jmc
New Member
Posts: 5
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Post by jmc on May 5, 2013 21:26:49 GMT -5
This is an interesting thread. I feel very lucky that I was invited to phase 2 of the application process, after following this discussion board for the last two weeks I think that many qualified people should have also been invited, too. So that makes me think that there is some arbitrariness to this process, even though it is far less subjective and capricious than most job application processes in my experience.
That being said, I did find the video SJT to be very enjoyable. Not a rush so much, but entertaining. I began to care about Judge Smith and Attorney Yang, in particular, because of all of the characters, they seemed to care very deeply about the integrity of their work and yet despite being computer generated images, their vulnerability and nervousness was palpable.
I do litigate but it is not a happy litigation (what kind of litigation is happy, though?). I don't feel a rush from it. There are times however, I feel competitive juices at play in myself and sometimes it causes cognitive dissonance. Mainly the times where I know my client is likely to lose on a ruling, but must go forward anyway due to reasons (which are beside the point). So,I know that the RIGHT result will be for my client to NOT prevail, but I still zealously represent, and then wait for the result. The part of me that wants the right outcome expects the adverse ruling and prepares my client for it, but the competitive part of me still wants to win, anyhow and is disappointed by the "loss." Definite cognitive dissonance!
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Post by gunner on May 10, 2013 23:23:39 GMT -5
Attorney Yang is a jerk.
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Post by callmeyahonor on May 10, 2013 23:29:12 GMT -5
I initially stressed about the SJT, but taking it was fun. Now that I have let the stress go, I am filled with cautious optimism. Or NOT SO CAUTIOUS.... I just want to know! Woo hoo....please say I did good!!
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Post by cafeta on May 11, 2013 23:14:57 GMT -5
I initially stressed about the SJT, but taking it was fun. Now that I have let the stress go, I am filled with cautious optimism. Or NOT SO CAUTIOUS.... I just want to know! Woo hoo....please say I did good!! I agree, the sjt stressed me out, but I recovered with the EA, and then I was having fun. Good way to end this phase! And now, the waiting begins. Good luck all! And thanks to all here for all your guidance!!! It is much appreciated!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 11, 2013 22:58:25 GMT -5
Now that I am done with the testing I still do not think this process was fun. It was stressful, consumed way too much of my time and I am still wondering what the next turn of events will be (and when it will be). I like litigating, there is a rush when you win but I still cannot say it is something that is fun.
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Post by Gaidin on Aug 12, 2013 8:02:49 GMT -5
Now that I am done with the testing I still do not think this process was fun. It was stressful, consumed way too much of my time and I am still wondering what the next turn of events will be (and when it will be). I like litigating, there is a rush when you win but I still cannot say it is something that is fun. I haven't done the DC trip yet but I can say unequivocally that I enjoy the heck out of litigation and get a huge rush from it. However, not one step of this process has given me a thrill except the thrill of getting the notice that I made it to the next step. That notice of course was immediately followed by the angst of preparing for the next step.
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Post by sandiferhands (old) on Aug 12, 2013 11:49:32 GMT -5
Interesting thread. Refreshing to see something positive about this whole process.
I guess it's just being one of the older guys, but I'm not feeling the "angst" yet. It's a process, nothing we're being asked to do is insurmountable or unfair, so just give it your best and enjoy the ride. I am impressed by the fact that this seems to be a fairly well-thought out process to determine those who overall have the best qualifications and remove "political" and subjective criteria to the extent possible. That is very refreshing.
I, too, sympathize with those who did not make it to this round, but I don't feel that posts expressing enjoyment of this process are disrespectful of those individuals.
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Post by minny on Aug 12, 2013 13:24:09 GMT -5
Furure, it sounds as though you and I have similar backgrounds except I went from private practice to a different federal agency. Waiting for the various stages of this process to happen fills me with the same type of anticipation and anxiety that waiting for a jury verdict use to cause me. I have enjoyed the process though.
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Post by 71stretch on Aug 12, 2013 14:52:19 GMT -5
When I ran the gauntlet in 2009, I had not applied for a job or even updated my resume in 15 years. I did get some fun, and a charge, out of the challenge of "dusting myself off" and getting back in the mode of competing for a job, and proving myself again. It's a little less "fun" this time, due to factors both inside and outside the process, but the challenge is still there, and the goal of serving as a federal ALJ is still a worthy one. Glad I have some time before I go through the last round!
