u/Comfortable-Meal-394

I'm a current federal employee (GS-12) with DLA almost 17 yrs and eligible for retirement and I'm considering applying for a GS-12 position with GSA/Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) and also I am considering deferring my annuity and relocating once I can secure another opportunity.

I'm not looking for generic "GSA used to be great" comments. I'm specifically interested in what things are like right now in 2026, especially after the reorganizations, staffing changes, RTO issues, etc.

For current or recent GSA/FAS employees:

• How is morale these days?
• How is leadership/management at FAS?
• Has the workload gotten better or worse?
• How much turnover are you seeing?
• Are people generally worried about additional RIFs or organizational changes?
• How strict is the return-to-office requirement?
• Is FAS still a decent place to make a lateral move within the federal government?
• Does it vary significantly by directorate/office?
• For someone coming from DLA logistics/procurement, would you consider FAS a good career move right now?

I'm particularly interested in hearing from people who are currently at FAS, rather than comments based on what GSA was like several years ago.

Thanks in advance for any candid feedback. Anonymity is obviously fine.

It seems that after 17 sessions, my moods have worsen. I am dealing with constant rumination, irritability, anger, snapping a minor things, cursing constantly. Doctor remapped the protocol to less frequencies and intensities. I was doing 3 times a week and next week I will be at 2 sessions. I need a lot of resting between sessions. I am taking life too dam serious and I am not feeling any improvement. My doctor, however, believed I am more calmer and relaxed by the way I communicate. He went on to say that if feels the treatment is working based on my emotions are behaving. I understand there is a dip, but I feel this treatment is unsafe and dangerous someway. I live alone, 57 yrs old, anhedonic, and don't have anyone near to me to report feedback or changes.

After passing the PMP last April on my 3rd attempt and a two year learning journey and I am not sure if I should pursue another PMI cert. While I am already renewed my PMP until 2032, I am not sure if I want to deal with more PDUs tbh. I also have CLPs at work which are similar to PDUs and they are 80 pts that I need to submit every two years. However, I am intrigued about the AI stuff. I am not directly involved in projects except for a possible Green Belt and some other initiatives I presented to my supervisor. I am not grasping some of the algorithms and AI jargon. I have complete Frederiko Peixoto Udemy course and the free CPMAI course from PMI. I am also doing CPMAIEXAMPREP.COM which is good for foundational knowledge but is too technical. At the moment, I am undecided because part of me is telling me you have nothing else to prove and the other me is telling go for it, one more round. I am also working on a non provisional patent. I obtained a design patent in 2022 and I am working towards this one which involve some AI stuff. Any recommendations are wrlcome. Thank you and best of luck on your CPMAI journey.

It seems this is not working for me. I can't sleep and I wake up agitated, neurotic and in a bad mood. I am doing 3 sessions a week and I told the tech about my symptoms and it seems to be normal. I like me better before this garbage treatment tbh.

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"A home you actually like. A dog beside you. People around you. Someone to have dinner with. Someone to text. A woman you're attracted to who actually wants to see you. Work that doesn't consume your identity. Some warmth and enjoyment instead of constantly managing the next problem. Feeling like a human being instead of a human doing"

I am not into games but I am entertaining the possibility of playing computer games. I heard something like Neo 2. I.have to ask AI about gaming. Any ideas are welcome.

As the title says, I was born and raised Catholic largely because of my family. As I’ve gotten older, my relationship with faith has become more personal and complicated.

I listen to the Rosary in the evening before I go to sleep, and I carry my rosary in my right pocket wherever I go. There is something about having it with me that gives me a sense of divine protection and comfort.

I still attend Mass, pray, and get holy water, but I have one major reservation: confession.

I struggle with the idea of confessing my sins to another man. I understand the Catholic teaching behind the sacrament, but emotionally, I have a hard time with it. I also haven't always felt much empathy or engagement from the priest during confession. I know priests are human beings too, with their own personalities, limitations, and imperfections, just like everyone else. But that experience has made it harder for me to feel comfortable with the sacrament.

