnel_data_on_every_federal_employee/"
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Jun 11, 2015 21:58
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Beerdeer posted:Someone give me TSP advice, please? All my money is in the G fund S Fund looking pretty strong this year. Enjoy it's sale price this month and the next as the seasonals hide from it.
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Jun 11, 2015 22:11
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I'm applying for a position in BLS. I have an acquaintance on the team I'd be working on who will help me with the interview itself, but I need to get past the initial screening. 1) How closely should I modify my resume to match the job posting? 2) I've previously interned in different department. Would this qualify me as a former government employee? The position itself can be found here.
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Jun 21, 2015 00:42
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If you are concerned about having legal representation for work-related incidents, you're better off taking out a professional liability policy through a provider like FEDS or Wright USA. The annual cost is probably on par with what union dues would be. The big difference is the legal representative works for you, not your union. If something happens and you are relying on union coverage, know that you are probably going to be represented by a union steward long before you ever come close to an attorney. If you use your own liability carrier, you have immediate contact with the attorney.
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Jun 21, 2015 01:45
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I'm a grad student who will graduate next spring, and I'm interested in working with FEMA. When should I start applying for positions on USAJobs if I'd like something lined up as soon after graduation as possible? Also seconding the earlier question on how to ensure my resume is sufficiently buzzword-laden. EDIT: does anyone have experience with the student loan repayment deal that can be offered to recruit/retain promising employees?
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Jun 22, 2015 18:35
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HisMajestyBOB posted:EDIT: does anyone have experience with the student loan repayment deal that can be offered to recruit/retain promising employees? Nah you never know, some jobs are eligible, but in USCIS at least it is something they only offer to "hard to fill" positions, and let me tell you, it does not seem like there are too many of those in this job market. Though there is still a good chance that the "work for the Government and pay your loans for 10 years and they forgive the rest of them" program will survive... I think. (as for the buzzwords, we hear all the time that you should have a different résumé for each posting you are applying for, and to put any important-sounding words/phrases in the "qualifications required" section in there somewhere. Though as they also say, if you have not actually done the things in the qualifications list, putting them in there will only likely get you so far) (oh and apply at least 6 months out for any job, really)
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Jun 23, 2015 00:26
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HisMajestyBOB posted:I'm a grad student who will graduate next spring, and I'm interested in working with FEMA. When should I start applying for positions on USAJobs if I'd like something lined up as soon after graduation as possible? I got (a portion of) my student loans repaid as a hiring incentive; what would you like to know?
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Jun 23, 2015 01:33
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P.D.B. Fishsticks posted:I got (a portion of) my student loans repaid as a hiring incentive; what would you like to know?
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Jun 23, 2015 02:44
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Quarex posted:
As a contractor you can also be eligible for this as long as your contract supports a "public service" mission. The definition of public service seemed pretty wide. As with anything related to the government the paperwork takes a long time to process.
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Jun 23, 2015 10:50
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Ugh... seems the new trend for Japan-based positions is not allowing online applications; you have to submit your paperwork either in-person or mail it in. I first started seeing it sporadically last year, but now nearly every other position is missing the 'apply online' link.
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Jun 23, 2015 12:01
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Slig posted:As a contractor you can also be eligible for this as long as your contract supports a "public service" mission. The definition of public service seemed pretty wide. As with anything related to the government the paperwork takes a long time to process. Uhhh.. I'm going to need a link or two here. I've been federal contractor for 5 years and I've been treated like nothing more than a second class citizen the whole time. I don't have student loans anymore but still...
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Jun 23, 2015 14:41
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Seamonster posted:Uhhh.. I'm going to need a link or two here. I've been federal contractor for 5 years and I've been treated like nothing more than a second class citizen the whole time. He's talking about student loan forgiveness. I've never read anything that it can apply to contractors unless it's a non profit. As for the student debt aid, read their official report on the topic which outlines which positions at which departments receive a majority of the funds (typically engineers). Should let you know if you've got a shot. It also comes with a slavery clause where you are owned by them for years, basically.
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Jun 23, 2015 17:53
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And mine was for engineering (0855), hired under PALACE Acquire nearly a decade ago. My student loan repayment ($20,000, spread out over several years, federal loans only, and counted as taxable income) itself didn't explicitly come with a service agreement, but that may be because I was already under a 3-year service agreement due to PAQ also paying 100% for my master's degree.
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Jun 24, 2015 02:02
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MJBuddy posted:He's talking about student loan forgiveness. Yeah, I forgot about the non-profit part.
