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Post by bhappy on Apr 11, 2014 17:12:58 GMT -5
I urge you not to put all of your eggs in the ALJ basket and to look to other judicial positions. I have been on the register since 2009, made two certs, interviewed in Falls Church but no offer (one-city GAL), took the latest exam, got a great NOR and wait like the rest of you. However, I applied for other judical positions during the ALJ process and now sit as a state bench officer. I did not need to relocate. I remain in my hometown. I have my own courtroom, chambers, staff and a great judical assignment. My aim is not to gloat. My point is to urge everyone out there to apply for other local and state bench positions. For years I thought the ALJ position was the only thing. I was wrong. All of you have other options. Not to explore and exercise them would be a disservice. End of sermon: look into all bench positions available to you. I am glad I did.
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cat
Member
Fog comes in on little cat feet . . . .
Posts: 28
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Post by cat on Apr 11, 2014 21:11:25 GMT -5
Glad that you found your passion. However, some of us are already federal employees and would like to stay in the federal system. Options are limited. My choice is ALJ-dom or move into operations work for my agency. As far as federal employees go, I am not badly paid (but not SEC rich$$). If I don't make the grade, I can consider operations later.
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Post by BagLady on Apr 11, 2014 22:08:12 GMT -5
In some states all non-federal judges are elected.
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Post by 71stretch on Apr 11, 2014 23:33:29 GMT -5
But in many states, trial court judges and/or commissioners are not elected. It's a rigorous and often political selection process, but it's not an election. I don't know what the OP means by "bench officer" but state ALJ positions are also not elected. City court judges are generally not elected, either, for that matter.
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Post by bhappy on Apr 12, 2014 0:14:48 GMT -5
Just a couple of things. I intentionally used the phrase "bench officer" because my title is a specific position within the state judiciary. Many may not recognize the title. Rest assured, politics played no part. I competed against more than 60 qualified applicants. I went through two rounds of interviews where the panels comprised more than eight state court judges. The structured interview experience with OPM and SSA paid off.
More intel. I left federal employment for my state gig. I have 17 years of fed experience and qualify for a pension. I rolled the dice and decided to take the state gig rather than wait for a potential ALJ gig, which included relocation potential.
In my mind, the pros outweighed the cons. But that's my story.
My goal is simply to encourage everyone to look at their options.
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Post by moopigsdad on Apr 12, 2014 5:48:24 GMT -5
I urge you not to put all of your eggs in the ALJ basket and to look to other judicial positions. I have been on the register since 2009, made two certs, interviewed in Falls Church but no offer (one-city GAL), took the latest exam, got a great NOR and wait like the rest of you. However, I applied for other judical positions during the ALJ process and now sit as a state bench officer. I did not need to relocate. I remain in my hometown. I have my own courtroom, chambers, staff and a great judical assignment. My aim is not to gloat. My point is to urge everyone out there to apply for other local and state bench positions. For years I thought the ALJ position was the only thing. I was wrong. All of you have other options. Not to explore and exercise them would be a disservice. End of sermon: look into all bench positions available to you. I am glad I did. So if you have this great state gig why did you take the ALJ exam this time? Why be on the register at all bhappy if you are now truly happy? Just curious?
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Post by 71stretch on Apr 12, 2014 7:11:13 GMT -5
I urge you not to put all of your eggs in the ALJ basket and to look to other judicial positions. I have been on the register since 2009, made two certs, interviewed in Falls Church but no offer (one-city GAL), took the latest exam, got a great NOR and wait like the rest of you. However, I applied for other judical positions during the ALJ process and now sit as a state bench officer. I did not need to relocate. I remain in my hometown. I have my own courtroom, chambers, staff and a great judical assignment. My aim is not to gloat. My point is to urge everyone out there to apply for other local and state bench positions. For years I thought the ALJ position was the only thing. I was wrong. All of you have other options. Not to explore and exercise them would be a disservice. End of sermon: look into all bench positions available to you. I am glad I did. So if you have this great state gig why did you take the ALJ exam this time? Why be on the register at all bhappy if you are now truly happy? Just curious? As I understand bhappy's post, bhappy was selected for the bench officer job after the ALJ application/testing process was over.
