Federal employees "working from home"

[Anonymous]

This attack on federal employees must end.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh dear, it seems as though someone is a little envious of the flexible work-life balance that federal employees can enjoy. Let's take a moment to clear up your confusion, shall we? Federal employees do have a relatively generous leave package, including annual leave, sick leave, and various other leave options, which may include family and medical leave or even leave for volunteer activities. It's not inconceivable that your child's father is simply adept at managing his leave time and taking advantage of the flexibility his job offers. In fact, many federal agencies have been promoting work-life balance for years, because, believe it or not, happy and well-rested employees are more productive.

Now, if you find yourself questioning the integrity of your child's father, it might be more productive to address those concerns directly with him instead of speculating on DCUM. As for your career aspirations, it's never too late to consider a change if you're unhappy with your current situation. However, I do hope you understand that the grass isn't always greener on the other side, and the federal sector has its own unique set of challenges and responsibilities. But, best of luck to you in your quest for a more satisfying and flexible work arrangement.

OP here. As a federal contractor, I see both sides. I interact closely with federal employees who struggle with work life balance because of the work expectations. I'm baffled that in a separate federal agency its so vastly different where he can be away so often under so many circumstances.

Are you sure that he isn't also have some sort of flex schedule/credit hour thing going on? I'm a 20-year fed. So, I get the 26 Annual Leave days and the 11 federal holidays. That is very generous when compared to many private sector positions and I recognize that. In addition, I can work extra and rack up "overtime" which isn't paid, but you can roll it over up to 24 hours. I will sometimes work extra hours on Saturday or Sunday when there is a deadline (supervisor pre-approved) and then use that time as leave later. Your ex may be working more hours when he is not the cognizant parent and then using time to do those parenting activities or take vacations. It isn't immediately suspicious to me.

To the broader point about work-from-home, I think that it fits some agencies better than others. I work at one of the science-focused agencies and we rolled right through COVID without any problems since we had a pretty healthy telework posture prior to the pandemic. I do think that some of our support staff are not always putting in full effort, but the reality is that at many times during the calendar we just don't have 100% need for their assistance. So, if a GS-9 is "gaming the system", it isn't going to bother me that much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I worked for the government for 20 years. It’s interesting that the instinct of most posters on here is to defend WFH, the time the dad has with his kids, federal employee time-off benefits, etc. In other words, when confronted with the possibility of abuse, federal workers quickly rally around the flag. My experience with such knee-jerk responses is that many know there is abuse, but they don’t want light shed on it. Why? Because they do it too. They don’t want the gravy train to stop. Another typical response to such allegations is that federal employees need a break because they are underpaid. Again, this is all about distraction. For the work performed, many, many Federal employees are overpaid, especially when lifetime benefits are considered. This is even more egregious at the financial regulators. I know. Been there, done that. OP, what you describe is abuse and fraud. It has nothing to do with flexible work arrangements. Unfortunately, I could name you a dozen people from my former agency division that do as your ex does. Yes, they abuse the system. Any “jealousy” on your part is really outrage that this can be happening, and yes, a bit of “if this is how it works, why not me.” But, this isn’t how it should work. You are right to question it.

Yup, everyone’s colluding. That must be it.

It’s interesting to me that you think people pushing back on what’s an obvious troll post must have a nefarious reason to do so. What other reason could they possibly have for defending themselves when they’re part of a workforce that is the constant target of disingenuous attacks from certain political groups whose primary motive is to lower their own tax bill at everyone’s expense?

“Out of wedlock”? What century are you living in?
Reread my post. I don’t need to wonder if this happens, I know that it does. I’ve witnessed it. I knew a young woman who had a child out of wedlock. Even after she returned to work, no one knew where she was. She was never available for assignments. During COVID, she went to live with her mother. Anytime someone raised an issue, her Director covered for her. She became an untouchable. She makes $200k. There are many stories like this. I’m not a troll. I’m channeling reality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I worked for the government for 20 years. It’s interesting that the instinct of most posters on here is to defend WFH, the time the dad has with his kids, federal employee time-off benefits, etc. In other words, when confronted with the possibility of abuse, federal workers quickly rally around the flag. My experience with such knee-jerk responses is that many know there is abuse, but they don’t want light shed on it. Why? Because they do it too. They don’t want the gravy train to stop. Another typical response to such allegations is that federal employees need a break because they are underpaid. Again, this is all about distraction. For the work performed, many, many Federal employees are overpaid, especially when lifetime benefits are considered. This is even more egregious at the financial regulators. I know. Been there, done that. OP, what you describe is abuse and fraud. It has nothing to do with flexible work arrangements. Unfortunately, I could name you a dozen people from my former agency division that do as your ex does. Yes, they abuse the system. Any “jealousy” on your part is really outrage that this can be happening, and yes, a bit of “if this is how it works, why not me.” But, this isn’t how it should work. You are right to question it.

