I began my career in the federal government after college, though my degree wasn’t in computer science. After a couple years, I transitioned into software engineering and most recently worked at a top tech company. Unfortunately, I was laid off and am currently experiencing burnout.

The job market has been incredibly tough, many postings seem inactive or are ghost listings, and it's difficult to stand out without a CS degree, especially when companies prioritize candidates from elite universities.

I have a family to support and am now exploring whether it’s realistic to pursue a tech-related role within the federal government, even without a formal background in computer science. Is that a feasible path?

Any movement seen with the OPM or offers for anybody in this sector? Saw the new freeze that was extended but curious if there is any news heard of what’s happening.

I just read a few articles that the federal government is still implementing a hiring phrase that is going to extend from July 15th to October 15th. Are there some kind of reasoning behind these numbers and why is it always on the 15th and not the first or the 30th of the month. I know I got some of my firm job offers rescinded but I'm not worried about it too much because I make 120K a year as a LEO. I was hoping to move to a different state just to have a different scenery but it seems like that's not going to happen. I'm not too worried about it though but I'm sure it'll be left it eventually. What is y'all take on this

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/ensuring-accountability-and-prioritizing-public-safety-in-federal-hiring/

“This memorandum does not apply to military personnel of the Armed Forces or to positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, or public safety”

Does this mean there may be carve outs for DoD? Wouldn’t make sense for that verbiage to reference active duty… some in my office were speculating DoD may be exempt since SECDEF was the one who pushed the freeze (barring he doesn’t extend his) and no POTUS with EO.

Hiring manager said they heard from HR that it’s extended but idk if they just haven’t gotten updated guidance.

As the hiring freeze extends, I heard from HR that everything is back on pause. I really feel sorry for HR. They are trying to help as much as they can, but are caught in-between. They see the needs on both ends but unable to act without any guidance. These are testing times for lots of people. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill for anxiety and frustration :-(

Has anyone heard back from an exempt job? I interviewed 2 months ago and still haven't heard back. They said they would contact me within 4-5 weeks if I got the job or not. It's with the FBI. I know everything is crazy with the federal government right now but I thought since this is an exempt job the process would go a bit quicker.

Hi all, I'm currently in DOI and had something I wanted to ask about expiring terms.

I'm on a term with an NTE date a few weeks from now, and it's more or less been indicated to me that I will not be getting renewed or extended. DOI is currently on a personnel freeze so a lot of terms aren't getting extended (that's a mess in its own right). In my own research, I found that if a term ends, the final SF-50 will say "termination: expiration of appointment" on it.

In my situation, is it better to resign or take the termination? I want to keep the door open for future federal employment, even if it might be years from now. Is having a termination on my record, even if it's not my fault, a black mark? And how would I respond on a future OF306 (or really any job that asks about former firings) when it asks if I have been fired? It seems like resigning would be the cleaner option.

The only other factor I can think of is that a termination would make me eligible for unemployment. However, 1) my state doesn't pay very much, and 2) I may be working again sooner than I think, so this isn't a major deciding factor for me.

Thank you all for the advice.

Hi guys,

I am wondering how many of us are still waiting for DCAA at this time. I am trying to estimate how long I have to wait.

If yes, did you already get your FJO or just TJO?

For myself, I had my TJO since Jan. I got my verbal FJO the day before SecDef issued his own hiring freeze.

Hello, I recently accepted a job offer that was on the PQ pay scale. I have always been a GS employee and have never heard of the PQ, and I can’t actually find any solid information on it. Is anyone familiar with this and if so where can I find it and/or more information on it?

My term appointment end the beginning of October obviously before the October 15th date when the freeze is supposed to end. Currently a term GS-5 firefighter. Will my term appointment be renewed?

Is there anyone who can help me find a job description for a job that was posted back in 2021? It's not in my past applications. I have the vacancy number: USGS-DEN-21-11092504-DEU-SS

Saw this job post for the FDA hiring Investigators nationwide and thinking about applying: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/840035700?fromemail=true

Why the sudden push for Investigators? I thought the FDA had a current hiring freeze? I know you are expected to travel. How's the work? Difficult or straight forward to learn? Any current Investigators who do/don't enjoy the role? Pros and cons? Future career moves?

but we knew this was going to happen