Help - Former USAID contractor -- zero interviews in a year

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I disagree with the PPs saying relocate. It's not at all that simple. Companies outside of the DMV 1) want to pay him way less. Like less than 50% of his previous salary and 2) want him in town to start today. So to do that idea he'd need to relocate ahead of you to interview.

Is this not OP saying he won’t take a pay cut? Another post should have said “would want” - “want” alone implies it has been experienced by DH.

[Anonymous]

I say this with respect because I know there’s a lot of affected people here (in addition to the OP), but could someone please explain how/why the people at this org were paid so much before when it seems like their actual skills just didn’t warrant that high level of pay? Is this typical in government orgs? I knew government positions paid a lot more than I originally expected, but I was told that they need to pay those salaries (in addition to the security that has historically also come with government positions) in order to staff the positions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has he tried teaching? It will provide the health insurance and assuming he stays 5-10 years he’ll have a small pension too.
The language teachers are mostly terrible so I would think that might be a decent fit if he can pivot a bit, but they also need other types of teachers as well.

If you are in Virginia and would rather stay put than move, this is a solid option. You can get a career-switcher degree in a year, I think, and the need for teachers is great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I say this with respect because I know there’s a lot of affected people here (in addition to the OP), but could someone please explain how/why the people at this org were paid so much before when it seems like their actual skills just didn’t warrant that high level of pay? Is this typical in government orgs? I knew government positions paid a lot more than I originally expected, but I was told that they need to pay those salaries (in addition to the security that has historically also come with government positions) in order to staff the positions.

This is because the whole industry was dependent on federal funding, so the floor dropped out, and all experts were suddenly redundant. However I think it’s very questionable to have been using taxpayer dollars to essentially create an industry that has no transferable value. It is tough to set appropriate compensation in the non-profit world as there is no ‘buyer’ to set prices. Practically and ethically, billionaires, like the gates foundation or true missionaries should be footing that bill instead of taxpayers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I say this with respect because I know there’s a lot of affected people here (in addition to the OP), but could someone please explain how/why the people at this org were paid so much before when it seems like their actual skills just didn’t warrant that high level of pay? Is this typical in government orgs? I knew government positions paid a lot more than I originally expected, but I was told that they need to pay those salaries (in addition to the security that has historically also come with government positions) in order to staff the positions.

This is because the whole industry was dependent on federal funding, so the floor dropped out, and all experts were suddenly redundant. However I think it’s very questionable to have been using taxpayer dollars to essentially create an industry that has no transferable value. It is tough to set appropriate compensation in the non-profit world as there is no ‘buyer’ to set prices. Practically and ethically, billionaires, like the gates foundation or true missionaries should be footing that bill instead of taxpayers.

You could say the same thing about the defense industry. And that's much bigger and employs far more people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I say this with respect because I know there’s a lot of affected people here (in addition to the OP), but could someone please explain how/why the people at this org were paid so much before when it seems like their actual skills just didn’t warrant that high level of pay? Is this typical in government orgs? I knew government positions paid a lot more than I originally expected, but I was told that they need to pay those salaries (in addition to the security that has historically also come with government positions) in order to staff the positions.

This is because the whole industry was dependent on federal funding, so the floor dropped out, and all experts were suddenly redundant. However I think it’s very questionable to have been using taxpayer dollars to essentially create an industry that has no transferable value. It is tough to set appropriate compensation in the non-profit world as there is no ‘buyer’ to set prices. Practically and ethically, billionaires, like the gates foundation or true missionaries should be footing that bill instead of taxpayers.

You could say the same thing about the defense industry. And that's much bigger and employs far more people.

Well nobody has been saying what these nebulous skills are. Is it just grant writing? Making policy? Writing white papers? Won't somebody please be brave and say what people did? I'm sure some of it is transferable.

As for the denfense industry, I have only a good sense for IT and the different systems and needs are vast. But perhaps contracts management and procurement would be a highlighted feature in this industry? It seems that nobody in government is very good at it. If they are then their hands are tied with ridiculous regulations on how to choose and oversee contractors since it seems that there's no spending limit and no rules these days.

[Anonymous]

Has your husband asked any of his peers to review his resume and cover letter and provide candid feedback? When one of my former colleagues was struggling to land interviews, I asked if I could help by reviewing their resume. Long story short: I edited it (dramatically) and they quickly landed a few interviews. Start there.