Thank you. I appreciate this. As I said in another post, I am a fed contractor who works closely with feds in another agency and see firsthand, due to the nature of my work, how overworked and stressed many are. I recognize it may vary between agencies but I refuse to believe this is someone just "managing time well" and enjoying generous leave benefits. If the feds I work with had the type of schedule he does, I don't think I'd hear about the stress that they describe.

We get it. You’re just jealous. Your ex left you for a good reason.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh dear, it seems as though someone is a little envious of the flexible work-life balance that federal employees can enjoy. Let's take a moment to clear up your confusion, shall we? Federal employees do have a relatively generous leave package, including annual leave, sick leave, and various other leave options, which may include family and medical leave or even leave for volunteer activities. It's not inconceivable that your child's father is simply adept at managing his leave time and taking advantage of the flexibility his job offers. In fact, many federal agencies have been promoting work-life balance for years, because, believe it or not, happy and well-rested employees are more productive.

Now, if you find yourself questioning the integrity of your child's father, it might be more productive to address those concerns directly with him instead of speculating on DCUM. As for your career aspirations, it's never too late to consider a change if you're unhappy with your current situation. However, I do hope you understand that the grass isn't always greener on the other side, and the federal sector has its own unique set of challenges and responsibilities. But, best of luck to you in your quest for a more satisfying and flexible work arrangement.

OP here. As a federal contractor, I see both sides. I interact closely with federal employees who struggle with work life balance because of the work expectations. I'm baffled that in a separate federal agency its so vastly different where he can be away so often under so many circumstances.

Are you sure that he isn't also have some sort of flex schedule/credit hour thing going on? I'm a 20-year fed. So, I get the 26 Annual Leave days and the 11 federal holidays. That is very generous when compared to many private sector positions and I recognize that. In addition, I can work extra and rack up "overtime" which isn't paid, but you can roll it over up to 24 hours. I will sometimes work extra hours on Saturday or Sunday when there is a deadline (supervisor pre-approved) and then use that time as leave later. Your ex may be working more hours when he is not the cognizant parent and then using time to do those parenting activities or take vacations. It isn't immediately suspicious to me.

To the broader point about work-from-home, I think that it fits some agencies better than others. I work at one of the science-focused agencies and we rolled right through COVID without any problems since we had a pretty healthy telework posture prior to the pandemic. I do think that some of our support staff are not always putting in full effort, but the reality is that at many times during the calendar we just don't have 100% need for their assistance. So, if a GS-9 is "gaming the system", it isn't going to bother me that much.

Thank you for this response

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I worked for the government for 20 years. It’s interesting that the instinct of most posters on here is to defend WFH, the time the dad has with his kids, federal employee time-off benefits, etc. In other words, when confronted with the possibility of abuse, federal workers quickly rally around the flag. My experience with such knee-jerk responses is that many know there is abuse, but they don’t want light shed on it. Why? Because they do it too. They don’t want the gravy train to stop. Another typical response to such allegations is that federal employees need a break because they are underpaid. Again, this is all about distraction. For the work performed, many, many Federal employees are overpaid, especially when lifetime benefits are considered. This is even more egregious at the financial regulators. I know. Been there, done that. OP, what you describe is abuse and fraud. It has nothing to do with flexible work arrangements. Unfortunately, I could name you a dozen people from my former agency division that do as your ex does. Yes, they abuse the system. Any “jealousy” on your part is really outrage that this can be happening, and yes, a bit of “if this is how it works, why not me.” But, this isn’t how it should work. You are right to question it.

