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Post by doctorwho on May 26, 2008 19:57:56 GMT -5
This thread is becoming so long that I'm not sure this question will even be noticed, but here goes. What time did everyone get out of class on Fridays? I'm asking this question for those who want to try to drive or fly home on Friday night. Was anyone ever allowed to leave early on Fridays? I believe the materials said that you would be needed until 1:00 p.m. on Friday. |
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Post by odarite on May 26, 2008 20:26:21 GMT -5
What time did everyone get out of class on Fridays? I'm asking this question for those who want to try to drive or fly home on Friday night. Was anyone ever allowed to leave early on Fridays? On the last Friday of class you may be done by noon. The other Fridays, I believe you will be there until 4. Do not plan on long weekends during training. |
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Post by pm on May 26, 2008 22:24:22 GMT -5
For those living west of Kansas City, it's not a matter of a "long weekend". It's a matter of a weekend - period. If you can't make it to one of the DC area airports by 5 or 6, you won't get home on Friday. This is not an issue for those living n the east and it may not be an issue for those who are single, but if you live in the west and have a spouse and kids, making it home for the weekend is a big deal. I realize there are people who want to stay in the DC area for the weekend but there are many who do not.
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Post by odarite on May 27, 2008 5:31:21 GMT -5
As a practical matter, it really isn't practical to go home weekends. Air travel is now notoriously unreliable, but even before that, most people stayed. Not because they did not want to get home, but because it is not feasible. When I was in training, the only weekend people really left was a three day one. Oh, and the expense. Defiinitely a deterent.
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Post by nonamouse on May 27, 2008 12:15:56 GMT -5
For those living west of Kansas City, it's not a matter of a "long weekend". It's a matter of a weekend - period. If you can't make it to one of the DC area airports by 5 or 6, you won't get home on Friday. This is not an issue for those living n the east and it may not be an issue for those who are single, but if you live in the west and have a spouse and kids, making it home for the weekend is a big deal. I realize there are people who want to stay in the DC area for the weekend but there are many who do not. FYI, If you try to leave early for a weekend at home (or elsewhere) you can mess up your expenses even if you don't check out of your hotel. If you are not familiar with the travel regs, then I would suggest getting some official answers before you find yourself owing for the hotel room and not getting your meal money for those days. |
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Post by govtattorney on May 27, 2008 14:03:41 GMT -5
what did they pay for in your initial two week training at the new hearing office(before b'more)? lodging, car, airfare, food? anything?
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mango
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Post by mango on May 27, 2008 22:35:36 GMT -5
Class went to 4:30 EVERYDAY except the last Friday. Although we were told not to plan on leaving prior to 100 on graduation day, we were done before 1000 and released as soon as we were done. This was made known in advance and most altered their travel plans. The graduation was nice. The commission, head of ODAR chief judge and his deputy attended. A lot of family as well and I think they enjoyed it.
Some folks did fly and/or drove home on the weekend. They generally left from the SSA HQ to the airport or home. Cab fare was around $40 to the airport. There was no real good reason to try and leave class early as the bus taking you back to the hotel was locked in for 430. The only change we were able to make was to get to bus to drop us at the front of the hotel rather than the side. Saved about 10-15 minutes each day. Talk to the evening drivers and let them know where you want them to drop you. It is an all or nothing kind of deal so all will need to agree.
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Post by doctorwho on May 28, 2008 8:19:06 GMT -5
what did they pay for in your initial two week training at the new hearing office(before b'more)? lodging, car, airfare, food? anything? This will vary according to status (in govt. or outside) and circumstance. If your coming from outside of govt., the answer is: ready? Nothing. If your coming from inside the govt., and you haven't found a place, and, you're using Temporary Quarters for those days (note all the ands), then, you can collect a modest sum for both food and lodging -- I believe it is the standard conus rate which is around $100/day. As for transportation, if you are being relocated, they will pay for your enroute travel costs. Once. |
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Post by morgullord on May 28, 2008 8:29:36 GMT -5
Sausage burrito and small coffee--$2.80
McChicken sandwich and small soft drink--$2.20
Whopper w/cheese, fries, soft drink--$5.80
Spacious plot for tent at KOA--$20.00
Your pockets will be stuffed with money when you are done.