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Post by moopigsdad on Apr 12, 2014 7:16:17 GMT -5
You could be right observer53, but bhappy's post was not clear as to when she or he received the present bench position. It could have been after the last application or prior to it. The post just was not clear.
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Post by minny on Apr 12, 2014 7:41:28 GMT -5
I can understand entirely if bhappy decided to apply for the ALJ gig even though content in the present position. Perhaps the ALJ position pays better than the state position (it certainly would in my state). Perhaps having the option to move some place cool is appealing, even though hometown placement currently works for her. Maybe, as good as things are, bhappy prefers being a federal employee. Bhappy, I agree with your message that ALJ applicants should not be consumed by the idea of getting an ALJ position to the exclusion of other judicial positions that might be available. I, for one, want to remain a federal employee but that does not stop me from applying to other federal positions, including administrative judge positions that come open.
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Post by 71stretch on Apr 12, 2014 7:45:24 GMT -5
It was clear to me that bhappy was at least well into, if not finished with, the app process when selected for this job. Bhappy can clarify further as necessary, I'm sure.
That said, of course if one is really looking for another job for career advancement, all opportunities should be pursued. There are people who get a bit too invested in this one opportunity.
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Post by moopigsdad on Apr 12, 2014 10:46:48 GMT -5
I would also like to add that a majority of the people on the Register and the Board realize there is not such thing as a sure score for an ALJ position. Even if your score is in the 80's, it doesn't mean you will get a position. It will get you a cert and interview, but no guaranteed position. So, like me, I think most people aren't counting on a guaranteed position, but are wishing for the best. Most of us will either stay at our present jobs or look for other positions to move into at some point. If you are placing all your eggs in one basket (the ALJ position) you will likely be disappointed. Ask those who are still on this Board who have been through the process one or more times without luck. They will tell you keep all your options open. Going for an ALJ position is like playing the lottery, most will be disappointed, but once in a while you get lucky.
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Post by christina on Apr 12, 2014 11:24:12 GMT -5
in bhappy's defense, I read his or her post that happiness can be found in things other than the ALJ gig, including in other work settings. Great advice. i've seen some ALJ's that seem pretty miserable at times and some that love their job and think they found the best job in the federal govt. given how hard it is to become an ALJ, bhappy's advice to keep all options open is also great advice. also, sounds like bhappy learned these lessons from life as there was a time when they thought ALJ or bust.
patience, sounds like the ALJ job at SSA is an improvement from where you are at. Regarding other jobs, consider going outside the law. once I get my 20 years of federal service in, I may jump at early retirement and go into a non-legal field. have not decided yet but it's certainly on my table to look at. that being said, if you don't get picked up for an ALJ this time around, i'd stay in legal field if you plan to reapply for ALJ job. no empiric evidence to back up my gut sense which is you'd be stronger candidate as sitting judge than a lawyer who said screw the law and was doing somethig else when your name came up for serious ALJ consideration.
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Post by christina on Apr 12, 2014 11:55:45 GMT -5
patience, this does not at all answer your question but I was ready to throw my hat in December and walk away from my job. Everyone told me to hang in there as i'm getting close to that 20 year mark. one relative put it blunty and somwhat jokingly that i take a janitor job if it was on the federal retirement system rather than leave the feds. if you are in similar boat, eg your state retirement is not that far away, I'd encourage you to stay within your state system until u hit a retirement landmark. Been there on the current gig being a pain in the a... at times. hopefully, some will have an answer to your question that have jobs within state system. my best answer is I would not want to take a management job where i'm at but some have done so and found it an improvement. even if it;s as bad as your job, it would be different and that alone could be an improvement for you. wish you the best. let us know how it works out.