Is your husband doing anything to bring in cash? Door Dash/Instacart/Uber? Any cash is better than nothing.

I heard Gov. Moore say MD started a fast-track teacher certification program for former feds, etc. Good benefits, steady paycheck, plus the flexibility for a side hustle (tutoring, college application support, etc.).

If he managed grants and can handle budgets and basic accounting, perhaps lean into that?

Is he handy? Could you invest in real estate, flip a house, or become landlords?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I say this with respect because I know there’s a lot of affected people here (in addition to the OP), but could someone please explain how/why the people at this org were paid so much before when it seems like their actual skills just didn’t warrant that high level of pay? Is this typical in government orgs? I knew government positions paid a lot more than I originally expected, but I was told that they need to pay those salaries (in addition to the security that has historically also come with government positions) in order to staff the positions.

Because when they were doing that job, it was something the government actually needed to get done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My only advice is to apply out of the area, maybe even out of the country (like those countries that your DH has experience with). For years, we've been telling coal miners in WV to move to where the jobs are. I think white collar workers in DC need to be willing to do the same.

FWIW, I despise Trump and fully support USAID. I actually thought about working for them decades ago. If/when USAID ever comes back, you could potentially move back.

It sucks, but I also had to move to where the jobs were. In my case, it was the best decision ever. My career really took off, and I made a ton more money.

NP. What field are you in and where did you move to

This was a long time ago (I'm talking 30years), and not in the government. But, the point remains, when you are out of a job, and clearly need a new one, and the area you live in doesn't have jobs that fit you, you need to move to an area that has some jobs that you may be a fit for. That could be in a different city (me since the state I lived in was huge), or a different state, or even a different country.

IMO, it sucks to start over, but doubly so in your 50s (I'm 55). But, if you don't have much tying you to this area, like HS kids whom a move would be difficult for, with the DH's background, I'd look into jobs in other countries since OP can work anywhere.

I guess I'm projecting because if I could get a job in Spain, for example, I'd move there in a heartbeat right now. But my kids are in college, so it would be easier for us.

I appreciate the empathy but moving jobs and locations when you are 25 and have say 3 years of full time work experience is very very different

It's so clueless as to be offensive

IMO, you people are the clueless ones. Why can't a 55 yr old move to where the job offer is? What did you tell the 50 yr old coal miners in WV who have been out of a job for a year? You probably told them to pivot or move to where the jobs are, right?

It's offensive for exFed white collared workers who had cushy jobs to think they shouldn't have to move but expect blue collared workers to do so for jobs.

FWIW, my parents were uneducated blue collared workers who immigrated to this country with 4 kids under 10, without knowing how to speak English. I think if you can speak English, are educated, you can absolutely move to a different state/city at the age of 55 for a job. You just don't want to.

People move for jobs all the time. Companies relocate; close. Why do exFeds think they are special and shouldn't be expected to do this?

I'm sorry, but you guys come across as entitled and helpless. Very unbecoming. And I feel awful for DOGE'd feds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My only advice is to apply out of the area, maybe even out of the country (like those countries that your DH has experience with). For years, we've been telling coal miners in WV to move to where the jobs are. I think white collar workers in DC need to be willing to do the same.

FWIW, I despise Trump and fully support USAID. I actually thought about working for them decades ago. If/when USAID ever comes back, you could potentially move back.

It sucks, but I also had to move to where the jobs were. In my case, it was the best decision ever. My career really took off, and I made a ton more money.

NP. What field are you in and where did you move to

This was a long time ago (I'm talking 30years), and not in the government. But, the point remains, when you are out of a job, and clearly need a new one, and the area you live in doesn't have jobs that fit you, you need to move to an area that has some jobs that you may be a fit for. That could be in a different city (me since the state I lived in was huge), or a different state, or even a different country.

IMO, it sucks to start over, but doubly so in your 50s (I'm 55). But, if you don't have much tying you to this area, like HS kids whom a move would be difficult for, with the DH's background, I'd look into jobs in other countries since OP can work anywhere.

I guess I'm projecting because if I could get a job in Spain, for example, I'd move there in a heartbeat right now. But my kids are in college, so it would be easier for us.