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Post by funkyodar on Aug 12, 2013 18:51:01 GMT -5
Fun? I dunno. I just keep thinking of sports. When I was a kid, sports taught you to prepare hard, play with all you had and be humble in victory and to have pride even if defeated. Today, my kids and those all over, don't get prepared for defeats and losses. Everyone gets a ribbon and sometimes they don't even keep score. My days playing in high school and college taught me one important lesson. Even if you do your best you sometimes lose and losing isn't the end of the world. Given that most of us will never be aljs, realizing that even good folks will lose and there's life after defeat keeps this whole process in perspective.
I also think its fun to dream. In my mind I keep thinking of this deal like the nfl draft. As attorneys we all played "college ball". The testing is like the combine where we show off our skills to the different "teams". Once on the register "draft board" we wait to see when and if we are chosen. Those picked move on to a new city and go through "training camp". Those not selected have their degree and move on to other careers.
Its silly, but its the way I keep thoughts about the process light and exciting versus nerve wracking and stress filled. Well, that and fine Scotch whiskey.
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Post by slulawkid on Aug 13, 2013 8:28:43 GMT -5
I have enjoyed it. It is just another job application. Some take it way too serious. If you are that wound up about it, chances are you are not going to do good in the position or have the temperment to survive the long haul with SSA. Opportunities are made, not found. There will be other grass just as green on the other side of other fences. Make it this go around, well that is fine. If not, then it is time for another opportunity to be made. Winnie the Pooh never had an ulcer or a drinking problem!
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Post by funkyodar on Aug 13, 2013 9:01:58 GMT -5
Winnie the Pooh never had an ulcer or a drinking problem! Just obesity, major depressive disorder and probably uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
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Post by crab on Aug 13, 2013 10:16:51 GMT -5
I'm willing to tolerate a lot of what's said on this board but talking smack about Pooh, funky? There are limits .... In any case, I thought it was Eeyore with the depressive issues...
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Post by moopigsdad on Aug 13, 2013 10:22:58 GMT -5
I am with crab, don't be talking smack about Pooh and the gang. If not, you might find a bag of something (like the character, but spelled differently) on your porch lit on fire. LOL!
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Post by crab on Aug 13, 2013 11:04:14 GMT -5
Hey MPD, have you ever read the Tao of Pooh? Great book.
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Post by funkyodar on Aug 13, 2013 11:11:26 GMT -5
Wow...bunch Pooh heads huh? Just wait till i get started on Piglet.
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Post by crab on Aug 13, 2013 11:17:36 GMT -5
*stares in horror*
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Post by moopigsdad on Aug 13, 2013 12:42:32 GMT -5
Considering my wife and I dress up as Winnie the Pooh characters every Halloween, there are now parents who bring their kids which remember visiting when they were younger and they still think our house is the coolest one to visit each year. We have kids fighting to have photos taken with my wife and I in our costumes (by the way professional costumes). Also, our bulldog dresses up as either a Pooh character or sometimes something else, if she whines that she wants a different costume to wear for Halloween. Unfortunately, this has led to the nickname of us being the "House of Pooh!" (Oh! my). LOL!
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Post by futuressaalj on Jan 18, 2014 13:59:58 GMT -5
This process has not been fun and the waiting part is the least fun aspect of the process. I noticed that the OP seems to have stopped posting after the second cut was made. I surmise it is fun for some but all the fun stops when you get cut or you do not get a job offer. I am grateful I have a decent job right now and will be OK if I do not get that Golden ticket.
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Post by sealaw90 on Jan 18, 2014 14:08:27 GMT -5
This process has not been fun and the waiting part is the least fun aspect of the process. I noticed that the OP seems to have stopped posting after the second cut was made. I surmise it is fun for some but all the fun stops when you get cut or you do not get a job offer. I am grateful I have a decent job right now and will be OK if I do not get that Golden ticket. Excuse my ignorance, but who or what is "the OP"? I so much more enjoyed the process from April through August with the testing and obsessing and a healthy dose of competition. I feel like I already ran the marathon but I have to wait months to know what my time was! I do NOT like this part of the process at all. I guess it's the difference between having some measure of control and having no control at all.
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