Did your agency address "fork in the road"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. All hands call with management and union reps in my corner of SSA today. Our acting commissioner found out about this plan when she got her email. Zero advance notice given to agencies, which is unheard of.

They cannot tell us what’s best for our individual situation. But the acting commissioner (currently SES) in an email, plus my component management and the union all strongly advised we “hit pause,” and wait until there is more guidance and information so that we can make the best decision possible given out individually situation. They told us there were many outstanding questions, and they were trying to get answers in time for us to me an informed decision. They reminded us that we had until 2/6, so there was no need to feel forced into a decision this week.

I work for good people though.

uh, the Administration has only been in place a few days and has been rather busy. These are sweeping changes to cut down on waste and bloat. Did your agency head (acting, presumably) expect an engraved notice? Everyone has known this was coming since November

I’m sorry, explain to me again how paying people not to work cuts down on waste?

I think you posted in the wrong thread. The fork in the road email offers people the option of continuing to work remotely until the end of September at which time they resign.

Were you born yesterday?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many of us non-feds are horrified by what is happening. We are worried for our fed friends and for our communities. This level of incompetence combined with the disdain for federal workers is appalling and disgusting. I'm so worried for our country. In no way do I think they are trying to cut down on waste and bloat. They just don't want rich people to pay taxes.

+1. Thank you. I’m detailed to a very backlogged program where I am helping people (over the phone) in a red state state solve benefits problems. The sheer number of 60+ year old red state men who have gone out of their way to thank me for returning their call, acting like a professional and basically doing my job this week has really been heartening. I’m shocked at the amount of kindness I’m getting from a red state/ MAGA demographic. They have always pleasant to work with. A few nasty people. But if you are nice, 95% are nice in return But, the last week has been different. A lot of people going out of their way to say “I want to make sure you know I do appreciate the job you do”.

The tech bros may have contempt. People may have issues agencies or programs from the federal government. But I’ve been talking to a MAGA heavy demo (most of who are themselves in stressful situations) and am getting the strong sense they don’t like what’s happening here— at least as it appears it’s to me, a human who spends a half hour talking to them, my program or my agency.

My non detail job has no public contact and I thought the public facing piece in a red state would be the hard part of this detail. Instead, it’s been the part that makes work worth attending right now. Go figure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many of us non-feds are horrified by what is happening. We are worried for our fed friends and for our communities. This level of incompetence combined with the disdain for federal workers is appalling and disgusting. I'm so worried for our country. In no way do I think they are trying to cut down on waste and bloat. They just don't want rich people to pay taxes.

+1. Thank you. I’m detailed to a very backlogged program where I am helping people (over the phone) in a red state state solve benefits problems. The sheer number of 60+ year old red state men who have gone out of their way to thank me for returning their call, acting like a professional and basically doing my job this week has really been heartening. I’m shocked at the amount of kindness I’m getting from a red state/ MAGA demographic. They have always pleasant to work with. A few nasty people. But if you are nice, 95% are nice in return But, the last week has been different. A lot of people going out of their way to say “I want to make sure you know I do appreciate the job you do”.

The tech bros may have contempt. People may have issues agencies or programs from the federal government. But I’ve been talking to a MAGA heavy demo (most of who are themselves in stressful situations) and am getting the strong sense they don’t like what’s happening here— at least as it appears it’s to me, a human who spends a half hour talking to them, my program or my agency.

My non detail job has no public contact and I thought the public facing piece in a red state would be the hard part of this detail. Instead, it’s been the part that makes work worth attending right now. Go figure.

Yeah, MAGA don’t like what’s happening right now and are nice to you - because they need something from you. How is that hard to understand?

+1. They’ll go right back to posting nasty comments online.

[Anonymous]

But regardless, thank you for all you do PP. I hope some non-MAGAs benefit from it too!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. All hands call with management and union reps in my corner of SSA today. Our acting commissioner found out about this plan when she got her email. Zero advance notice given to agencies, which is unheard of.

They cannot tell us what’s best for our individual situation. But the acting commissioner (currently SES) in an email, plus my component management and the union all strongly advised we “hit pause,” and wait until there is more guidance and information so that we can make the best decision possible given out individually situation. They told us there were many outstanding questions, and they were trying to get answers in time for us to me an informed decision. They reminded us that we had until 2/6, so there was no need to feel forced into a decision this week.

I work for good people though.

uh, the Administration has only been in place a few days and has been rather busy. These are sweeping changes to cut down on waste and bloat. Did your agency head (acting, presumably) expect an engraved notice? Everyone has known this was coming since November

I’m sorry, explain to me again how paying people not to work cuts down on waste?

I think you posted in the wrong thread. The fork in the road email offers people the option of continuing to work remotely until the end of September at which time they resign.

