This isn't working. I need a new plan

[Anonymous]

I feel like these strong feelings might be stronger because you just got back from vacation. The day after vacation at work always sucks. I can’t remember a time (with or without children) that I didn’t have to drag myself into work thinking about how I wish I was rich and never had to go in again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Single mom to a (donor conceived) 3 yo, HHI 145k, Fed in a health agency for about 5 years.
Im trying to think about jobs in the school system but it would mean working outside of my terminal degree in health. I don't know what to do but I dont want to do this for 3 more years.

I work in FCPS in a non-instructional position. We are usually 12 month employees and depending on where you work your start time could be 0700 to 0930 with corresponding end of day times from 1430 to 17 00. Only days off are federal holidays. I work over the summer, winter and spring break.

Recognizing you probably work for HHS but are not a registered healthcare provider your options in the school system for non-instructional are going to be operational or administrative in nature. If, by chance, you ARE a registered nurse the nurses in my school work for Fairfax County's Health Department, not FCPS. Maybe you can look there for roles similar to your government job.

I will say that from my position, I'm seeing FCPS pivoting to bringing on transitioning federal workers in as many open positions as they can fill so if you ARE interesting in a teacher trainee role, you can probably find one.

Other options are substitute teaching or high impact tutoring but those are hourly and not guaranteed.

Good luck, OP, it's hard on everyone out there in the DMV!

Not to high-jack threat- but I’m a FCPS high impact tutor and my contract has ended- who knows if there will be anything available for the upcoming school year- it ends ‘25-‘26 school year.
Anyway, what options are available for me FCPS insider?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yea, you're a good example of why it's so often ill-advised to be a single parent by choice. Very short-sighted and frankly selfish idea.

NP. Do you just love being mean and judgmental? Does it make you feel good?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Single mom to a (donor conceived) 3 yo, HHI 145k, Fed in a health agency for about 5 years.
Im trying to think about jobs in the school system but it would mean working outside of my terminal degree in health. I don't know what to do but I dont want to do this for 3 more years.

I work in FCPS in a non-instructional position. We are usually 12 month employees and depending on where you work your start time could be 0700 to 0930 with corresponding end of day times from 1430 to 17 00. Only days off are federal holidays. I work over the summer, winter and spring break.

Recognizing you probably work for HHS but are not a registered healthcare provider your options in the school system for non-instructional are going to be operational or administrative in nature. If, by chance, you ARE a registered nurse the nurses in my school work for Fairfax County's Health Department, not FCPS. Maybe you can look there for roles similar to your government job.

I will say that from my position, I'm seeing FCPS pivoting to bringing on transitioning federal workers in as many open positions as they can fill so if you ARE interesting in a teacher trainee role, you can probably find one.

Other options are substitute teaching or high impact tutoring but those are hourly and not guaranteed.

Good luck, OP, it's hard on everyone out there in the DMV!

Not to high-jack threat- but I’m a FCPS high impact tutor and my contract has ended- who knows if there will be anything available for the upcoming school year- it ends ‘25-‘26 school year.
Anyway, what options are available for me FCPS insider?

FCPS Insider here. Only flexible options I see are substitute teaching at the moment. HIT were great when they were in our building. A few staff members are part time, working three days a week, but they are instructional and have been with the school system a long time. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Just to comment on a previous post- I believe ICTAP for hiring preference post-RIF is only good for one year (possibly two depending on the job). Unfortunately if RIF'd now, ICTAP wouldn't be applicable in a new administration.

I'd love to be wrong though.

[Anonymous]

I hear you OP. My DH used to love his fed STEM job, but now that he has taken on admin work from all the RIFed staff, he is not so interested any more. Thinking about looking for a private sector position and taking retirement from the feds.

[Anonymous]

Suck it up, OP!! Your other options are no better--poverty or living paycheck-by-paycheck in a lower stress but lower paying job with no health insurance.

As a single mom with a donor-conceived toddler, I was YOU 10 years ago but a different career (IT project manager) and a government contractor. I left a more lucrative, technically challenging and interesting job, but with a long commute, for my current BORING grind job (ugh, can't believe I've been here over 10 years) for a short under 30 minute commute and flexibility, good benefits and similar pay.

