Started Typing: 12:52 PM ET
Clicked Reply: 1:52 PM ET
It’s official: I have a new job! 
The offer was in my inbox when I got online this morning: I reviewed and accepted it before I did anything else. 
I don’t have a confirmed start date yet, but I told the recruiter that I’d like to start on the 31st and she said that date would work; I’m just waiting for HR to “make it so.” My new role will be focused on program execution and delivery – basically, a lot of organizing and tracking and coordinating, which are among my strong suits. It comes with both a promotion and a salary increase, and it’s a challenge that I’m excited to take on. It’s also a mission that I believe in (supporting the U.S. Navy).
A few other people from my canceled contract have also found positions on the same program, including my junior employee…who, it turns out, I may actually wind up managing again. 
Although it will mean going to another federal contract while so many things are up in the air, because of the type of work being done the program is considered essential and is therefore more protected than most. There are no guarantees in life, but at this time I’m not worried about a repeat of my cancelled contract’s situation any time soon.
After five years of working from home full-time, I’ll be driving to Maryland three days a week (with two days of telework). The office is just across the Potomac River, 18 miles from home: I’ve been to that facility and have done that commute, and despite having to deal with I-495 it’s really not that bad. And, I’ll be happy to be back in an office setting a few days a week. I think it will be more of an adjustment for Bailey than for me. 
The timing is perfect: my “extension” coverage runs through the end of next week, so I get another 1.5 weeks of quiet/slow days before jumping into the new job. And my new boss is on vacation this week, so I can’t even start asking/answering questions until Monday (and I can still take Tuesday off for the Supreme Court argument session!). I’m very glad that I get to stay with my company, and really glad there’s no longer any risk of furlough or layoff…what a freaking relief!!
I might have already ordered two celebratory Lego sets (the Atari 2600 and the Ghostbusters HQ)… 
Exactamundo! These days, when assessing someone’s compatibility as a possible friend (or more) their “stage” matters more than their age.
I vote for “new frames” – only because I worry that new glasses might not get made correctly, and IIRC you’re very happy with how you’re seeing out of these!
I just ate a sandwich from Chicken Salad Chick for lunch (I swear I ordered it before catching up here!)…that’s my recipe.
I accrue 6.5 hours each pay period, and that’s the most my company gives; you weren’t kidding about your employer being generous!
Taking off 1-2 weeks at at time is hardly ever right for me, but I find that taking a day here and a day there can be quite helpful. Doing that also allows me to take advantage of unexpectedly quiet times: by Wednesday afternoon I generally have a feel for the rest of the week, and can decide to take Friday off while still giving my boss and colleagues more than 24 hours of notice. Sometimes even just leaving early helps. That said, I’m in a position where I don’t have to get my leave approved and can pretty much take off whenever I want.
That makes my jazz musician heart happy! 
Yay, baby!!! 
Oh no! I hope their power comes back on soon!! 