Because I haven't gone to confession, I don't receive Communion either. So I find myself in this strange place where I consider myself spiritual and still feel a strong connection to God, but I'm not particularly religious in the traditional sense.

And then there are moments that make me question whether God is trying to tell me something.

A while back, I lost my rosary. I searched everywhere for weeks and couldn't find it. I was actually getting ready to buy another one because I had pretty much accepted that it was gone.

Recently, I went to a park where I frequently walk my dog. As I was there, I noticed my rosary hanging from one of the park signs.

I was honestly stunned.

I have no idea how it ended up there. I don't remember leaving it there, and I had searched for it everywhere. Finding it like that, in a place I regularly visit, felt almost miraculous to me.

Maybe there is a perfectly ordinary explanation. Maybe someone found it and hung it there. But when I saw it, I couldn't help thinking that perhaps God was reminding me that He's still there, even when I struggle with my faith.

I'm curious how other Catholics would view this. Have you ever felt spiritually connected to God while simultaneously struggling with certain aspects of Catholic practice? And for those who have struggled with confession, did anything eventually change your perspective?

Hello friends!

For context, I’m a 57-year-old Hispanic male. Professionally, I’m doing pretty well and, by most measures, I’m doing awesome. Personally, however, I feel awful. There’s a significant disconnect between how well I function professionally and how I feel internally.

I’m looking for feedback from people who have actually gone through TMS because the feedback I’ve been getting from my TMS providers has been mostly generic. I’m not getting much individualized feedback about what I’m experiencing.

I had my 14th TMS session last Thursday.

Since then, I’ve noticed something difficult to describe. In some ways, I feel much calmer and more relaxed — almost like I smoked 10 joints. At the same time, though, I feel incredibly irritable, angry, neurotic, emotionally exhausted, and disconnected.

Today I took my dog Cash to the park for our normal walk. Internally, I was angry about practically everything:

• How much money the dog costs me.
• My work environment.
• Someone at work who has become a major source of resentment for me.
• Rent and housing issues.
• My finances.
• Just the general feeling of being stuck with the problems of everyday life.

I was having some pretty ugly and hostile thoughts toward someone at work. I didn't say anything or act on them, but the intensity of the internal anger bothered me. Those thoughts aren't consistent with how I want to think or behave toward other people.

What's strange is that none of this is necessarily apparent to people around me. I’m calm, cool, and collected on the outside and generally very pleasant to be around. Internally, however, I can be having a completely different experience.

And then there is the loneliness.

Honestly, that may be the part that hurts the most. I feel mortified by how lonely I am. I grew up alone as a child and learned to live independently. I don't have a partner or children, and sometimes it hits me that I've spent a huge portion of my life alone. That realization can be incredibly painful.

I’m also wondering whether testosterone could be contributing to some of this. My recent testosterone level was 281, which I was told is technically within the normal range, although my baseline has been around 250. I've been dealing with low energy, low libido, and sexual frustration.

I don't know whether being without intimacy and sex for a long time could be contributing to feeling more depressed, irritable, lonely, or neurotic. I'm not saying that's the answer — I'm genuinely trying to figure out what might be contributing to how I feel.

At this point, I don't know what's causing what.

Is it the TMS?

Is it poor sleep?

Is it depression?

Is it loneliness and lack of intimacy?

Could testosterone be playing some role?

Could it simply be the cumulative stress of work, money, housing, and feeling alone?

Last night I actually got some sleep, but I woke up feeling like I hadn't slept at all. I also had some strange dreams. One involved being at a work-related luncheon with people who were kind and friendly toward me. They were somehow connected to the work environment, but they weren't actually my coworkers. The dream itself wasn't necessarily negative, but it was strange and vivid.

Today I feel sluggish and exhausted even though I technically slept.

The strange thing is that I can still interact normally with people.

I ran into my friend Barry at the dog park and had a really nice conversation with him. I was polite, friendly, and completely normal. I actually felt noticeably better afterward.

