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Post by funkyodar on Dec 30, 2013 10:08:22 GMT -5
Well, here we are with just a couple of days left in 2013 and a bright shiny new year just around the corner. I gave up doing resolutions years ago when I realized I had never kept a single one. instead, I try to take a moment and put perspective on the year that's ending. Try and identify misappropriated anxieties, wasted opportunities and the like so I can try and avoid the same mistakes in the new year.
Looking back on 2013, I think I will always remember it as the alj application year. Between this board, all the testing, trip to DC and application manager I really spent an unhealthy amount of time focusing on an extraordinarily speculative future possibility instead of the all important present. And, from all appearances and expectations there is a real danger of me letting 2014 be the same.
In reality tho, there's only one of three things that will happen. in the next few days or weeks I could be cut. I won't pretend that wouldn't hurt. Butit won't be the end of the world. I've got a good job and a great family life that would be the envy of many even if things stay static. I can always apply again later. And as my mother says, happiness depends on not letting your opinion of yourself be corrupted by what others think of you. That would seem to be especially apropos when the "others" are opm.
I could make the register and spend years on it without a job offer. its happened to many wonderfully qualified folks. With that in mind, it does no good to be too celebratory upon making the list and the added time of hoping and waiting can't be allowed to monopolize your emotions or future planning.
2014 may bring a new alj job. its a huge long shot but it could happen. Still, its just a job. The money will be better but all jobs have stresses and problems. Being an alj won't make me a better dad, husband or person.
In the end, I've decided that I wasted too much emotional currency on this lottery to justify the possible, highly speculative return. I am determined to invest less stress, less dream time and less agonizing over this process in the coming year. If allowed to stay in the running I will continue to give my best in any instance I am called upon to perform, but it just makes no sense to continue to put so much in.
I wish each of you a happy, healthy and productive new year. May God, destiny, the force or whatever in which you place your faith clear the right path for you. And may you have the vision to see that path even if you were intent on a different road.
Funky
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Post by 71stretch on Dec 30, 2013 10:09:34 GMT -5
Right back at you, funky, and Happy New Year to all the rest of us, as well!
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Post by moopigsdad on Dec 30, 2013 10:16:38 GMT -5
Hear, hear....well stated funky and observer53. I wish everyone joy, prosperity and happiness for the New Year. May your dreams and wishes be fulfilled and may you always have your back to the wind on your journey in life. Be well my friends and colleagues from this Board. I appreciate each and everyone of you.
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Post by christina on Dec 30, 2013 10:27:59 GMT -5
thanks moopigs and all. and funky, please stay in touch while spending less energy on this madness. and happy new year to all!!!!!
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Post by jessejames on Dec 30, 2013 10:47:48 GMT -5
Great thoughts Funky. We are there with you brother.
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Post by ginger on Dec 30, 2013 10:51:14 GMT -5
Thanks MPD. I can relate to funky's reflections on this past year and hopes for better balance and a healthier focus for the next year. Happy new year and good things to all of you board friends.
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Post by gottabeme on Dec 31, 2013 1:13:31 GMT -5
At least the gov employees can rejoice in the whopping 1% COLA we will be getting in 2014. For me that comes close to the same raise I was very excited to get when I was a teenager. Not quite excited now but thankful, nonetheless.
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Post by privateatty on Dec 31, 2013 7:51:02 GMT -5
Funky, there are three ways for you to lose this job. One, your score is so low and your GAL so lmited that you can't be picked. Not likely--much more likely that they want you. Two, you get back-doored by a reference (the evil HOD masquerading as Mary Poppins). Not likely, you have street smarts. Three, you screw up the interview. Least likely.
I think the Board would agree with me that if we were to pick an ALJ, you'd be it. Moreover, you have an equanamity that will come across in the interview despite potential initial jitters--and you have made your peace with the PTB. Your post can be a lesson to all.
Peace, brother, and here's to all the Members out there--may you all don the Robe in 2014!
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2014
Dec 31, 2013 9:46:03 GMT -5
via mobile
true likes this
Post by redsox1 on Dec 31, 2013 9:46:03 GMT -5
Woke up this am thinking there would be an NOR in my e-mail but it was not to be. Your posting put it in a good perspective. Will concentrate on the present. Happy New Year to all. Hopefully 2014 will be as good to the Patriots as the Sox.
