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Post by gunner on Oct 2, 2013 20:03:51 GMT -5
My job is actually pretty awesome, when the government's not shut down. I'm 50-50 at best on being an ALJ for SSA, even if I get an offer within my narrow GAL. An ALJ for my agency, on the other hand...
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Post by Gaidin on Oct 2, 2013 20:20:38 GMT -5
I will probably stay at my quiet little state agency maybe take a shot at state ALJ if another one opens at some point. I like my job but I really think I would enjoy the ALJ gig more.
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Post by jigjigjig on Oct 2, 2013 22:57:07 GMT -5
I've decided I want to be the new Judge Judy! That's probably as realistic as getting an ALJ gig in my GAL but pays way more, right?
Or more realistically, I will stay right where I am. Even furloughed, I love my job, kinks and all. I guess the furlough has made me realize how blessed I am to have a job at all. One that is satisfying, sometimes challenging, and still allows me a great quality of life. I just can't wait to get back to it!
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Post by nvnatv on Oct 3, 2013 7:58:31 GMT -5
Having been on the register for many years with no success, I decided to retire in 2011 (at 56 years old). Now, I was willing to go back to work if I got the position I wanted (Eugene), but it didn't happen. So I continue with what I love, which is interpretive and camp hosting. I hike every day in beautiful mountains and seashores. Take time to write when I want. Nap in the afternoons if I choose. Talk with people on vacation. Love living. And live on almost nothing so I can continue happily in retirement without the stress I had daily while working. My bi-monthly migraines disappeared with the job. I know many can't afford to retire (that is what I thought too). But there is a future that is lovely. I didn't let my ego get tied up with getting the ALJ gig. Heh, if we made it that far then we were certainly qualified. Life is good; what a blessing.
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Post by moopigsdad on Oct 3, 2013 8:05:52 GMT -5
Having been on the register for many years with no success, I decided to retire in 2011 (at 56 years old). Now, I was willing to go back to work if I got the position I wanted (Eugene), but it didn't happen. So I continue with what I love, which is interpretive and camp hosting. I hike every day in beautiful mountains and seashores. Take time to write when I want. Nap in the afternoons if I choose. Talk with people on vacation. Love living. And live on almost nothing so I can continue happily in retirement without the stress I had daily while working. My bi-monthly migraines disappeared with the job. I know many can't afford to retire (that is what I thought too). But there is a future that is lovely. I didn't let my ego get tied up with getting the ALJ gig. Heh, if we made it that far then we were certainly qualified. Life is good; what a blessing. Thank you for your take on retirement and getting out of the "rat race" nvnatv. Your description makes it sound heavenly. Maybe one day I can do the same. I am 55 and yet I feel that I am not ready to retire. I enjoy working and meeting others each day. I like life's challenges at work. My wife thinks I am crazy as she loves to vacation and does so with her family frequently (I go once a year or so), but I would rather be home and working. I guess I am a glutton for work. I enjoy public service and most of my jobs have been involved in public service in one way or another.
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Post by aljustice on Oct 3, 2013 13:40:44 GMT -5
Having been on the register for many years with no success, I decided to retire in 2011 (at 56 years old). Now, I was willing to go back to work if I got the position I wanted (Eugene), but it didn't happen. So I continue with what I love, which is interpretive and camp hosting. I hike every day in beautiful mountains and seashores. Take time to write when I want. Nap in the afternoons if I choose. Talk with people on vacation. Love living. And live on almost nothing so I can continue happily in retirement without the stress I had daily while working. My bi-monthly migraines disappeared with the job. I know many can't afford to retire (that is what I thought too). But there is a future that is lovely. I didn't let my ego get tied up with getting the ALJ gig. Heh, if we made it that far then we were certainly qualified. Life is good; what a blessing. Thank you for your take on retirement and getting out of the "rat race" nvnatv. Your description makes it sound heavenly. Maybe one day I can do the same. I am 55 and yet I feel that I am not ready to retire. I enjoy working and meeting others each day. I like life's challenges at work. My wife thinks I am crazy as she loves to vacation and does so with her family frequently (I go once a year or so), but I would rather be home and working. I guess I am a glutton for work. I enjoy public service and all of my jobs have been involved in public service in one way or another. What jobs have you had that include public service?
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true
Full Member
Posts: 81
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Post by true on Oct 3, 2013 13:53:29 GMT -5
I would continue to practice. But, I would use my 10pt preference to reopen the ALJ exam next year. This was my first time taking the exam, at the encouragement of ALJs and friends. Now I have a better understanding of the GAL and the whole process in general.
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Post by 17 on Oct 13, 2013 22:37:29 GMT -5
The best time to look for a job you want is when you have a job you like. If this odd ALJ odyssey doesn't work out, I would happily stay where I am.
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Post by privateatty on Oct 14, 2013 8:06:27 GMT -5
Having been on the register for many years with no success, I decided to retire in 2011 (at 56 years old). Now, I was willing to go back to work if I got the position I wanted (Eugene), but it didn't happen. So I continue with what I love, which is interpretive and camp hosting. I hike every day in beautiful mountains and seashores. Take time to write when I want. Nap in the afternoons if I choose. Talk with people on vacation. Love living. And live on almost nothing so I can continue happily in retirement without the stress I had daily while working. My bi-monthly migraines disappeared with the job. I know many can't afford to retire (that is what I thought too). But there is a future that is lovely. I didn't let my ego get tied up with getting the ALJ gig. Heh, if we made it that far then we were certainly qualified. Life is good; what a blessing. Wow, what a great post! I had a few neighbors who were like you before I got this ALJ gig and they would shake their heads at my stories of boorish and rude lawyers, demanding clients and Sundays spent preparing for Trial. Heck, I knew I didn't want to do it but it was all I knew. Am I living in my dream place with the dream ALJ gig? No, but this is sooo much better than what I left! I have no reason to covet the neighbor's lawn. And once I get there it may not be as soft as this one. Most of the ALJs I meet are orphans, far away from home. And they are appreciating the journey as well as the new work. It is demanding intellectually, but not physically. We can keep doing this well into our 70's if we so choose. It is, I think, that element of choice and the freedom that comes with that (having simplilfied our prior lives as attorneys with all the material trappings and expenses that came with it) that I so appreciate.
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Post by moopigsdad on Oct 14, 2013 9:22:38 GMT -5
After giving this a lot of thought, I think funkyodar and I will take a comedy show on the road if each of us are not successful at obtaining an ALJ gig. Heck, we may even literally work for peanuts as it is more than funky is earning right now. Yet, somehow I think having two attorneys performing stand-up, one presently an ODAR SAA and the other an attorney representing SSI claimants for a state government that we may have more than a few story jokes to tell. I couldn't imagine doing stand-up with anyone other than funky. I guess we may have a few bugs to work out, but at least it is a living. Although, it may not be much of a living. Now, did you hear the one about the two attorneys who do stand-up comedy routine together? It's one heck of a joke. LOL!
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