So you moved for a job 30 years ago when you were 25 and it worked out great.

That is not really applicable to a 55 year old.

Why not? I understand it's harder at 55 (I stated as much). But, if he did get a job overseas, they could do it.

Like I said, we tell coal miners to move to where the jobs are. White collar workers should be able to do the same, no?

I'm sympathetic to OP and her husband, but the reality is that a 50 something year is going to have a tough time, period, landing a new job. So, go wherever you can find that job by keeping your options open.

We are fortunate to have enough saved where I can not work if I got laid off right now but if I needed the income (for health insurance), you bet I'd be looking at other states/countries. As a matter of fact, my spouse came here for work from another country.

Not sure why you are obsessed with coal miners. Most advice is to retrain and then move, so unlikely applicable to a 55 year old man — is heading to grad school?

Gosh, white collared educated people seem super helpless.

You don't need grad school to be "retrained". You can get certifications. Why can't a 55 yr old man do that?

I'm focusing on coal miners because for years, we've been telling these people to move to get a job.

If you show this thread to a coal miner, they'd see you as an entitled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My only advice is to apply out of the area, maybe even out of the country (like those countries that your DH has experience with). For years, we've been telling coal miners in WV to move to where the jobs are. I think white collar workers in DC need to be willing to do the same.

FWIW, I despise Trump and fully support USAID. I actually thought about working for them decades ago. If/when USAID ever comes back, you could potentially move back.

It sucks, but I also had to move to where the jobs were. In my case, it was the best decision ever. My career really took off, and I made a ton more money.

NP. What field are you in and where did you move to

This was a long time ago (I'm talking 30years), and not in the government. But, the point remains, when you are out of a job, and clearly need a new one, and the area you live in doesn't have jobs that fit you, you need to move to an area that has some jobs that you may be a fit for. That could be in a different city (me since the state I lived in was huge), or a different state, or even a different country.

IMO, it sucks to start over, but doubly so in your 50s (I'm 55). But, if you don't have much tying you to this area, like HS kids whom a move would be difficult for, with the DH's background, I'd look into jobs in other countries since OP can work anywhere.

I guess I'm projecting because if I could get a job in Spain, for example, I'd move there in a heartbeat right now. But my kids are in college, so it would be easier for us.

I appreciate the empathy but moving jobs and locations when you are 25 and have say 3 years of full time work experience is very very different

It's so clueless as to be offensive

IMO, you people are the clueless ones. Why can't a 55 yr old move to where the job offer is? What did you tell the 50 yr old coal miners in WV who have been out of a job for a year? You probably told them to pivot or move to where the jobs are, right?

It's offensive for exFed white collared workers who had cushy jobs to think they shouldn't have to move but expect blue collared workers to do so for jobs.

FWIW, my parents were uneducated blue collared workers who immigrated to this country with 4 kids under 10, without knowing how to speak English. I think if you can speak English, are educated, you can absolutely move to a different state/city at the age of 55 for a job. You just don't want to.

People move for jobs all the time. Companies relocate; close. Why do exFeds think they are special and shouldn't be expected to do this?

I'm sorry, but you guys come across as entitled and helpless. Very unbecoming. And I feel awful for DOGE'd feds.

DP

ICYMI: it’s nearly impossible for a 55 year old to land a white collar job without certain expertise and/or connections.

Ageism is real.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I say this with respect because I know there’s a lot of affected people here (in addition to the OP), but could someone please explain how/why the people at this org were paid so much before when it seems like their actual skills just didn’t warrant that high level of pay? Is this typical in government orgs? I knew government positions paid a lot more than I originally expected, but I was told that they need to pay those salaries (in addition to the security that has historically also come with government positions) in order to staff the positions.

+1

Also hear a lot about how a high salary is needed because folks could leave for the private sector for an even higher salary.

Also easier to fly under the radar at government jobs. Can also be the case in the private sector but seemed to be more endemic in gov.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I say this with respect because I know there’s a lot of affected people here (in addition to the OP), but could someone please explain how/why the people at this org were paid so much before when it seems like their actual skills just didn’t warrant that high level of pay? Is this typical in government orgs? I knew government positions paid a lot more than I originally expected, but I was told that they need to pay those salaries (in addition to the security that has historically also come with government positions) in order to staff the positions.