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Post by Gaidin on Dec 31, 2013 13:20:08 GMT -5
Perspective is everything. When I started this amusement park ride I was ignorant and thought it would all be over by now. Now thanks to this board, your Funkiness, and other posters the scales have been lifted from my eyes. I can see that this is a long slog and I have more or less come to peace with that. I have a wonderful family and a life that makes me happy. I have a job I am grateful for. I have climbed the mountain to this point and I realize how lucky I am. I hope the next 365 days find me just as happy.
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Post by funkyodar on Dec 31, 2013 17:30:35 GMT -5
Wow. Such high praise from someone I genuinely respect and have come to beilieve exemplifies the qualities of an alj is humbling. Thank you for your confidence Private, even if it might be misplaced.
Private, other posting aljs and those like observer53 who have all been thru this process before have been an invaluable resource. Should I, or any of us, get lucky enough to ascend to the bench,it will be largely due to the insight, advice, reminders to stay grounded and genuine support of those folks. Thank you.
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Post by crab on Dec 31, 2013 18:21:12 GMT -5
Wow. Such high praise from someone I genuinely respect and have come to beilieve exemplifies the qualities of an alj is humbling. Thank you for your confidence Private, even if it might be misplaced. Private, other posting aljs and those like observer53 who have all been thru this process before have been an invaluable resource. Should I, or any of us, get lucky enough to ascend to the bench,it will be largely due to the insight, advice, reminders to stay grounded and genuine support of those folks. Thank you. Hear hear, well said, Funky. And a happy, prosperous, and stress free new year to you all.
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Post by deltajudge on Jan 1, 2014 9:53:32 GMT -5
8-)I wiah all ODAR ALJs, new and old a very Happy New Year, and sincerely hope you all can steer clear of the pitfalls management will try to put in place to encumber your doing your job.
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2014
Jan 1, 2014 11:38:58 GMT -5
Post by deltajudge on Jan 1, 2014 11:38:58 GMT -5
8-)I wiah all ODAR ALJs, new and old a very Happy New Year, and sincerely hope you all can steer clear of the pitfalls management will try to put in place to encumber your doing your job.
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Post by almostheaven on Jan 1, 2014 14:10:36 GMT -5
I join in the perspective of funkyodar and the other posters on this thread. After D.C., I had put this process out of my mind and only checked status intermittently, which has helped me with the perspective part!. As most of our work is done and control is in the hands of others, stressing about it was getting me nowhere! Part of what I do appreciate from 2013 is the help from the members of this forum, which has been invaluable and helped keep me sane. So Thanks to all for a memorable 2013, and Best Wishes for 2014, whatever it may bring!
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Post by robespierre on Jan 1, 2014 16:04:56 GMT -5
So 2013 ends with NORs not issued. That's pretty lame, OPM. It's been twenty weeks since my testing. Twenty weeks!
But I have many blessings in life so it's just a minor annoyance. A healthy and happy New Year to all!
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Post by chessparent on Jan 2, 2014 22:52:39 GMT -5
This is a good thread. I think all of you should stop thinking about this. And while you are at it, stop checking your emails and stop answering your phones. In fact, don't respond to OPM and SSA at all -more offers for me
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Post by trekker on Jan 3, 2014 7:33:04 GMT -5
For all of us in the midwest and northeast we could start talking about the cold and snow. Negative degree temperatures. Brrr. Stay warm everyone.
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Post by Gram Pop on Jan 3, 2014 10:19:35 GMT -5
Two inches of snow fell in DC overnight. That is the equivalent of a foot elsewhere. No one will be working at OPM today so the email watch can be suspended for now. There is also the chance of some "wintry mix" for Monday morning. With weather like this, it may be Spring before we hear from OPM.
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Post by pubdef on Jan 3, 2014 11:13:01 GMT -5
Two inches of snow fell in DC overnight. That is the equivalent of a foot elsewhere. No one will be working at OPM today so the email watch can be suspended for now. There is also the chance of some "wintry mix" for Monday morning. With weather like this, it may be Spring before we hear from OPM. As if they need weather for an excuse. I can shovel snow very well, and I'm quite generous with numbers. If OPM wants, I could go and finish the registry for them and get everyone their NORs by the close of business. This is what we call a win/win.
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