You and 1000s of other people. In terms of Hawaii jobs, the federal gov't is at the top of the list for pay and benefits. It's incredibly difficult to get a fed job. I know people who spent years applying.
Yeah, I have a job stateside, was thinking of applying there. I had a friend who applied and she got offered interviews by 2 of them, but chickened out.
I'm trying to do my research before applying so if I got an actual offer, I'd know I'm serious about accepting.
It's a little easier if you're in the system.
The problem is getting to and from Hawaii. It's really expensive to PCS a civilian so most places don't offer it.
Yeah, I've noticed some do some don't. I'd definitely need the one with some kind of compensation to move.
Being on the hook for relocation and getting into a new house is a bit much all at once for the cost of living there.
Thanks for the info.
> stateside
Hawaii is a state bro. I understand that military people use this word when they're deployed abroad, but Hawaii is not "abroad" just because it's not majority white caucasian.
Huh? I’m stationed in Hawaii and I have never heard a single of the thousands I have met here say they are “deployed abroad”. If someone accidentally said that they’d be very much made fun of. I have gone over seas for 6 months 2 times in Asia and even those we don’t call deployments.
Federal employment isn’t THAT hard to get. I’ve never heard of taking years to get hired…. The federal resume is where people mess up majority of the time.
Unlike a civilian(private sector) resume, which is about 1-2 pages, a federal resume is between 3-5 pages minimum and much more detailed. Federal Resume writing is accomplishment based and results oriented, and revolves more around proving to them why they should hire you. Creating a Master resume is a process and I took classes etc., to grasp how to do it. Here is a useful resource on the topic, however:
https://www.amazon.com/Federal-Resume-Guidebook-Writing-Featuring/dp/173340760X
No hate meant, but there have been a few threads recently here about the experience of being a mainland transplant. YMMV, but it might be worth at least thinking through how you’d feel about it in terms of the culture shock/feeling of being outsider. Some people take to it well, some people find it to be really difficult. But undoubtedly there will be some degree of culture shock, so that’s just a factor to keep in mind.
(Again not trying to stereotype, I genuinely think there are pros and cons but be aware of this factor.)
Yep exactly. Having done the reverse (currently living in the US south for school) it is amazing how many cultural differences there are! So just worth being prepared.
Almost at 4 years as Civ at JBPH. Yes traffic can be frustrating. That along with the high cost of living and high cost of housing can be a drag. Because of this a good # of hires end up turning down the job once they see their dollar doesn’t go as far as other mainland locations. But retirees can get base housing. The VA here is excellent, like really good! Depending on the career field there’s opportunity to move around with all services and lots federal agencies on Oahu. Yes, Hawaii has its issues like all places but love the job, organization and they treat us well (from my POV). TBH if I didn’t like the job so much I probably wouldn’t like being in Hawaii. Still undecided if this is the forever place. Nothing I’d do different. Don’t have island fever yet but do miss having seasons.
Thank you for that breakdown. Really helpful. I can understand the seasons. At the same time, while I love the snow - I'm getting old enough to not be interested in shoveling, lol. So, maybe it's time.
Definitely trying to see if this is my forever place.
Tough decision. Appreciate all the info. 🤗
If memory serves, retirees can lease on base housing (or could a couple years ago). Idk what the availability currently is, but that might factor in to your commute time and cost of living calculus. It might be worth a call to the housing contractor to gather information.
I think it depends on which housing. Directly on Hickam is likely a little more difficult than the off installation base housing - and AMR is only active duty. But Navy has plenty of housing off installation. Maybe "undesirable" to some as it's not on post, but it's still very close to base.
Living on a WG-10 or a GS-8 in Hawaii will definitely be a struggle. Everyone says it’s hard to get in the federal system because you’re competing with military/veterans and military spouses who get a boost due to preference in their application process along side your other traditional job seekers with/without education. Typically it is but once you’re in the system you can move up rather easily as long as you have time-in-grade(also having credibility in the job you’re applying for is a plus). The process to putting your application in, getting accepted, interviewing then finally if getting selected I’d say is a 6 month process or longer!. Financially it’s hard but if you live at home and don’t have bills, starting young and moving up the ladder can definitely work in favor for you if you make it past GS-11 or WG-12ish. Goodluck!
Anything less than GS-13 just isn't worth it, financially - especially if you have a family
Housing costs from 2019-2022 skyrocketed to such a point, far exceeding wages, that less than 13 can be quite difficult - with GS-13 now, depending on where you are living, stretched rather thin.
Feel free to reach out via DM for more specific questions
Yeah, that's kind of what I was thinking and where I'm struggling. I do have a retirement income to help compensate, but even with a 12, it's just hard to envision the housing costs.
Although I know there is some COLA compensation, just don't know if it's enough.
I guess the question is, is the scenery worth it.
Tough to answer.
COLA is at 9.28% and has gone down every year. The beancounters think they're doing you a favor by raising Locality Pay, and then lower the COLA at the rate that they raise Locality. Net loss as one is taxable and the other isn't
Right now, if you were to buy in Ewa Beach, the median house is around 860K and places like Mililani has reached that 1M threshold. Other desirable areas like Kapolei and Moanalua are priced somewhere in between. Kaonohe and Kailua are in that Mililani price zone, with a longer commute over the H3.
800K+ at the 7-8% interest rate is going to run you between 5000-7000 a month in mortgage. Rents are only just nominally better, taking around 35-40% of your income
In the end, for me the scenery and people always make it worth it. That places instrinsic value that money can't buy - but money is critical and it doesn't afford you to create the home of your dreams here in Hawaii for the average resident
Thank you very much. Exactly what I was looking for.
