Job situation update (1 Viewer)

[DaveXA]

Just fyi, I don't have an onboarding date yet, but I've been told that I should be starting the week of October 13th. I still have to go do a drug test, but I've already gotten through the background stuff for security clearance. The rest is just procedural stuff. I'm excited and so anxious to start!

Also - I've taken down the gofundme page, I think we'll make it until I start working.

So, another update. It's been a while since my last one, and finally have some good news. This afternoon, I got my final offer letter. The new agency I've been moved to has finished their vetting process and I've been approved to start! I should be getting my orientation date today or tomorrow and hoping to start next week. This waiting game has been tough on my family and I finally feel like I can breathe a sigh of relief. Phew!!

Again, I appreciate all of your support and generosity over the last several months. I just feel blessed to be a small part of the SR family. Who dat!

Edit: Just found out I'm starting Dec 9th, less than 2 weeks away. Yeah!

 

[saintmdterps]

WOOOOHOOOO!!! I wish I could give 10 more "likes"

I'm so happy for you Dave! Having been out of work for 8 months in 2018 and 2019, I can empathize with your struggle. It took courage for you to lay everything out there like you did, it's not easy. You handled the situation with a grace and equanimity I could never approach; I was not a happy camper.

I hope this is the job in which you ride off into the sunset. Congratulations to you and your family! Hearing this news made my Thanksgiving

Peace and Blessings to you for this holiday season!!

 

[Fanincowboyland]

Congratulations Dave! You really deserve this job.

 

[nolaswede]

Great news and good luck at your new job!

 

[CoolBrees]

So happy for you !

 

[Eeyore]

I'm glad that things are improving for you.

 

[kanona29]

I just read this whole thread in one sitting and I am so glad you got what sounds like a great opportunity! Your strength and attitude during this long wait was quite amazing to read. I hope this is your dream job and you are very successful!

 

[DaveXA]

I'm counting down the days! Soon will be hours! Since this is technically Friday, in 3 days I'll be starting onboarding and I've already finished a bunch of paperwork this week.

I've been told by one of my superiors that there will be an ASL interpreter for onboarding, which I'm actually a bit surprised they're doing. Other deaf individuals who work for the federal government I've spoken with were not afforded that specific accessibility request. So it seems like they're actually making an effort to accommodate me. That hasn't happened in my training sessions for the last 2 jobs I've had.

It's hard to imagine what the job will look like, but from my discussions with a couple of the people I will be working with, I'm optimistic this will be a great work environment.

Considering where I live, my salary is actually a bit below average, but, for my family, this will be a game changer and we'll actually not only stop the bleeding, but start paying down our debt.

I'm grateful! Thank you all again for the kind words and prayers. I love my wife and kids, and I also think of you all as my extended family. Love you guys and gals!

It's funny my first day on the job will be the day after the biggest game of the season. I'm curious to see what kind of football fans we will have in the office.

Who dat! Geaux Saints, Tigers and Cajuns!

 

[superchuck500]

Yes!

 

[mt15]

So great to hear, Dave! We have a new supervisor in one of the smaller hospitals that I interact with a great deal who is hearing impaired. I like her a lot, but we mostly have communicated by email or text. In person, I think she may lip read a good deal, because I noticed her moving a bit when I turn my head, so I’ve tried to be conscious of always facing her when speaking to her. She’s only called me on the phone once. I think she was using a device because there would be a delay in her responding. I have to learn to not jump in and start talking more just because there’s a pause. It goes against my nature, lol.

 

[DaveXA]

So great to hear, Dave! We have a new supervisor in one of the smaller hospitals that I interact with a great deal who is hearing impaired. I like her a lot, but we mostly have communicated by email or text. In person, I think she may lip read a good deal, because I noticed her moving a bit when I turn my head, so I’ve tried to be conscious of always facing her when speaking to her. She’s only called me on the phone once. I think she was using a device because there would be a delay in her responding. I have to learn to not jump in and start talking more just because there’s a pause. It goes against my nature, lol.

Interesting! And, yep, she most likely used what's called video relay service (VRS). Essentially it's a service where when a deaf individual makes or receives a call, they are connected via a sign language interpreter. The interpreter relays voiced messages in sign language to the deaf person on video and vice versa. For a lot of people unfamiliar with the service, the brief pause between exchanges is a bit disconcerting and takes some getting used to. It's far superior to text relay which had even longer pauses. We used to type "ga", meaning go ahead, at the end of each message to indicate when the hearing person can speak. Now, with video, it's a bit more natural and interpreters know when to switch from one person speaking to another.

 

[msusaintsfan]

Happy for you Dave. Being out of work can certainly put a strain on everything. Been there and done that. Heck, I am looking for something new myself. I have taken three pay cuts at my current job in three years and I have had enough.

Didn't we used to have a job board/networking forum on here at one time?

 

[DaveXA]

Happy for you Dave. Being out of work can certainly put a strain on everything. Been there and done that. Heck, I am looking for something new myself. I have taken three pay cuts at my current job in three years and I have had enough.

Didn't we used to have a job board/networking forum on here at one time?

Thanks!

Yeah, we did. Hasn't gotten a lot of use in a while though.

So far so good. Essentially twiddling thumbs right now cuz I can't start the training without a computer set up at my work station. Earliest I'll get one is Thursday. At least I'm getting paid while I wait, heh.

 

[DaveXA]

A quick update. Just over a month in. All is going well. I'm a financial management specialist for a group within the Department of Defense. Really like it so far. Kinda funny that the two guys that interviewed me have transitioned out of the agency. With the transition, there may be additional opportunities for moving to a position that is a bit better fit. Will see how all that goes.

I'm learning a lot and the people I'm working with are pretty chill. I can't complain. Just grateful to have a federal job and we're getting on better footing financially. It's been a long process. Thanks to all for your prayers and positive vibes.

 

[superchuck500]

A quick update. Just over a month in. All is going well. I'm a financial management specialist for a group within the Department of Defense. Really like it so far. Kinda funny that the two guys that interviewed me have transitioned out of the agency. With the transition, there may be additional opportunities for moving to a position that is a bit better fit. Will see how all that goes.

I'm learning a lot and the people I'm working with are pretty chill. I can't complain. Just grateful to have a federal job and we're getting on better footing financially. It's been a long process. Thanks to all for your prayers and positive vibes.

I have noticed your absence - presumed that meant you were working!