Insights into JSC after receiving offer
As title says, looking for insights/advice into NASA these days, and JSC in particular as I just received an offer.
I'm early/mid career at a big NASA contractor working on Artemis (think Northrop, Collins, LM, RTX, etc). I live in a state I love and have decent hybrid/remote flexibility. I really value the outdoors and lifestyle I currently have. The day to day work is meh (lots of corporate computer slog) and I'm worried I'll be pigeonholed into doing the same thing for a few decades. I'm feeling stuck and don't love management. There are some gems of humans around though :)
Got my dream job offer at JSC. So I'd still be aerospace/human spaceflight but seemingly more hands-on and in a different area I've wanted to explore for a while that my current company doesn't offer. I'm heartbroken at the thought of moving but also feel like I'd always regret not taking this career opportunity for the growth it could give me and new experiences, especially if I stay stuck and kinda miserable. I don't feel ready to uproot my life and even though I don't love my job it's definitely more manageable given the lifestyle factors which I'd lose going to Houston.
I also have some questions/concerns with NASA, any insight is very much appreciated!
- with the hiring acceleration, will there be enough structure and mentorship to properly train and lead new hires? I'm really excited about the work but don't want to end up twiddling my thumbs because they have more new hires than they can properly manage.
- what's the RTO sitch these days? I know it's technically required but can people still telework or work remote from other locations on occasion? I think going back and forth between Houston and my current state is unrealistic but I'd like to visit as much as possible lol
- I've heard morale at NASA is low and everyone is overworked...is this still the general feeling at JSC? I work hard at work but then want to shut off and enjoy life outside of work as well
- Can anyone elaborate on the health benefits/comp? hard to decide to leave industry or not and I'd appreciate hearing other perspectives
- Anyone know if relocation is a thing? (I'm still waiting to get more info on this)