That's part of what makes this so confusing.

I can feel extremely angry, bitter, lonely, and neurotic internally while still being kind, functional, and socially pleasant externally. I want to feel genuinely good again. More importantly, I want to be able to experience and express my emotions in a healthy, authentic way instead of constantly feeling like I'm fighting what's going on inside my head.

I'm not saying TMS is necessarily causing all of this. I'm genuinely trying to understand what is happening.

For those who have completed 10–20+ TMS sessions:

Did you experience becoming significantly calmer or more relaxed while simultaneously becoming more irritable, angry, emotionally strange, exhausted, or overwhelmed by negative thoughts?

Did anyone experience changes in libido, sexuality, emotional sensitivity, or loneliness during treatment?

And if you've also dealt with borderline-low testosterone or low libido, did you notice any relationship between those issues and your mood?

I'm particularly interested in hearing from people who have actually gone through TMS and can describe what the experience was like for them, rather than getting the generic "TMS can take time to work" explanation.

I'm trying to figure out what's happening to me without freaking myself out about it.

Hello!

Has anyone got a retirement review of benefits?.I responded to Facebook ad and I have my 2nd session with another FRC. They reviewed my TSP, LES etc and try to sell a life insurance policy. Someone told me OPM is behind this. Anyone has done this?

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I have a MacBook Air M2 that had some liquid damage to the built-in keyboard. The internal keyboard started having issues, and now my external keyboard is not working, which is making it difficult to use the Mac.

I was advised to try shutting down the Mac and then holding the Touch ID/power button while powering it back on to enter Startup Options/Recovery Mode.

I followed the steps:

Shut down the Mac completely and held the Touch ID/power button while turning it on.

However, the trick is not working. It was working until.now. The Mac just boots normally, and I never get the "Loading startup options" screen.

A few details:

MacBook Air M2

Built-in keyboard affected by liquid damage

External keyboard no longer responding

Tried the Touch ID startup options method

Not sure if this is a software issue, FileVault/login issue, or hardware damage

Has anyone experienced this after liquid damage? Could the keyboard controller or logic board be preventing external keyboards from working? Are there any other recovery steps I should try before taking it in for repair?

Thanks for any advice

Greetings

I am seeking recommendations for 1 Br apartments in the Gahanna area vicinity that accept 1 ESA dog.

TIA

Hello Friends,

Has anyone else become so reliant on GenAI that they're worried it's affecting their own writing and thinking skills?

Since the advent of GenAI, I've found myself using it for almost everything at work. For example, I use AI to help with Excel tasks like VLOOKUPs across multiple spreadsheets, and I rely on it to proofread my emails and fix my grammar before I send them.

English is my second language, and writing has always been one of my weaker areas, so AI has been an incredible tool. It has made me more confident and efficient, and I honestly don't know how I managed without it.

That said, a coworker recently commented that relying too much on AI could weaken our own cognitive abilities over time. That got me thinking. Am I improving because AI is helping me communicate more effectively, or am I becoming dependent on it and exercising those skills less?

This question has been on my mind even more recently because I applied for a supervisory position. As a supervisor, communication is a critical skill, and I don't want to become so dependent on AI that I struggle when I have to write or think through something on my own.

For those of you who use GenAI regularly at work, have you noticed any changes in your own writing, critical thinking, or problem-solving skills? Do you see AI as a productivity tool, or do you think it's possible to become too reliant on it?

I've been with DLA for almost 17 years, and overall it's been a great career. I know the organization well, my supervisor treats me exceptionally well, and I've consistently received Outstanding performance ratings for several years. It's a comfortable place to be.

Recently, I came across a GS-13 Logistics Supervisor position with the U.S. Coast Guard in Puerto Rico. I applied for it, and the position is authorized for PCS if selected.

I was born and raised on the island, so I'm not looking at this through rose-colored glasses. I know the challenges, the infrastructure issues, and the realities of living there. At the same time, my mom passed away two years ago, and one of my biggest regrets is not spending more time with her while I had the chance. I still have a small circle of family there, and I've missed watching my nephew grow up. Another aspect is the weather here in the mid west that is impacting my health.

