Good news for some folks!

[gunner]

Dear board,

Thank you to all of the ALJs, insiders, ALJ-wannabes, first timers, and frequent fliers in this process. You have given me much more information about this process and this job than I could ever have gathered on my own. The only thing I can offer in return is the small measure of information that I possess uniquely, which is that I've come to the conclusion that an ALJ job with SSA is most likely not for me. Like aljfaq, I'm much more interested in adversarial proceedings of the type handled by agencies with only a few ALJs, and it seems those agencies rarely hire off the register. And while I do want that sort of job very much, I'm too old to gamble on getting stuck in a job I'm likely to like less than the one I have for the chance that it could possibly lead to one I like more, for which I would still have to compete with many highly qualified and more experienced ALJs.

Why is this good news for some? I do think I'm likely to have a high or very high NOR score, based on past experience with standardized tests and how I felt the tests and interview went. So if/when I make a cert, I likely will go to the interview, but if offered the job I most likely will not take it. Right now, the only way I see becoming an ALJ is on the low probability that one of my preferred agencies has an opening for which it goes to the register (along with accepting applications from current ALJs I assume), or on the likely even lower probability that I'm very strongly encouraged to take an SSA job by my current agency (or someone with sufficient authority at one of the others) with an eye toward a specific opening they have in mind for me specifically. So, one less in the pool is good news for those interested in my GAL (which is admittedly quite limited).

Good luck to you all, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

[moopigsdad]

The way I understood gunner's comment above is that he will still interview if he has the chance, but he will not likely take a SSA job if offered. It didn't say he was just dropping out of the process. Furthermore, he assumes (whether rightly or wrongly) that he will score high on his NOR. This is yet to be seen. Hence, all we know is that gunner really doesn't want to work for SSA unless it will definitely lead him to another agency as an ALJ. Without that promise to an agency of his liking, he would rather stay where he is at right now. Hence, I really don't see gunner's news as anything earth-shattering for everyone else at this point. Of course, I wish him as well as everyone else on this Board good luck with their future endeavors.

[privateatty]

Dec 3, 2013 9:49:59 GMT -5 gunner said:

Dear board,

Thank you to all of the ALJs, insiders, ALJ-wannabes, first timers, and frequent fliers in this process. You have given me much more information about this process and this job than I could ever have gathered on my own. The only thing I can offer in return is the small measure of information that I possess uniquely, which is that I've come to the conclusion that an ALJ job with SSA is most likely not for me. Like aljfaq, I'm much more interested in adversarial proceedings of the type handled by agencies with only a few ALJs, and it seems those agencies rarely hire off the register. And while I do want that sort of job very much, I'm too old to gamble on getting stuck in a job I'm likely to like less than the one I have for the chance that it could possibly lead to one I like more, for which I would still have to compete with many highly qualified and more experienced ALJs.

Why is this good news for some? I do think I'm likely to have a high or very high NOR score, based on past experience with standardized tests and how I felt the tests and interview went. So if/when I make a cert, I likely will go to the interview, but if offered the job I most likely will not take it. Right now, the only way I see becoming an ALJ is on the low probability that one of my preferred agencies has an opening for which it goes to the register (along with accepting applications from current ALJs I assume), or on the likely even lower probability that I'm very strongly encouraged to take an SSA job by my current agency (or someone with sufficient authority at one of the others) with an eye toward a specific opening they have in mind for me specifically. So, one less in the pool is good news for those interested in my GAL (which is admittedly quite limited).

Good luck to you all, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

Good luck to you gunner.

However, I will make this comment. There is so much that is unique to being a federal ALJ that to make decisions based upon what you think it might be like reminds me of the kid who won't try a food because it looks yucky. I understand that you have good reasons for not taking the job--many have been aired on these pages. But the job is so unlike the practice of law that it truly is a different animal.

I could list them in concrete terms; however, the most important aspects in terms of satisfaction and interest (for me at least) are the less tangible and more "frame of mind" components. My quality of life has radically changed from the better--from blood pressure and smile frequencies to hobbies and creative endeavors. I am, in short, a different person.

So be careful when you make choices without all the information. I rather think you could go back to being a fed lawyer after a few years as an ALJ. And who knows who might hire you as a SSA ALJ?

[robespierre]

"I'm likely to have a high or very high NOR score."

I'm in awe of anyone who can say that after going through the logic test.

Best of luck, Gunner!

[ginger]

I understand Gunner's confidence about his likely nor score because I also have a good sense about my likely score- only it is that it will probably be low to medium, if the interviewers were feeling generous and boost it up. I hope you end up in a good place Gunner, wherever that might turn out to be.

[agilitymom]

I didn't find the logic test to be overwhelming or all that difficult...which will probably translate into a low to medium score because my locgical reasoning is broken.

[moopigsdad]

Dec 4, 2013 9:00:59 GMT -5 agilitymom said:

I didn't find the logic test to be overwhelming or all that difficult...which will probably translate into a low to medium score because my locgical reasoning is broken.

Thanks for my chuckle of the day!

[sxsw]

And mine :-)

[yarddog]

Dec 4, 2013 9:00:59 GMT -5 agilitymom said:

I didn't find the logic test to be overwhelming or all that difficult...which will probably translate into a low to medium score because my locgical reasoning is broken.

i think we may have a herd going here!

[Buffalogal]

Sorry to see you go. It was nice to meet you at the exam!