Ah someone who watches Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/video/6367937857112

So radically different than reality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many of us non-feds are horrified by what is happening. We are worried for our fed friends and for our communities. This level of incompetence combined with the disdain for federal workers is appalling and disgusting. I'm so worried for our country. In no way do I think they are trying to cut down on waste and bloat. They just don't want rich people to pay taxes.

+1. Thank you. I’m detailed to a very backlogged program where I am helping people (over the phone) in a red state state solve benefits problems. The sheer number of 60+ year old red state men who have gone out of their way to thank me for returning their call, acting like a professional and basically doing my job this week has really been heartening. I’m shocked at the amount of kindness I’m getting from a red state/ MAGA demographic. They have always pleasant to work with. A few nasty people. But if you are nice, 95% are nice in return But, the last week has been different. A lot of people going out of their way to say “I want to make sure you know I do appreciate the job you do”.

The tech bros may have contempt. People may have issues agencies or programs from the federal government. But I’ve been talking to a MAGA heavy demo (most of who are themselves in stressful situations) and am getting the strong sense they don’t like what’s happening here— at least as it appears it’s to me, a human who spends a half hour talking to them, my program or my agency.

My non detail job has no public contact and I thought the public facing piece in a red state would be the hard part of this detail. Instead, it’s been the part that makes work worth attending right now. Go figure.

Yeah, MAGA don’t like what’s happening right now and are nice to you - because they need something from you. How is that hard to understand?

One, I don’t know how an individual voted. Two, they are getting he same professional help from me regardless. Three, yes, people who need things are nice. But above and beyond nice is unexpected. There has been a change this week. Maybe it’s manipulative. But I do think some of it is— you’ve been helpful, professional and pleasant— I’m sorry that people are making it harder for you to do your job. Anyway, I wouldn’t be able to do my job if I couldn’t believe most people are decent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. All hands call with management and union reps in my corner of SSA today. Our acting commissioner found out about this plan when she got her email. Zero advance notice given to agencies, which is unheard of.

They cannot tell us what’s best for our individual situation. But the acting commissioner (currently SES) in an email, plus my component management and the union all strongly advised we “hit pause,” and wait until there is more guidance and information so that we can make the best decision possible given out individually situation. They told us there were many outstanding questions, and they were trying to get answers in time for us to me an informed decision. They reminded us that we had until 2/6, so there was no need to feel forced into a decision this week.

I work for good people though.

uh, the Administration has only been in place a few days and has been rather busy. These are sweeping changes to cut down on waste and bloat. Did your agency head (acting, presumably) expect an engraved notice? Everyone has known this was coming since November

I’m sorry, explain to me again how paying people not to work cuts down on waste?

I think you posted in the wrong thread. The fork in the road email offers people the option of continuing to work remotely until the end of September at which time they resign.

Ah someone who watches Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/video/6367937857112

So radically different than reality.

That PP is right though: The fork in the road email offers people the option of continuing to work remotely until the end of September at which time they resign.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But regardless, thank you for all you do PP. I hope some non-MAGAs benefit from it too!

I’m sure they do. Not everyone in a red state votes red. But regardless, MAGA pays taxes and deserves good public service too. I strongly believe that when I turn on my work laptop, I turn off my political affiliation. I follow the law and help everyone equally. Then vent on here at night.

[Anonymous]

My agency head reported that he learned of the email when he received his deferred resignation offer. He told us that HR and Our general counsel were trying to get more information from OPM, and advised against talk the offer until more info comes in. According to our agency head there are significant legal and operational concerns with how the deferred resignation is supposed to work, and he’d hate for someone to take the offer and it not turn out the way they hope or expect.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many of us non-feds are horrified by what is happening. We are worried for our fed friends and for our communities. This level of incompetence combined with the disdain for federal workers is appalling and disgusting. I'm so worried for our country. In no way do I think they are trying to cut down on waste and bloat. They just don't want rich people to pay taxes.

+1. Thank you. I’m detailed to a very backlogged program where I am helping people (over the phone) in a red state state solve benefits problems. The sheer number of 60+ year old red state men who have gone out of their way to thank me for returning their call, acting like a professional and basically doing my job this week has really been heartening. I’m shocked at the amount of kindness I’m getting from a red state/ MAGA demographic. They have always pleasant to work with. A few nasty people. But if you are nice, 95% are nice in return But, the last week has been different. A lot of people going out of their way to say “I want to make sure you know I do appreciate the job you do”.

The tech bros may have contempt. People may have issues agencies or programs from the federal government. But I’ve been talking to a MAGA heavy demo (most of who are themselves in stressful situations) and am getting the strong sense they don’t like what’s happening here— at least as it appears it’s to me, a human who spends a half hour talking to them, my program or my agency.