I can't say it will get easier because I think it gets much harder as kids grow up and have more time-consuming needs--school schedules, school aftercare or days off, homework (help), camps, friend playdates, and especially extracurricular activities. And, if your kid is a great athlete, you may eventually take on the wonderful world of travel sports... huge time suck of nights and weekends!

My advice is to find a good-paying flexible job with better commute. But despite the challenges, keep your head up and enjoy the special moments (that fly by) daily and be happy you can provide$ for your child without struggle, even if your time is too limited. My working married mom friends are also very stressed because they often have to spend extra time to take care of their Man-child as well.

Keep your head up and smile... you got this, OP!

-single mom by choice of a teen boy-

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With only one kid just move near work. I only say this as I had a job in Bethesda right by Metro and single Mom with one kid was having trouble juggling it all and live din Ashburn.

She eventually just got an apt in Bethesda across the street from office. 30 second walk to work and our office was next door to a Catholic Elementary school. Literally next door and she went there and life was good again.

She even ate lunch with daughter once in awhile at our cafeteria and just stepped out for PTA and back to school nights things like a appointment on outlook as school next door.

OP, if the private sector doesn't attract you I'd seriously think about this/unburdening yourself financially.

[Anonymous]

The early years are HARD! Two parent or not. This country really screws over families and children. Period. But, I disagree with a PP, I do think it gets easier. When a child can put their shoes on by themselves, it.is.easier. You’re chafing at the changes you’re dealing with, I get it. But, in this area you will have to compromise in someway:

Live farther out versus close in
Aparment vs. house
Rent vs. own
Long commute vs. short
No money vs. able to pay the bills

You have to decide which compromises you can live with. I’m not sure quitting/choosing less money is the choice I’d make in this area. You could leave the country…

[Anonymous]

The most helpful thing would be work from home days. Would look for something like remote project management/admin work

[Anonymous]

Hang in there OP and don’t quit until you find something else- job market is tough.

We’re dual Feds and the grind is real- and enjoy the snuggles and moments when you can! With the leave that you get you could consider taking a day a pay period or can you take leave every so often to pick your kid up war or drop off later. This will pass (hopefully)!

In addition to taking vacation leave, I’m (mom) taking a week to just hang with my kids at home-aka staycation which everyone is excited about. So if you can be creative that might help too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ignore the jerks. Start looking for a job. Government is miserable right now and will not improve until there is a party change. Even a government contractor gives you more flexibility and probably better pay.

I agree with this.

Also, OP, why did you say I can't do this three more years? Whst is it about three years? Are you near a retirement or something?

Pretty obvious that OP means Trump will be gone then.

Or she’s anticipating changes when her child starts school full-time

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your issue is that you are single. You brought a kid into the world single. What did you think it would be like? Where is your support system? This is most families OP but they have a significant other to help with financial, physical and logistical burdens.

SUPER helpful post. Not.
Feel superior now, PP?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your issue is that you are single. You brought a kid into the world single. What did you think it would be like? Where is your support system? This is most families OP but they have a significant other to help with financial, physical and logistical burdens.

But it sounds like she had a good system for working motherhood before the turd came along and insisted on upending people’s lives for no good reason while he dementia rambles on the news and golfs.

Yes, a support system would be helpful for OP. But I think a government that isn’t purposefully trying to traumatize its own workforce would be even better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get off your high horse OP. Boo hoo you don’t think admin work is worth your precious time. Be happy to be doing easier work at what you say is a high salary and still have a job.

Agree it sucks not seeing your son more, but this is life in this area with hell traffic

I didn’t take it as OP saying admin work is not worth her time as if it is beneath her.

We all know (especially those of us living through it as Feds right now) that our agencies’ missions are in disarray. It’s hard to have your job go from doing something substantively meaningful to pushing a bunch of papers around and constantly re-orging and not being able to make business process plans for more than a couple months at a time because who knows what is coming down the pipeline.

The American people should be annoyed that we have people biding their time with admin tasks as programs fall apart while our senile president is busy opening Alligator Alcatraz.

And no, don’t blame the employees. Most people can’t afford to just up and quit their jobs even if the work becomes meaningless. Especially not in the TACO economy.