On the personal side, I'm unmarried, don't have kids, don't own a home, and aside from my dog, I don't really have anything tying me down. It feels like if there were ever a time to make a move like this, it's now. I've always believed in pursuing what your heart, mind, and spirit tell you, and part of me feels like this opportunity came along for a reason.

The one thing giving me pause is that I did a PCS in 2019 that didn't work out. I ended up returning to my previous position through a lateral move, so I know firsthand that not every opportunity turns out the way you hope.

Another factor I'm weighing is the current environment across the federal government. With all the changes, uncertainty, and workforce discussions under the current administration, I'm wondering if this is a particularly risky time to switch agencies—or if staying where I am simply because things are uncertain isn't the right way to approach it.

For those of you who have spent a long time in one federal agency and then made the jump to another—especially after 15+ years—how did it work out? Did you regret leaving a place where you had stability, a good reputation, and supportive leadership?

Assuming I were selected, would you make a move like this under the current administration and today's federal workforce climate? Is it worth leaving a great situation for a promotion, a new agency, and the chance to be closer to family, or would you stay where you're established?

I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who's been in a similar position.

I'm looking to hear from anyone who has gone through something similar.

I've completed 12 TMS sessions so far (twice a week), and honestly, I'm not sure if it's working for me. In some ways, I actually feel worse than when I started.

The biggest changes I've noticed are:

• My anger spikes much more easily.
• I'm noticeably more irritable and impatient.
• I feel like I'm constantly fighting internally and creating worst-case scenarios in my head.
• I'm sleeping less, but strangely I don't feel tired. I feel "wired" instead of exhausted.
• Every now and then I have an involuntary twitch or movement in my left thumb. It doesn't bother me much, but I figured it's worth mentioning.
• Sometimes, I feel numb or I don't know my emotional state. Ironically, I feel sedated and relaxed at times.
• My mind is scattered and all over the place. Going from studying for my certification and shifting to my patent work or start seeking jobs elsewhere while overthinking about my future retirement.

For context, I have ADHD and I'm currently running on what feels like "ADHD overdrive." I'm working full-time, taking care of everything at home, and studying for another certification. I'm wondering if I'm just burning myself out or if TMS could be contributing to how I'm feeling.

The medical assistant who administers my treatments is very kind, but I'd like more information about the protocol I'm receiving. I know it's high-frequency stimulation, and there was another detail she mentioned that I can't remember. I've been messaging her after treatments to let her know how I've been feeling, but I don't know if those updates are actually making it back to the psychiatrist.

I also mentioned that my recent lab work showed borderline low testosterone (281 ng/dL, with the lab's lower reference range being 250 ng/dL). I'm not sure whether that could be playing any role in my mood or energy, but I wanted the doctor to be aware. It seems I am in a limbo since I am not getting feedback and this doctor barely shows up or contact me at all. I don't know if this treatment is working to be honest. All the feedback I got is you got to eat, rest and stay hydrated.

Has anyone experienced increased irritability, anger, feeling "wired," or needing less sleep during TMS? Did it improve as treatment continued, or did your provider end up changing your protocol? Also, if you felt like your concerns weren't making it to the prescribing doctor, how did you handle that?

I'd really appreciate hearing about others' experiences.

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I recently applied for the Logistics Management Supervisor, GS-13 position at USCG Air Station Borinquen in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico and I'm looking for feedback from anyone familiar with the position, the unit, or working at Borinquen Air Base

I’m currently a DLA Civilian GS 12 with 17 yrs of experience in many fuctional areas and this opportunity caught my attention because it would be a major career and lifestyle change. I would appreciate any insight from current or former employees.

A few questions:

What is the work environment like at Borinquen?

How is leadership and management at the installation?

What is the workload like for a GS-13 logistics supervisor?

How is the relationship between civilian employees and military personnel?