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Post by redryder on Apr 12, 2014 12:02:30 GMT -5
Patience: This has been said before but may bear repearting given your report of many years as a state employee. Before pursuing a federal job in any capacity, you need to have someone look into the ramifications of the government pension offset. Any state pension you draw may reduce any federal retirement you would qualify for as part of our retirement is Title II Social Security benefits. Considerations include how many years you plan on working, what your State retirment will be, what your federal retirement could be and how much of that federal salary are you going to be able to put into the 401(K) we have to augment the pension offset. As a judge I have heard several appeals on the very issue of the pension offset. And they are typically very sad stories because the people involved are totally ignorant of the offset. Typical scenario: Claimant over 65 who is drawing SS retirement on spouse's record and working for a state agency with a separate retirement system. While working has the two incomes and is doing fine. Retires and loses huge chunk of the SS retirement due to the offset.
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Post by 71stretch on Apr 12, 2014 21:51:22 GMT -5
Redryder-do you have the USC or CFR cites for that? I'd like to look at it too.
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Post by dpageks on Apr 12, 2014 22:15:09 GMT -5
My wife and I took our son to see Apollo 13 Astronaut Fred Haise this morning. We spent an hour listening to him describe his experience and asking him questions. The actual Apollo 13 command module was sitting in the room with us. Afterward, we came home and watched the Apollo 13 movie. This day was beyond awesome. Maybe I could apply to be an astronaut . . .
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Post by funkyodar on Apr 12, 2014 22:18:35 GMT -5
My wife and I took our son to see Apollo 13 Astronaut Fred Haise this morning. We spent an hour listening to him describe his experience and asking him questions. The actual Apollo 13 command module was sitting in the room with us. Afterward, we came home and watched the Apollo 13 movie. This day was beyond awesome. View AttachmentMaybe I could apply to be an astronaut . . . Awesome idea dpk. You have Houston, Cape Canaveral or the moon in your gal?
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Post by dpageks on Apr 12, 2014 22:37:18 GMT -5
My wife and I took our son to see Apollo 13 Astronaut Fred Haise this morning. We spent an hour listening to him describe his experience and asking him questions. The actual Apollo 13 command module was sitting in the room with us. Afterward, we came home and watched the Apollo 13 movie. This day was beyond awesome. Maybe I could apply to be an astronaut . . . Awesome idea dpk. You have Houston, Cape Canaveral or the moon in your gal? Damn . . . out of the running again; you're just mean, Funky. Lol!
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Post by onepingonly on Apr 12, 2014 22:59:09 GMT -5
My wife and I took our son to see Apollo 13 Astronaut Fred Haise this morning. We spent an hour listening to him describe his experience and asking him questions. The actual Apollo 13 command module was sitting in the room with us. Afterward, we came home and watched the Apollo 13 movie. This day was beyond awesome. View AttachmentMaybe I could apply to be an astronaut . . . Fantastic!!! My father worked on the Apollo program. I never tire of hearing the stories. What a thrill to hear it from Fred Haise. My kids love that movie too. Way to go!!!
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Post by moopigsdad on Apr 13, 2014 4:38:04 GMT -5
My wife and I took our son to see Apollo 13 Astronaut Fred Haise this morning. We spent an hour listening to him describe his experience and asking him questions. The actual Apollo 13 command module was sitting in the room with us. Afterward, we came home and watched the Apollo 13 movie. This day was beyond awesome. View AttachmentMaybe I could apply to be an astronaut . . . I loved the movie too, dpageks. A couple of comments. I hope your mission (acquire an ALJ position) turns out better than Apollo 13's mission (land on the moon) did. While, the ultimate ending of Apollo 13 to get home was achieved, I doubt you are interested in that ending because right now you are already there. Oh, and one more thing, the years do not look as though they have been kind to Bill Paxton based upon your photograph.
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