My non detail job has no public contact and I thought the public facing piece in a red state would be the hard part of this detail. Instead, it’s been the part that makes work worth attending right now. Go figure.

Yeah, MAGA don’t like what’s happening right now and are nice to you - because they need something from you. How is that hard to understand?

I'm the non-Fed PP above. I'm sure this is part of it, but plenty of people are nasty even when they need something. I am glad that most people are not being nasty to PP and that they are sharing their appreciation for PP.

I hate the voting choices of Trump voters, but I don't think they all voted for this. They largely voted against immigration, inflation and probably a fair amount are annoyed by DEI and trans rights. That sucks and I disagree with them, but I don't think most of them hate federal workers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My agency head reported that he learned of the email when he received his deferred resignation offer. He told us that HR and Our general counsel were trying to get more information from OPM, and advised against talk the offer until more info comes in. According to our agency head there are significant legal and operational concerns with how the deferred resignation is supposed to work, and he’d hate for someone to take the offer and it not turn out the way they hope or expect.

This is what we're hearing, too.

[Anonymous]

I hate the voting choices of Trump voters, but I don't think they all voted for this. They largely voted against immigration, inflation and probably a fair amount are annoyed by DEI and trans rights. That sucks and I disagree with them, but I don't think most of them hate federal workers.

This is important to remember. Most of the feds I know that voted for trump were single issue voters - immigration (particularly hispanics). And to be fair the democrats were in fact terrible on immigration (or at least had the appearance of being terrible). Their news bubble wasn't reporting on project 2025 or the whole fascism thing, just migrant crime.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. All hands call with management and union reps in my corner of SSA today. Our acting commissioner found out about this plan when she got her email. Zero advance notice given to agencies, which is unheard of.

They cannot tell us what’s best for our individual situation. But the acting commissioner (currently SES) in an email, plus my component management and the union all strongly advised we “hit pause,” and wait until there is more guidance and information so that we can make the best decision possible given out individually situation. They told us there were many outstanding questions, and they were trying to get answers in time for us to me an informed decision. They reminded us that we had until 2/6, so there was no need to feel forced into a decision this week.

I work for good people though.

uh, the Administration has only been in place a few days and has been rather busy. These are sweeping changes to cut down on waste and bloat. Did your agency head (acting, presumably) expect an engraved notice? Everyone has known this was coming since November

I’m sorry, explain to me again how paying people not to work cuts down on waste?

I think you posted in the wrong thread. The fork in the road email offers people the option of continuing to work remotely until the end of September at which time they resign.

Ah someone who watches Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/video/6367937857112

So radically different than reality.

That PP is right though: The fork in the road email offers people the option of continuing to work remotely until the end of September at which time they resign.

And pigs fly to China to buy moon cakes. I read it on the Internet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. All hands call with management and union reps in my corner of SSA today. Our acting commissioner found out about this plan when she got her email. Zero advance notice given to agencies, which is unheard of.

They cannot tell us what’s best for our individual situation. But the acting commissioner (currently SES) in an email, plus my component management and the union all strongly advised we “hit pause,” and wait until there is more guidance and information so that we can make the best decision possible given out individually situation. They told us there were many outstanding questions, and they were trying to get answers in time for us to me an informed decision. They reminded us that we had until 2/6, so there was no need to feel forced into a decision this week.

I work for good people though.

uh, the Administration has only been in place a few days and has been rather busy. These are sweeping changes to cut down on waste and bloat. Did your agency head (acting, presumably) expect an engraved notice? Everyone has known this was coming since November

I’m sorry, explain to me again how paying people not to work cuts down on waste?

I think you posted in the wrong thread. The fork in the road email offers people the option of continuing to work remotely until the end of September at which time they resign.

Ah someone who watches Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/video/6367937857112

So radically different than reality.

That PP is right though: The fork in the road email offers people the option of continuing to work remotely until the end of September at which time they resign.

And pigs fly to China to buy moon cakes. I read it on the Internet.

I read the PP's post to be saying that you'd be wrong to read the email as offering paid admin leave; rather, all it is offering by its terms is the ability to keep doing your job under your current telework or remote arrangement. Regardless, the folks orchestrating this are scum-of-the-earth level bad people, and they won't honor even the actual words of the email, let alone things it says only "might" or "may" happen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I hate the voting choices of Trump voters, but I don't think they all voted for this. They largely voted against immigration, inflation and probably a fair amount are annoyed by DEI and trans rights. That sucks and I disagree with them, but I don't think most of them hate federal workers.

This is important to remember. Most of the feds I know that voted for trump were single issue voters - immigration (particularly hispanics). And to be fair the democrats were in fact terrible on immigration (or at least had the appearance of being terrible). Their news bubble wasn't reporting on project 2025 or the whole fascism thing, just migrant crime.
So what? The end result is they voted for the guy who’s now creating mayhem.