This is because the whole industry was dependent on federal funding, so the floor dropped out, and all experts were suddenly redundant. However I think it’s very questionable to have been using taxpayer dollars to essentially create an industry that has no transferable value. It is tough to set appropriate compensation in the non-profit world as there is no ‘buyer’ to set prices. Practically and ethically, billionaires, like the gates foundation or true missionaries should be footing that bill instead of taxpayers.

So, for example, has language skills in a certain area, has the appropriate govt-required credentials to execute specific programs, has established connections to businesses and government agencies in the target countries, knows how to fill out the very weird and esoteric forms and paperwork needed to acquire or move shipments, etc. The industry just dried up overnight and any similar jobs are full up. Elon Musk isn’t filling the gap, he’s still playing with spaceships.

You could say the same thing about the defense industry. And that's much bigger and employs far more people.

Well nobody has been saying what these nebulous skills are. Is it just grant writing? Making policy? Writing white papers? Won't somebody please be brave and say what people did? I'm sure some of it is transferable.

As for the denfense industry, I have only a good sense for IT and the different systems and needs are vast. But perhaps contracts management and procurement would be a highlighted feature in this industry? It seems that nobody in government is very good at it. If they are then their hands are tied with ridiculous regulations on how to choose and oversee contractors since it seems that there's no spending limit and no rules these days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My only advice is to apply out of the area, maybe even out of the country (like those countries that your DH has experience with). For years, we've been telling coal miners in WV to move to where the jobs are. I think white collar workers in DC need to be willing to do the same.

FWIW, I despise Trump and fully support USAID. I actually thought about working for them decades ago. If/when USAID ever comes back, you could potentially move back.

It sucks, but I also had to move to where the jobs were. In my case, it was the best decision ever. My career really took off, and I made a ton more money.

NP. What field are you in and where did you move to

This was a long time ago (I'm talking 30years), and not in the government. But, the point remains, when you are out of a job, and clearly need a new one, and the area you live in doesn't have jobs that fit you, you need to move to an area that has some jobs that you may be a fit for. That could be in a different city (me since the state I lived in was huge), or a different state, or even a different country.

IMO, it sucks to start over, but doubly so in your 50s (I'm 55). But, if you don't have much tying you to this area, like HS kids whom a move would be difficult for, with the DH's background, I'd look into jobs in other countries since OP can work anywhere.

I guess I'm projecting because if I could get a job in Spain, for example, I'd move there in a heartbeat right now. But my kids are in college, so it would be easier for us.

I appreciate the empathy but moving jobs and locations when you are 25 and have say 3 years of full time work experience is very very different

It's so clueless as to be offensive

IMO, you people are the clueless ones. Why can't a 55 yr old move to where the job offer is? What did you tell the 50 yr old coal miners in WV who have been out of a job for a year? You probably told them to pivot or move to where the jobs are, right?

It's offensive for exFed white collared workers who had cushy jobs to think they shouldn't have to move but expect blue collared workers to do so for jobs.

FWIW, my parents were uneducated blue collared workers who immigrated to this country with 4 kids under 10, without knowing how to speak English. I think if you can speak English, are educated, you can absolutely move to a different state/city at the age of 55 for a job. You just don't want to.

People move for jobs all the time. Companies relocate; close. Why do exFeds think they are special and shouldn't be expected to do this?

I'm sorry, but you guys come across as entitled and helpless. Very unbecoming. And I feel awful for DOGE'd feds.

Please read before you spout off. The OP said on page 1 that they would be open to moving and that he would be open to taking a lower salary. Everything is harder job wise in your 50s. Whether you are a coal miner or a white collar professional. Show some empathy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has he tried teaching? It will provide the health insurance and assuming he stays 5-10 years he’ll have a small pension too.
The language teachers are mostly terrible so I would think that might be a decent fit if he can pivot a bit, but they also need other types of teachers as well.

If you are in Virginia and would rather stay put than move, this is a solid option. You can get a career-switcher degree in a year, I think, and the need for teachers is great.

It isn't as great anymore. Positions are being cut because budgets are being cut.

It's also a lot of training to transition, and almost half quit the profession within the first five years.

- career changer