What are the biggest pros and cons of working there?

How is living in Aguadilla for someone relocating from the mainland?

I’m especially interested in honest feedback from anyone who has worked there or has experience with Coast Guard logistics in Puerto Rico.

Thank you in advance for any advice or experiences you can share.

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I was watching TikTok recently, and a woman said something that stuck with me: "A woman's touch is medicine to a man's life." At first I thought it sounded a little cheesy, but the more I reflected on it, the more I realized there might be some truth to it.

I'm almost 60, never married, and have no children. I've spent most of my life alone, often focusing on the negative aspects of relationships rather than what they could add to my life. Over the years, I've become very independent. I've gone to the ER by myself, attended medical appointments alone, taken solo cruises, and handled life's challenges without having someone by my side.

Yesterday, I was at the dog park when some bug or little critter bit my neck. I ended up with a pretty nasty allergic reaction on my neck and back. I went to the pharmacy, bought Allegra and cortisone cream, and I'll be okay.

But as I was sitting there, I realized what I really wanted wasn't another medication. I wished there had been someone beside me—a kind, gentle woman who could simply hold my hand, rub my back, or tell me, "You're going to be okay." That kind of comfort can't be bought at a pharmacy.

I truly enjoy my solitude, and I don't regret building an independent life. But there are moments when I realize that independence and companionship aren't opposites. Sometimes what we need isn't someone to rescue us, but someone to share life's difficult moments with.

Maybe that "gentle touch" isn't medicine in the literal sense. Maybe it's emotional medicine—the reassurance that you're not facing everything alone.

Has anyone else who has been single for many years felt this way? Did your perspective on relationships change as you got older?

I sometimes sit on my apartment patio early in the morning with a cup of coffee, just watching the world wake up. There’s a woman around my age who often walks by on weekend mornings or late afternoons. She has brown skin, short hair (I've always had a thing for women with short hair), and a calm presence that catches my attention every time.

One Saturday around 7 a.m., as she walked past, she smiled and waved hello. I waved back, probably looking far more composed than I actually felt.

I've noticed that she sometimes walks with a younger woman and a baby, but for the most part she walks alone. I assume it's her daughter and grandchild, but I really have no idea. Funny how the mind fills in the blanks when you're intrigued by someone.

Today she walked by again while incidentally I was sitting inside writing my journal describing her and how her waving made me feel alive. My journal is based on Paolo Coelho's phrases and this particular one was asking about what made me feel alive.

If I was outside, she would probably have waved hello to me again—like she sometimes does. It almost felt like one of those strange little moments that make you wonder if life has a sense of humor or if it's just coincidence.

She always seems to wear black—black shorts, a black shirt, and the one time I saw her at the pool, she was wearing a black swimsuit. Maybe it's just her favorite color.

For now, all we share is a simple wave. Maybe that's all it will ever be. Or maybe one day I'll find the courage to say, "Good morning. How's your day going?

Tonight, I'll keep dreaming, and maybe next time I'll have a little more courage than I did today.

Not sure if this is a red flag, but it is what it is. I am single hispanic male 57 yrs exploring dating again after a couple of rejections from Bumble and other crappy dating apps so I am a little skeptical. One good thing is that I have a dog.

Greetings

Recovery process between treatments

Last Saturday I spent most of my day in bed recovering from the zap session. Last week session was Thursday afternoon. I had session 10 this past Monday and i was feeling kind of ok. I came home from work yesterday and took care of my pup and ran an errand and went to bed around 5pm. I was scrolling until 7:30 pm and went to sleep. I woke up today at 3:30 pm and I was up by 4am. I prepped for the day and I am feeling like the walking dead at work. I am also having some involuntary movements on my left thumb and hand. I am more calmed and relaxed but I am not sure how to describe emotions tbh. It takes me a day or two to fully recover. I don't have motivation to do anything at all. If anyone has felt this way?

Just trying to check if anyone got positive feedback working in the federal government under this administration. Everything is mostly negative.

Thanks