Remember that the government will always reimburse you for less than the full per diem if you spend less but if you spend more then it's your own money you're spending.
Learn quickly how to get receipts for everything.
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Post by doctorwho on May 28, 2008 11:06:02 GMT -5
Sausage burrito and small coffee--$2.80 McChicken sandwich and small soft drink--$2.20 Whopper w/cheese, fries, soft drink--$5.80 Spacious plot for tent at KOA--$20.00 Your pockets will be stuffed with money when you are done. Remember that the government will always reimburse you for less than the full per diem if you spend less but if you spend more then it's your own money you're spending. Learn quickly how to get receipts for everything. Just a slight modification. If you are traveling on "Temporary Quarters" status, the rate is FLAT -- regardless of what you spend, more -- or less, (no matter) -- it's flat. And, if you are traveling on per diem (note, not TQ), and you do not "eat" the full amount, you will be reimbursed the full amount regardless. |
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Post by morgullord on May 28, 2008 12:08:32 GMT -5
What the good doctor says is true; I was never one to let facts get in the way of my poetry.
The dawn burrito;
Paper-cup coffee all day.
Mind and body overwhelmed.
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lee
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Post by lee on May 29, 2008 17:54:45 GMT -5
Here is a serious question regarding the training---should we plan to take a laptop to Baltimore? A printer also?
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Post by morgullord on May 29, 2008 18:04:33 GMT -5
laptops are not allowed in the SSA building due to PII issues.
If you take a laptop/printer, it is for your own in-hotel use.
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Post by buckeye on May 31, 2008 6:00:13 GMT -5
Gromit knows Peters well. Take his adivce. The reception on Sunday is pretty lacking. Meet a few people and head next door. Avoid Burkes across the street.
Have a great time. The city is great, but the best part of the experience is the great people you'll meet. I heard last week from several with practice tips as we take on our first dockets.
Think about John Henry's in Fells Point for a Saturday lunch. The crab cake sandwich was great and Fells Point is a lot of fun.
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Post by morgullord on May 31, 2008 7:37:40 GMT -5
Wisdom deep and pure
Truth tempered with compassion
Lovely Jagghagg speaks
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mango
Full Member
Posts: 50
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Post by mango on May 31, 2008 19:47:36 GMT -5
I would echo buckeye's comment about the people. The classmates were a superb group to a man and woman. Meeting and getting to know them was by far the best part of the experience. We continue to share experiences and information. I would say the same of the instructors. I would strongly encourage everyone to get to know their classmates and instructors and stay in touch.
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Post by skibum on May 31, 2008 20:20:30 GMT -5
Mango: "Do!"
Translation for those just getting into the grids: "What he said."
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Post by anotheroldtimer on Jun 2, 2008 13:44:16 GMT -5
As a trainer I would say that this was one of the best classes I have seen. In general, a bright, interested class who exhibited the intention to do the job well. They even feigned interest in my boring lectures!
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Post by odarite on Jun 2, 2008 20:29:05 GMT -5
As a trainer I would say that this was one of the best classes I have seen. In general, a bright, interested class who exhibited the intention to do the job well. They even feigned interest in my boring lectures! What he said. |
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Post by aaa on Jun 5, 2008 11:54:22 GMT -5
Training is, in many ways, what you make of it! The first class was a spectacular group of folks - most of us bonded beyond professional collegiality. Although 4 weeks is a long time away from home, the large marjority of the training was very good and I learned a lot. I agree with mango and skibum - the people are the best part, including the instructors!
There is a lot to do in Baltimore and you can walk almost anywhere downtown - Camden Yards, Little Italy, Inner Harbor, shopping, a real grocery store (Super Fresh about 4 or 5 blocks away).
The hotel staff was the best - Cynthia, who works the dining room at night, is a doll. She makes cookies late in the dining room - there were many times she made us hot cookies and one night she delivered a plate of hot cookies and a carton of cold milk to my room! Scarlett at the front desk is also a sweetie. They all made the stay much more pleasant.
I wouldn't trade the training and all I learned and folks I met for anything!
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