An Open Letter to My DOD Family

Dear DOD Family,

I need help and I know I can count on you!

Eight years ago I accepted a job offer with DON. That's crazy if you ask me but wait! It gets crazier because in less than 5 months (the initial length I thought I'd stay a DON employee) I am willingly leaving my job here in Naples. The really crazy part? I have no idea where I am going.

Hear it loud and clear- It is not my intent to leave DOD as I've enjoyed the challenges too much to walk away now!

For those that have worked with me in the past you know I get things done, even if it's not in my scope of work. I am a multitasking, hard working, incredibly organized worker that knows how to prioritize her tasks. I work well with others, but also on my own. I am a DTS expert through 8 years of using the system at various permission levels.

I understand the government's unique way of business when it comes to money in both appropriated funds and working capital funds. For the last 2.5 years I've added the additional layer of complexity by working overseas while serving as a financial specialist for urgent ship repairs, including those for the 6th Fleet Command Ship. Previous to this job I managed several accounts, working with sponsors to ensure funds were properly planned and executed.

Given this ever changing environment filled with budget cuts nothing is certain, but if your organization is accepting applications from "outsiders" and there is anything in the 0501 (or 034#) series as a GS12 can you let me know? I have the PSC covered from Naples to my new duty station, so that is not a concern. I also have 2 years left on my "overseas clock" and have no problem staying overseas.

Please email me (katieoropeza@gmail.com) if you have any leads. Also, I may be reaching out for new reference so be warned. :) Thanks for looking out for me- especially all my NPS alumni spread throughout the world. And I guess if this is all in vain...can I start making reservations as a couch surfer from when I'm sent back to California at the end of May? After all, I have spent the last few years in Italy, collecting wine and taking cooking classes to add my dishes to my cooking skills. Just saying. 

Job Search 2014

It's sort of tough to avoid the inevitable when visiting with EVERYONE they ask what's next after Italy.

Well, although I still have no idea what path I'll take, I actually spent today in my pjs (it's too cold to leave my bed) applying for jobs. I feel like I'm in the same exact place I was 4 years ago when I finally reached the "must flee Monterey" mark and flooded the government job site with my resume.

Like I did today. 

More jobs are being posted, which is encouraging, but still it's hard to apply for positions when I know how hiring goes...they post because they have to, but already have the person in mind. Not to mention all these jobs sound the same despite being different titles and different agencies. And yet should I end up in the job, it won't be like what they told me it would be...

Mom, Dad, all jobs I applied for were stateside.
Nina, you'd be happy to hear lots of them are near you.

So just to keep things in perspective in between rating my skill set with each application, I've been putting together other options, just in case I decide this government deal can't go on past 8 years of service:

COA #2: Join the circus. Marry a carnie. Eat cotton candy daily. Lots of traveling. Optional pet lemur?

COA #3: Apply to be the next Bacholorette per a former colleague's advice. (May not end up with a ring on my finger or someone I want to be with, but the $ should keep me good for a year or so...right?)

COA #4: Launch Nico's modeling career. Full marketing attack- toys, children's books, feline clothing, sing-a-long with Signore Neeks in addition to his trademark calendar.

COA #5: Open up a coffee shop/bakery. Small place with daily menu of tasty muffins, scones, cookies. Quality coffee served one hot cup at a time.

COA #6: Run off to Kenya. Dig wells. Adopt adorable babies. Get a parasite. And skin cancer.

COA #7: Work for the private terminal at the airport (i.e the rich people's one). Meet a millionaire. Marry him and wait for his money to come my way. (Brought to by the same person as COA 3.)

COA #8: Liquidate all my funds. Travel the world. Wherever I end up when my last dollar, euro, pound, whatever is spent, I've found my new home.

COA #9: Run for Congress. I mean, how difficult can it really be?

COA #10: PhD school. Although my coworkers said I shouldn't apply if that's what I'm calling it...