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Jun 24, 2015 03:56
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Ah, okay, thanks. Not an engineer, sadly. FEMA's career page says: quote:Government agencies have loan repayment programs to help attract and keep highly qualified employees. FEMA’s Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) is not available for all employees with student loan debt. It is available to Title V employees with specific mission critical occupational series positions. If a position falls under the "specific mission critical occupational series" criteria (couldn't find a list), is it specifically mentioned on the postings on USAJobs? Another question: Generally, people with bachelor/master/PhD degrees start at GS-7/9/11, respectively. Does everyone also start at step 1, or would people with particular relevant skills or experience start at a higher step, but same grade? quote:(as for the buzzwords, we hear all the time that you should have a different résumé for each posting you are applying for, and to put any important-sounding words/phrases in the "qualifications required" section in there somewhere. Though as they also say, if you have not actually done the things in the qualifications list, putting them in there will only likely get you so far) Thanks, that's good to know.
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Jun 24, 2015 04:13
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HisMajestyBOB posted:Another question: Generally, people with bachelor/master/PhD degrees start at GS-7/9/11, respectively. Does everyone also start at step 1, or would people with particular relevant skills or experience start at a higher step, but same grade? You start at step 1 unless you negotiate for a higher step or are offered it as a way of making the bid more competitive. I haven't met anyone who got offered a higher step, but I know it happens when you are competitive, especially if you are taking pay cut for the fed job. Also, the education-grade equivalency seems to vary a lot by agency. It is supposedly as you say. However, I have a master's degree and my first agency started me at GS-5. When I switched to another agency, I started at GS-7. The only reason I started at those grades is because they were the lowest rung for those career ladders (5/7/9/11 and 7/9/11/12 respectively).
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Jun 24, 2015 04:51
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And there is a rough agreement in this thread that it actually helps to be overqualified for the job (educationally) for The Fedz. Starting one grade lower than you technically qualify for still means you have a job though!
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Jun 24, 2015 13:00
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Thesaurus posted:You start at step 1 unless you negotiate for a higher step or are offered it as a way of making the bid more competitive. I haven't met anyone who got offered a higher step, but I know it happens when you are competitive, especially if you are taking pay cut for the fed job. You started at $35000, with a masters? Were you in DC? If so, how did you afford housing, loan payments, and food?
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Jun 24, 2015 14:06
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HisMajestyBOB posted:You started at $35000, with a masters? Were you in DC? If so, how did you afford housing, loan payments, and food? Not in DC, but still in an expensive metro area (Denver). Wasn't easy to live on a gs 5, especially since I'm supporting a family of three. Zero discretionary spending, biking to work, etc. My coworkers always laughed at my daily lunch of either a can of tuna or a pb&j sandwich  Things are a bit better with a gs 7, but. I'm looking forward to gs 9 next year. Only three years to the promised land of gs 12...
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Jun 24, 2015 16:07
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Thesaurus posted:Not in DC, but still in an expensive metro area (Denver). Wasn't easy to live on a gs 5, especially since I'm supporting a family of three. Zero discretionary spending, biking to work, etc. My coworkers always laughed at my daily lunch of either a can of tuna or a pb&j sandwich As someone going into a Master's program, this is goddamn terrifying.
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Jun 24, 2015 19:02
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Look at the bright side, one day you'll be a GS 13 or 14 with the cushiest job imaginable and you can just work until you're like 75 to make up for all those years you were being underpaid by 50%
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Jun 25, 2015 00:16
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Dislike button posted:Look at the bright side, one day you'll be a GS 13 or 14 with the cushiest job imaginable and you can just work until you're like 75 to make up for all those years you were being underpaid by 50% I no poo poo know somebody who works for DISA who is a GS-14 and was just the other day bragging about how he only does like 30 minutes a day of work maintaining a single app. 0854 Computer Engineer, same series as me. I currently work for DCMA (which is already fairly cushy, but not THAT cushy) as an 11 on a ladder to 12 that I will finish in April. The guy told me that DISA hires people to do his job on 13/14s, so it's definitely food for thought for me.
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Jun 25, 2015 01:01
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They are out there. I doubt 30 minutes of work a day is typical but let's be honest, 40 hours a week isn't bad especially if you are making $120,000+ a year as a stepped up 14 and can work from home.
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Jun 25, 2015 01:03
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Artificer posted:As someone going into a Master's program, this is goddamn terrifying. My results might not be typical. Some degrees are considered relevant for certain positions, but unfortunately English doesn't appear to be high on many lists.
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Jun 25, 2015 05:28
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You guys are looking in the wrong fields.. I know 11's with only GEDs who've been at it for less than 5 years. It always boggled my mind when I would be browsing USAjobs and would see a position announcement with a PhD required for the 9 or 11 slot. Our 12's and 13's over here in acquisition might have a Masters. Might.
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Jun 29, 2015 18:36
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LCL-Dead posted:You guys are looking in the wrong fields.. You can't say that and not say where you/they work.
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Jun 29, 2015 19:22
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It sounds like computer/science things generally are built to make the rest of the federal service sad, given that I learned our agency's webmaster is hiring an assistant who would start at GS-7 and be promotable up to GS-14. ... I love the idea that somewhere someone decided that an underling webmaster was the equivalent of like "assistant regional director." Also what the hell is acquisition? Besides a euphemism for theft. Somehow I doubt I am qualified for it.
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Jun 29, 2015 21:33
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