Turned down an FBI job today

Rogue

Banned
Jan 28, 2000
5,774
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I'm still beating myself up for passing on the opportunity, but it just didn't work in my life right now.

I applied for a job as a GS-9, Systems Analyst for the FBI back in January of this year. They just finally called me today to offer the job. I regretfully declined, but in the past year, many things have happened. I adopted my wife's niece, started going back to school to finish my degree, started paperwork toward becoming a Warrant Officer in the Army Reserve and too many other things to recall. They wanted to interview me on a conference call today and said that they were highly interested in my skillset (computers plus Military Police background). Well, in March, I accepted a position at the nearby Army base as a GS-11 Network/Security manager. So taking a step back from that and moving all the way to Clarksville, WV on top of everything else made it hard to accept and I ended up passing on it.

Tell me though, why despite it all, I can't stop thinking that I could be working for the FBI just a few weeks from today. I'm beating myself up bad here for passing, but my life with my new daughter and the slight pay cut just didn't make it an easy decision. Oh well, such is life I guess.

Cliff notes:

1) Got offered job by FBI today
2) Turned down due to pay cut (GS-11 now, would be GS-9)
3) Not a good point in life to move across the country
4) New adopted daughter in life now
5) Still having a tough time with the decision
 

:Q

I respect your decision, but GS-9 and FBI are a great combination! Jeez, the FBI's pretty much my dream career (White Collar Crimes, specifically their Environmental Crimes section)

EDIT: The FBI is a very prestigious organization because it's shrouded with secrecy. Unlike the military, their operations are quite unknown to the public and everything about them is sort of 'cool' - their vehicles, badges, equipment, tactics, etc. But don't forget, deep down they're just a police agency and they've got the same politics as anyone else.

:)
 

warcrow

Lifer
Jan 12, 2004
11,078
11
81
...it tough because its something you really think might have been worht the paycut for, am I right? Did the wife have as much say in this as you? I mean, it sounds like you made the right decision. :beer:

....just watch alot of CSI and Law and Order (even though they have nothing to do with the FBI). :p
 

T2T III

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
12,899
1
0
I think you've made the right move. Because:

1) You're ahead of the game as a GS-11.
2) You already have your foot in the door in the event other Government positions open up that you are qualified for.
3) I suspect more shake-ups will happen in the very near future with the agencies such as the FBI. As you're well aware, the various agencies are not working very well together. However, this could either be a good opportunity or a bad one - depending on where things go. But, I'd let the dust settle with them for a bit longer.

:)

 

Rogue

Banned
Jan 28, 2000
5,774
0
0
Originally posted by: warcrow
...it tough because its something you really think might have been worht the paycut for, am I right? Did the wife have as much say in this as you? I mean, it sounds like you made the right decision. :beer:

....just watch alot of CSI and Law and Order (even though they have nothing to do with the FBI). :p

I called the wife immediately after turning down the offer and she was disappointed for me, but also felt it wasn't the right time. She needs another year or so in her current position at Target to be in position to run a store, so it's better for her too, although back in January when I applied, I checked and there was a Target store like 8 miles away from the FBI center where I would work. She feels my pain, but is supportive of my decision.

Yeah, I probably would have taken the pay cut, all things considered. If my daughter didn't come onto the scene in June, I'd be flying to WV tomorrow for face-to-face interview, even at my own expense if necessary. Damn. Funny how life works.
 

Zim Hosein

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Super Moderator
Nov 27, 1999
65,219
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I adopted my wife's niece, started going back to school to finish my degree, started paperwork toward becoming a Warrant Officer in the Army Reserve

Congrats & Thanks Rogue :beer:
 

warcrow

Lifer
Jan 12, 2004
11,078
11
81
Originally posted by: Rogue
Originally posted by: warcrow
...it tough because its something you really think might have been worht the paycut for, am I right? Did the wife have as much say in this as you? I mean, it sounds like you made the right decision. :beer:

....just watch alot of CSI and Law and Order (even though they have nothing to do with the FBI). :p

I called the wife immediately after turning down the offer and she was disappointed for me, but also felt it wasn't the right time. She needs another year or so in her current position at Target to be in position to run a store, so it's better for her too, although back in January when I applied, I checked and there was a Target store like 8 miles away from the FBI center where I would work. She feels my pain, but is supportive of my decision.

Yeah, I probably would have taken the pay cut, all things considered. If my daughter didn't come onto the scene in June, I'd be flying to WV tomorrow for face-to-face interview, even at my own expense if necessary. Damn. Funny how life works.

Wait, you didnt consult the wife before turning down the offer! :confused:
 

yoda291

Diamond Member
Aug 11, 2001
5,079
0
0
I would respect that decision. You are prioritising your life in a manner you can live with and taking responsibility over your family. Be proud of that and the rest is really inconsequential.
 

