u/No_Chart_564

I'm considering applying to some jobs with the State of Illinois and I am trying to understand their retirement benefit. I understand they have 401B instead of 401k that only the employee pays into. I understand there is also a retirement plan but don't know how it works. I am 52 and am used to 401ks in corporations where there is an employer match and no separate retirement plan. Can someone explain how getting a job at 52 years of age would work with the state retirement program? How much do they contribute every years? Thank you.

I've heard that coming into Caterpillar from outside the organization they will only hire in the bottom half of the listed salary range. I've also heard you can negotiate more vacation days. I'm curious how good of a deal have people had in negotiating with HR at Caterpillar. Has anyone got them to give you a salary past the midpoint? If you've negotiated more vacation days how many did you get?

So many companies are doing huge layoffs these days due to AI or other reasons. Do you think Caterpillar is at risk of upcoming layoffs? Do employees feel secure?

I got a message today from a recruiter about a tech contract role at Caterpillar and he said it was hybrid out of the Peoria HQ. From everything I've heard everyone has to go into the office every day. I didn't think hybrid existed anymore regardless if you were a contractor or a full time salaried employee. Are contractors allowed to work a hybrid schedule?

I am considering applying for a job at Caterpillar in Tech (in Peoria), but it would be an hour's drive to get there and I understand everyone is back in the office 5 days a week. I'm curious is there flexibility to leave early for doctor's appointments or work at home for a bit when you have someone coming to fix something in your house (or something like that)?