Thank you. I appreciate this. As I said in another post, I am a fed contractor who works closely with feds in another agency and see firsthand, due to the nature of my work, how overworked and stressed many are. I recognize it may vary between agencies but I refuse to believe this is someone just "managing time well" and enjoying generous leave benefits. If the feds I work with had the type of schedule he does, I don't think I'd hear about the stress that they describe.

We get it. You’re just jealous. Your ex left you for a good reason.

Always love the posters hiding behind their computers sending nasty notes

[Anonymous]

It’s possible op, but the most likely scenario here is your own resentment. the fact that you seem to resent the extra time he’s spending with your shared child which most people would be thrilled about suggests you really dislike him and are a bit desperate to paint him in a negative light for any reason. I would get some therapy to figure out how you can let go of your bitterness towards him (which may be well earned for all I know). It could really poison your child, unfortunately.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why on earth would you be upset that your child's father is able to spend a lot of time with them!!!?????

It’s her ex, so she has an axe to grind.

I mean 5 weeks of leave is a lot, plus if he has AWS or maxiflex he can easily make pickup and chaperone duties. Plus you probably cover some of it as well, since they live with you sometime.

[Anonymous]

A lot of jobs are like this. It’s crazy. We get pushed to get high grades and to do well in school etc. and then… the jobs are such a snooze!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A lot of jobs are like this. It’s crazy. We get pushed to get high grades and to do well in school etc. and then… the jobs are such a snooze!

Right, but most on here can admit it. Instead, they want to tell you how hard they have it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lol, so the only evidence of telework abuse that OP has is the fact that her baby daddy spends his vacations with his kid and takes him to soccer practice?

Nope, you missed that he is also on weeks and weeks of vacations...

Allegedly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A lot of jobs are like this. It’s crazy. We get pushed to get high grades and to do well in school etc. and then… the jobs are such a snooze!

This. Most office jobs are like this, especially once you learn it’s not about productivity. All that matters for most jobs is how well you get along with others and if you can give a presentation. No one cares how much I get done. There is no benefit to working harder. I can get the same result in 4 hours as I can in 8 hours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I worked for the government for 20 years. It’s interesting that the instinct of most posters on here is to defend WFH, the time the dad has with his kids, federal employee time-off benefits, etc. In other words, when confronted with the possibility of abuse, federal workers quickly rally around the flag. My experience with such knee-jerk responses is that many know there is abuse, but they don’t want light shed on it. Why? Because they do it too. They don’t want the gravy train to stop. Another typical response to such allegations is that federal employees need a break because they are underpaid. Again, this is all about distraction. For the work performed, many, many Federal employees are overpaid, especially when lifetime benefits are considered. This is even more egregious at the financial regulators. I know. Been there, done that. OP, what you describe is abuse and fraud. It has nothing to do with flexible work arrangements. Unfortunately, I could name you a dozen people from my former agency division that do as your ex does. Yes, they abuse the system. Any “jealousy” on your part is really outrage that this can be happening, and yes, a bit of “if this is how it works, why not me.” But, this isn’t how it should work. You are right to question it.

Thank you. I appreciate this. As I said in another post, I am a fed contractor who works closely with feds in another agency and see firsthand, due to the nature of my work, how overworked and stressed many are. I recognize it may vary between agencies but I refuse to believe this is someone just "managing time well" and enjoying generous leave benefits. If the feds I work with had the type of schedule he does, I don't think I'd hear about the stress that they describe.

We get it. You’re just jealous. Your ex left you for a good reason.

Always love the posters hiding behind their computers sending nasty notes

I’m sure you adore OP in that case.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are many in government drawing $150-$200k salaries and averaging 2-3 hours of work/day. You have a lot of free time, me time, fraud time, abuse time, flex time everyday. There’s no need to plan it; it’s just there for the taking.

If it is so good, why don’t you apply then?

This is a typical stupid response. Address the issue. Essentially, you’re saying, “quit fighting for ethical work behavior and join us in our fraud.” I have self respect.

The only evidence of “fraud” here is from someone who can’t seem to stand their ex.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why on earth would you be upset that your child's father is able to spend a lot of time with them!!!?????

Seriously! This was my first thought as well. That’s great OP. You’re so lucky. Especially to have coverage for all breaks!

Not upset that he gets to spend time with the kids. Upset at how much he gets paid vs how little he works. We do split time. If he's not with the kids over their breaks, he's generally on another vacation.

If he’s using his PTO then what are you upset about?