Rogue

Banned
Jan 28, 2000
5,774
0
0
Originally posted by: Yossarian
I'm more excited about your wife's discount at Target than your FBI offer ;)

Her discount probably would have made up the pay difference! Damn you for bringing that wonderful benefit up in a time like this! DAMN YOU!!! ;)

We usually pay with Target Visa. Every $1000 we spend there, we get 10% off coupon in addition to 10% employee discount. That's when we buy the big ticket items. :D
 

DaveSimmons

Elite Member
Aug 12, 2001
40,730
670
126
Originally posted by: Tiles2Tech
3) I suspect more shake-ups will happen in the very near future with the agencies such as the FBI. As you're well aware, the various agencies are not working very well together. However, this could either be a good opportunity or a bad one - depending on where things go. But, I'd let the dust settle with them for a bit longer.
Good point -- they're being shaken up pretty thoroughly at the top, and some of that is bound to work its way down.
 

Rogue

Banned
Jan 28, 2000
5,774
0
0
Originally posted by: warcrow
Originally posted by: Rogue
Originally posted by: warcrow
...it tough because its something you really think might have been worht the paycut for, am I right? Did the wife have as much say in this as you? I mean, it sounds like you made the right decision. :beer:

....just watch alot of CSI and Law and Order (even though they have nothing to do with the FBI). :p

I called the wife immediately after turning down the offer and she was disappointed for me, but also felt it wasn't the right time. She needs another year or so in her current position at Target to be in position to run a store, so it's better for her too, although back in January when I applied, I checked and there was a Target store like 8 miles away from the FBI center where I would work. She feels my pain, but is supportive of my decision.

Yeah, I probably would have taken the pay cut, all things considered. If my daughter didn't come onto the scene in June, I'd be flying to WV tomorrow for face-to-face interview, even at my own expense if necessary. Damn. Funny how life works.

Wait, you didnt consult the wife before turning down the offer! :confused:

Nope. Her and I are mind melded in a strange, married sort of way. She would have made the same decision had it been her. If she had been upset about it, she would have told me I was a dumb ass and to call them back immediately. She didn't....
 

TallBill

Lifer
Apr 29, 2001
46,017
62
91
Heh, its still my dream at some point to move over from the military to either the FBI or CIA at some point after finishing my computer science degree.
 

warcrow

Lifer
Jan 12, 2004
11,078
11
81
Originally posted by: Rogue
Originally posted by: warcrow
Originally posted by: Rogue
Originally posted by: warcrow
...it tough because its something you really think might have been worht the paycut for, am I right? Did the wife have as much say in this as you? I mean, it sounds like you made the right decision. :beer:

....just watch alot of CSI and Law and Order (even though they have nothing to do with the FBI). :p

I called the wife immediately after turning down the offer and she was disappointed for me, but also felt it wasn't the right time. She needs another year or so in her current position at Target to be in position to run a store, so it's better for her too, although back in January when I applied, I checked and there was a Target store like 8 miles away from the FBI center where I would work. She feels my pain, but is supportive of my decision.

Yeah, I probably would have taken the pay cut, all things considered. If my daughter didn't come onto the scene in June, I'd be flying to WV tomorrow for face-to-face interview, even at my own expense if necessary. Damn. Funny how life works.

Wait, you didnt consult the wife before turning down the offer! :confused:

Nope. Her and I are mind melded in a strange, married sort of way. She would have made the same decision had it been her. If she had been upset about it, she would have told me I was a dumb ass and to call them back immediately. She didn't....

Ok, cool then!
 

Rogue

Banned
Jan 28, 2000
5,774
0
0
Originally posted by: TallBill
Heh, its still my dream at some point to move over from the military to either the FBI or CIA at some point after finishing my computer science degree.

Well, I pissed away your chance today man, sorry. At least they liked my MP experience coupled with my computer knowledge, so you might have a good chance. Hell, I don't even have a degree or a cert in it, so come back with a degree and you'll be golden. Just remember to apply a year before you actually get the offer.
 

bradruth

Lifer
Aug 9, 2002
13,479
2
81
Eh, it sounds like you've got plenty of good things going on in your life already. Maybe when you have less on your plate somewhere down the road you can re-apply if you still want to.
 

bradruth

Lifer
Aug 9, 2002
13,479
2
81
Originally posted by: jumpr
:Q

I respect your decision, but GS-9 and FBI are a great combination! Jeez, the FBI's pretty much my dream career (White Collar Crimes, specifically their Environmental Crimes section)

EDIT: The FBI is a very prestigious organization because it's shrouded with secrecy. Unlike the military, their operations are quite unknown to the public and everything about them is sort of 'cool' - their vehicles, badges, equipment, tactics, etc. But don't forget, deep down they're just a police agency and they've got the same politics as anyone else.

:)

Pfft, the FBI is a lot less cool now than it once was. Mostly lawyers & accountants with guns who don't do any real field work these days.
 

OverVolt

Lifer
Aug 31, 2002
14,278
89
91
Just dont look back, the desicion was probably the best thing for you and your family, and the less you think about it the better off you are. :D
 

Zim Hosein

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Super Moderator
Nov 27, 1999
65,219
400
126
Originally posted by: s1len7 n1nj4
i have a job

-------------------------
"Can't get enough of that wonderfull Duff"

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