Long shot-any fed employees married to AD service member?

[hilwithonelary]

This business of trying to have a career as a trailing spouse is no fun. I started a job with the VA in March. DH just found out last week that he got a new assignment with a RNLT of 11 July 16. We are excited because it's a great move for his career and is much closer to family, but it means that we will have had less than 2 years on station here and I will have only 16 months at my job. How would you suggest I approach this at work? Other than hoping that there's an opening at the VA at our new location that coincides with our move than applying and competing with the applicant pool, is there anything I can do to try to continue working for the VA at our new location? When should I let my supervisor know that we're moving? Obviously I won't do it any time soon, but what about after my 1 year probation period? If she knows what's going on, would she be able to help pull some strings to get me transferred to a new location?

[amaristella]

Personally I'd wait to notify them until much later. The last permanent full-time position I had I hinted at the possibility of moving only because it was sort of a given. I was already on friendly/chatty terms with my boss and DH was in OCS. So, I mean, obviously moving had to happen sooner or later.

After your one year probation sounds like a great mark to shoot for since it still gives several months but is not dragging out the whole "I'm leaving" thing for longer than need be.

My memory banks could be deceiving me as I have never had a Federal job but I was under the impression that if there is an equivalent position in your new location you get top pick. Beyond that I am not sure what accommodations are required. My brain is so fuzzy today it's not even funny.

[creamsiclechica]

For federal positions, you should be eligible for Military Spouse preference for applicants in the same qualification pool in the new area. If there's a slot you are qualified for, you will be considered behind veterans with ten point status but above all other applicants. I think you just have to submit a copy of his orders because it is only extended for two years after his report date.

I'm so sorry, it's such a difficult position sometimes to be the one in a holding pattern in your career. I hope you can find a position and get into it with ease. Good luck!

[nsl]

I wouldn't say a word until your move gets much, much closer. Orders get changed or cancelled all the time, and July is still eight months away.

[hilwithonelary]

I think the military spouse preference is only for DoD positions, but I may be mistaken. I have 5 point veterans preference anyway, so it's not a big deal if spousal preference doesn't apply.

I don't plan on saying anything soon, but do you think March/April would be too early? I know transfers don't take as long as new hires, but I think it can still be a couple months. I'm wondering if my supervisor will be able to aid in the process at all.

[nsl]

March is way too soon. Late May or early June at the earliest, and then only if you have orders in hand.

[dcn]

I would wait until you have orders to say anything.

I definitely think it is easier to get another govt job once you are in the system, so that should help. It is frustrating though for sure, it feels like once you finally find a job and get settled it is time to start all over again :/. I totally get why so many spouses say eff it and stay home, it is exhausting and stressful!

[amaristella]

Nov 4, 2015 12:32:39 GMT -5 dcn said:

I would wait until you have orders to say anything.

I definitely think it is easier to get another govt job once you are in the system, so that should help. It is frustrating though for sure, it feels like once you finally find a job and get settled it is time to start all over again :/. I totally get why so many spouses say eff it and stay home, it is exhausting and stressful!

Ugh. True story. Once in an argument I told DH to his face "how much motivation would you have to be out finding a full time job when you know you're moving in 6 months!"

This was much earlier in our marriage, as you might have guessed.

[toutsuite]

Is telecommuting an option? Is it a civil service position? If so, do you have three years cumulatively in (I realize you just started this job but this can include time from their jobs).

[pumpkin]

Wandered onto this board by mistake from the main board, but am also a federal employee. I would wait until you have orders and everything is official, then if there is a corresponding VA office (VHA or VBA) where you are going you can put in for a hardship transfer.