u/Namaste-NY

Hypothetically…..

I have successfully completed my probation as a grade 23 employee and am considering a promotion to a grade 25 position.

While I would be on probation for the new grade 25 position, would I still be eligible to apply for transfers to other grade 23 roles (specifically those eligible under 70.1)?

Essentially, I am trying to understand my flexibility to seek a different grade 23 role should the promotion not work out as expected. Any guidance on these policies would be greatly appreciated.

Hey Everyone,

My husband and I are heading to Playa Hermosa for a week-long trip (LGBTQ). We’re both adults, don’t have kids, and are strictly non-drinkers. Our main goal is purely relaxation and resetting. We’re actually at a point where we’re debating becoming expats, so we’re treating this trip as part vacation and part "research" into what that lifestyle might look like, though we haven't settled on a country yet.

We haven’t booked a rental car yet, but we’re open to getting one if it’s recommended.

Since we’re looking for a chill experience and want to avoid the typical party/nightlife scene, I’d love your advice:

Transportation: Is a rental car necessary for getting around the Playa Hermosa area, or are taxis/shuttles sufficient for our needs?

Low-key activities: Any recommendations for quiet, scenic, or wellness-focused things to do in or near the area?

"Expat research": Since we are testing the waters for a potential move abroad, are there specific things we should look out for or pay attention to while we're there?

General Tips: Anything you wish you knew before visiting this part of the coast?

Really appreciate any thoughts or local knowledge you can share. Thanks in advance!

We all know the excitement of finding that perfect Coach bag—especially when you snag a great deal on the resale market. The brand is having an incredible moment right now, and it’s easy to get swept up in the hype.
However, seeing the constant flood of authentication requests in our community has me thinking: are we shopping for the love of the brand, or just chasing the trend?

If you’re diving into the world of pre-loved Coach, please take a moment to consider these three points before you click "buy":

Don't Let the Hype Outpace Your Knowledge: It is incredibly easy to be blinded by a "good deal" on a viral bag. If you can’t spot the difference between a high-quality authentic piece and a well-made fake, you are at risk. Never assume a seller is an expert just because they listed a price.

The "Deal" Isn't Worth the Fake: Authenticating after you’ve already paid is a stressful game. It is much safer—and much more rewarding—to spend time learning the basics of your favorite models first. Study the creed stamps, the quality of the hardware, and the specific leather finishes.

Invest in Your Eye: The information to identify a genuine Coach bag is out there, but it requires a bit of detective work. Take the time to understand what you’re buying. You’ll not only protect your wallet but also gain a much deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that actually makes the brand worth the hype in the first place.

The Bottom Line: Trends come and go, but a genuine piece of quality craftsmanship stays with you. Don’t let the rush of the hunt turn into the headache of a counterfeit.
Shop smart, research first, and wear your bags with confidence! ✨

Just a heads-up for anyone thinking about switching out of the SAVE plan. I recently took myself off SAVE and recertified for ICR (cheaper than IBR - I’m a public servant) using my W-2 (I’m married filing jointly, but currently separated). My payment under SAVE was $95, but under ICR, it’s jumping to $300.

Here’s the catch: while I'm waiting for them to officially confirm my new ICR payment calculation, they immediately took me out of forbearance, and I have to pay that $95 right now. If you’re choosing to leave SAVE, be prepared for your payments to resume immediately. In hindsight, I probably should have just waited for them to notify me during the 90-day window after SAVE expired.

Currently, I am on an administrative forbearance on the save plan with a calculation of a $92 payment. I just recalculated my payment and it goes up to $300 (which I consider myself blessed compared to others). Should I just move forward with this or wait til Mohela contacts me in the future? The payment options are as follows:

$298 on an ICR plan
$351 on a IBR plan
Payee not eligible

I have and plan to continue to work in public service. I have about 86 out of 120 PLF payments. I’m probably overthinking this but I’m stuck with one foot in front of the other. Thank you.

Once, the following excerpt was shared with me and I think it may be very helpful to the many facing emotionally charged decisions. Be kind to yourselves.

Sometimes Original

Sometimes, as part of taking care of ourselves, it becomes time to end certain relationships. Sometimes, it comes time to change the parameters of a particular relationship.

This is true in love, in friendships, with family, and on the job.

Endings and changes in relationships are not easy. But often, they are necessary.

Sometimes, we linger in relationships that are dead, out of fear of being alone or to postpone the inevitable grieving process that accompanies endings. Sometimes, we need to linger for a while, to prepare ourselves, to get strong and ready enough to handle the change.

If that is what we are doing, we can be gentle with ourselves. It is better to wait until that moment when it feels solid, clear, and consistent to act.

We will know. We will know. We can trust ourselves.

Knowing that a relationship is changing or is about to end is a difficult place to be in, especially when it is not yet time to act but we know the time is drawing near. It can be awkward and uncomfortable, as the lesson draws to a close. We may become impatient to put closure on it, but not yet feel empowered to do that. That's okay. The time is not yet right. Something important is still happening. When the time is right, we can trust that it will happen. We will receive the power and the ability to do what we need to do.

Ending relationships or changing the boundaries of a particular relationship is not easy. It requires courage and faith. It requires a willingness on our part to take care of ourselves and, sometimes, to stand-alone for a while.

Let go of fear. Understand that change is an important part of recovery. Love yourself enough to do what you need to do to take care of yourself, and find enough confidence to believe that you will love again.

We are never starting over. In recovery, we are moving forward in a perfectly planned progression of lessons. We will find ourselves with certain people - in love, family, friendships, and work - when we need to be with them. When the lesson has been mastered, we will move on. We will find ourselves in a new place, learning new lessons, with new people.

No, the lessons are not all painful. We will arrive at that place where we can learn, not from pain, but from joy and love.

In the end, our needs will get met.

Learn the art of acceptance. It's a lot of grief.
--Codependent No More

I'Il admit l've been burying my public servant head in the sand a bit with my student loans, but I could really use some guidance. I have about $35k in loans serviced by Mohela, and I'm currently at 86/120 qualifying payments for PSLF. (My loans are undergrad $13k subsidized and $22k unsubsidized )

Right now, I'm enrolled in the SAVE plan, but my account has been in an administrative
forbearance for over two years. (I think my IDR was pending processing). I'm now currently waiting for official communication from Mohela on what to do next. However, I recently saw some advice online suggesting I should switch to the IBR (Income-Based Repayment) plan immediately. (Was this a government scare tactic?)

I'm hesitant to make a move or change plans unless I am officially instructed to, so I've just been waiting. Am I doing the right thing by staying put, or is there something proactive I should be doing right now?

Thank you in advance for any kindness and advice!

I'Il admit l've been burying my public servant head in the sand a bit with my student loans, but I could really use some guidance. I have about $35k in loans serviced by Mohela, and I'm currently at 86/120 qualifying payments for PSLF. (My loans are undergrad $13k subsidized and $22k unsubsidized )

Right now, I'm enrolled in the SAVE plan, but my account has been in an administrative
forbearance for over two years. (I think my IDR was pending processing). I'm now currently waiting for official communication from Mohela on what to do next. However, I recently saw some advice online suggesting I should switch to the IBR (Income-Based Repayment) plan immediately. (Was this a government scare tactic?)

I'm hesitant to make a move or change plans unless I am officially instructed to, so I've just been waiting. Am I doing the right thing by staying put, or is there something proactive I should be doing right now?

Thank you in advance for any kindness and advice!