A question for federal employees

[Laura]

Let's face it, unless you're an auditor or skilled tech, there's not much chance of income or advancement. I have a situation where I asked about the office closing during a storm to a person, and tried to retrack the question via e-mail, but didn't succeed. I was accused of breaking the chain of command (I'm an admin) and will be spoken to in person Monday. If I get fired, is it possible to find work with another federal agency or is that it for me? I've been trying to get into Homeland Defense but it's been tough as nails so I'm looking outside government too since I only make $27,000 regardless of my computer skills and two advanced degrees - including a Certficate in Homeland Defense from Curry College. This office has dismissed two people for their age (one forced to resign, the other transfered to another office he didn't like, yet another is fighting being removed with her union rep).

I'm expecting the worst so if it happens, what are my options work wise?

 

[Adam_MA]

I guess it's tough to say without knowing the details of what happened... Gross insubordination might be a tough one to convince a future federal agency to overlook, however I was let go from a government agency (DOD position) and rehired by another division within the DOD with that on my record. My instance was a disagreement with a "butter bar" about weather or not my having hair down to my ass effected my ability to perform my job. I challenged her to try to do it more efficiently than I did, and when she failed horribly, and hurt herself doing it she fired me.

I think it all depends on the circumstances, however I will tell you, being let go from my job with the DOD turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me...

Adam

 

[FPrice]

Laura,

I'm not the ultimate expert on Federal Civil Service but I do have some experience. I was involuntarily retired on 1 Jan due to the age limitations in my career field (Air Reserve Technician).

It is difficult to answer your question without a whole lot of other information. Especially which status you are (Conditional, Career Conditional, Career). From your general comments I am guessing the first which does allow termination at almost any time for almost any reason. But I find it hard to believe that you would be fired for just asking a question unless you work for a very pissy person/office.

Sometimes you just have to swallow your pride, be very humble and contrite, and kiss some butt. If you want to share some more details via PM or emailI can try to give more specific advice.

 

[Laura]

Well I had disagreements with another coworker and what they termed "inappropriate e-mail." The fact that my father recommended hanging my target in the cubicle didn't help matters and I was sent for counseling because they thought I was going to mow everyone down in a hale of gunfire. The office is liberal so it was stupid of me not to have anticipated this reaction. However, the counselor was the best thing that could have happened as she confirmed that the miscommunications was in no way all on me and I was clearly not dangerous - probably just better off working in Homeland Defense or with cops. She encouraged me to try and find a different agency my in keeping with my interests and goals which is what I'm trying to do.

I am hired on a conditional basis so no idea what to expect on Monday and just very nervous. The fact that I have Social Anxiety Disorder just adds to my fears. My guess is that they're aching to get me out due to the lack of work at that office which is why I suspect they've gotten rid of the two others - and trying with the third. It's a small office. These people are extremely pissy and I'm a little stunned myself by how people have been dismissed and their basis for it. But then maybe it really doesn't take much.

 

[Lynne]

Laura hun, I can't answer your question, however, from the sounds of it, being dismissed might just be the best thing that could happen to you. It probably won't affect you getting a new position. Just diplomatically explain why you were let go. Don't slam the upper level of management, but explain that your political view points did not gel with your co-workers, and, although you don't like having the fact that being terminated is on your resume, it was probably the best thing that could have happened to you because it's given you the opportunity to go after what you really want to do.

I was in management, and from my point of view in hiriing folks, that would have earned you brownie points with me. FWIW. Good luck hun!!

 

[Laura]

You won't believe this but it actually went quite pleasantly - I was shocked. [shock] I really expected the worst but my boss said sometimes the branch manager sends off e-mails too that he regrets and it really went well. I'm just stunned frankly but delighted and I stated just what I needed to and kept my mouth shut. Still, I do know I need to find something in Homeland Security as this current office won't be able to offer much and I'd like to be among other people who use guns that aren't so incrediably turned off by them in conversation or judgemental. Appreciate all the kind words people. Now I can have a good night sleep tonight....

 

[FPrice]

Congratulations! Glad it went well for you.

My suggestion now is to work hard at this job, make them aware of how good you are while you quietly look for other possibilities. And it is easier once you are past the "Conditional" stage.

 

[dwarven1]

I do know I need to find something in Homeland Security.

Here you go: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/homeland.asp

Good luck, Laura!

 

[Laura]

My employers are well aware I'm looking into homeland security because that's where my certificate is, and my primary interest. It's no secret. They also know I'm over qualified and under paid for my skills but they can't offer me more, so it's either stay and lag, or move forward with another agency. I'm just trying to focus on getting more good skills and staying under the radar so to speak. At the moment, the best move I could make is deal with my anxiety....and keep my trap shut and stay away from e-mails....

 

[Admin]

Nothing a few beers can solve.

 

[Lynne]

Glad to hear that things went well Laura. Now focus on moving on.

 

[C-pher]

Love USA Jobs. I used to watch those all the time when I was trying to get on with the EPA.

 

[Laura]

You know, I was using FedJobs.com but got sick of how complicated it was to use so now I stick with USA Jobs. Hopefully, something will turn up soon but in the meantime, I'm going to continue to take classes to know more than my supervisor does with software. So far, my Excel is somewhat better than his - and he knows it.

 

[Moderator]

Glad things went ok, good luck with your future.

 

[Nickle]

Laura, I've BTDT with some of the stuff you're talking about.

Co-workers thought they had a "God Given Right" to harass me continually, but I shouldn't be allowed to do anything back. This finally escalated to the point that they complained to our boss about some of the firearms I've bought, and that he should do something about it. He bluntly told them that even if there was something he could do about it, he wouldn't (he told me all this privately, right after he told them). Of course, every one of the jerks knows my involvement in the gun business, so they shouldn't have been surprised that I own several non-PC firearms.

The last time it came up, they took it up higher, trying to influence a hiring, and really laid it on thick. They claimed I threatened physical violence to certain supervisors over "promotions" (we apply for every position to move up). Well, they didn't do their homework very well, because the selecting official (same guy as above) I suppossedly threatened hired me EVERY time I was a reasonable choice. Fortunately it was investigated in house, and they questioned me at the same time they told me I got that position.

The Moral here is to hang in there, and stick up for what's right.

 

[mark056]

Laura,

I am very happy that your situation came out okay, and I am distressed that you are not in a positive work enviornment.

Please be advised that if you suffer from a social anxiety disorder, that condition could (as opposed to would, as there are many factors to be weighed) preclude you from having a security clearance which many positions in Homeland Security require. The important thing is to be totally honest about any medical conditions that you may have. I cannot emphasize enough, that having some kind of condition such as yours is not necessarily a disqualifer from getting a clearance, but there will be no doubt, some questions asked or raised should you apply for a clearance.

I believe that if you want a job with DHS, your best bet is find something in the DC area and relocate.

With all best wishes,

Mark

 

[Laura]

Thank you, Mark. I'm aware of this and plan to be honest if asked about it since I know it would be a factor. How could it not? However, I can't imagine it should be an issue unless I try to hide it - which I've no intention of doing. Bear in mind, being 38, I'm pretty much prevented from the types of jobs I want so I will keep an open mind about what's out there. If I find something with good people that pays well, I won't turn it down.