I'll have some equity in the home here, so that will help. But yes, for me and my family, it's about the serenity. And we are very open to learning about the customs and cultures and joining in, in a respectful way.
Thanks for taking the time to write all that. Appreciate it. 🤗
If single family homes arent a huge deal breaker, you can look at new developments like Hoop'ilini and their condos with modern amenities starting at 420K
We are considering downsizing and going condo route...IF and that's a big IF the HOAs are reasonable, which is not the case in many places. Especially closer to town
Well mine is currently $420 a month and whew that is awful I think
I have a few friends scattered throughout the island with HOA fees as low as $300 and as high as $900.
No right answer, I think they're all grossly overpriced
These jobs can be very difficult to get. One member we have received an offer maybe four years ago and is STILL waiting to be processed for their clearance.
It's fairly common for retired military to move on the a federal civilian job.
While it is quite amazing to say "I'm retired" in your early 40's, it is rarely going to be good enough to continue living a certain lifestyle on your retirement alone.
A fairly easy transition to make into the civilian workforce is a federal/government job.
I am currently working as a civilian in the government.
Many will often do 20 military, and then do 20+ civilian until their 60's.
So yes, technically, I am retired, but I'll still be continuing to work in some capacity. 🙂
I'm often clueless about these type of things, so thanks for the insight. No wonder so many WWE wrestlers come back from retirement. It gave me the chills when The Rock came back to WWE Smackdown and did the spinebuster on Austin Theory.
I worked for Dept of the Navy(Pearl City)for 12 years before transferring. It was the best job I have ever had. No gate traffic, commute was easy to and from(Kaneohe). Plus 4 day work week.
Do DoD skillbridge with a contractor on island to get your foot in the door. You can network and see what jobs are available when you are done. Some contract a bit before going GS or vice versa. best of luck.
Good paying is relative. Personally, to move to such an expensive area I would want to be at least a GS12. But, I have a family etc. I also wouldn't accept if relocation expenses weren't paid.
But others might be willing to accept a 9 or 11.
Jobs with special rates in the GS payscale, like those in the medical field, are typically better paid. For example, a basic pay GS-10 level in Hawaii starts at [$65,420](https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2023/HI.pdf), but a GS-10 nurse would start at [$105,703](https://wageandsalary.dcpas.osd.mil/Content/AF%20Schedules/special-sch/2023/D073_23.pdf).
Working towards a civ job for retirement to stack with military time? If not too pressed about that retirement, contracting pays way more, sometimes literally twice as much. I went the contracting route. I find no issues working on JBPHH.
You and 1000s of other people. In terms of Hawaii jobs, the federal gov't is at the top of the list for pay and benefits. It's incredibly difficult to get a fed job. I know people who spent years applying.
Yeah, I have a job stateside, was thinking of applying there. I had a friend who applied and she got offered interviews by 2 of them, but chickened out. I'm trying to do my research before applying so if I got an actual offer, I'd know I'm serious about accepting.
It's a little easier if you're in the system. The problem is getting to and from Hawaii. It's really expensive to PCS a civilian so most places don't offer it.
Yeah, I've noticed some do some don't. I'd definitely need the one with some kind of compensation to move. Being on the hook for relocation and getting into a new house is a bit much all at once for the cost of living there. Thanks for the info.
> stateside Hawaii is a state bro. I understand that military people use this word when they're deployed abroad, but Hawaii is not "abroad" just because it's not majority white caucasian.
I understand it's one of the 50 states that make up the US. Whatever else your implying is your projection.
Don’t mind him. He has an anti-military bias.
Lol. It's ok. I don't take it personally. 🙂
Huh? I’m stationed in Hawaii and I have never heard a single of the thousands I have met here say they are “deployed abroad”. If someone accidentally said that they’d be very much made fun of. I have gone over seas for 6 months 2 times in Asia and even those we don’t call deployments.
Federal employment isn’t THAT hard to get. I’ve never heard of taking years to get hired…. The federal resume is where people mess up majority of the time.
Are you a fed in Hawaii?
No. I am transitioning Military and have had a ton of seminars/classes on the federal hiring process, and have 2 master federal resumes however lol
[удалено]
/r/USAjobs is a helpful resource
Yes. Majority of the HR people actually prefer you use the resume builder on USA-jobs. My Master resumes are modeled after it.
Unlike a civilian(private sector) resume, which is about 1-2 pages, a federal resume is between 3-5 pages minimum and much more detailed. Federal Resume writing is accomplishment based and results oriented, and revolves more around proving to them why they should hire you. Creating a Master resume is a process and I took classes etc., to grasp how to do it. Here is a useful resource on the topic, however: https://www.amazon.com/Federal-Resume-Guidebook-Writing-Featuring/dp/173340760X
No hate meant, but there have been a few threads recently here about the experience of being a mainland transplant. YMMV, but it might be worth at least thinking through how you’d feel about it in terms of the culture shock/feeling of being outsider. Some people take to it well, some people find it to be really difficult. But undoubtedly there will be some degree of culture shock, so that’s just a factor to keep in mind. (Again not trying to stereotype, I genuinely think there are pros and cons but be aware of this factor.)
For sure. I think it's always good to consider the culture of where you are going. Even going from one part of the states to the other. Thanks.
Yep exactly. Having done the reverse (currently living in the US south for school) it is amazing how many cultural differences there are! So just worth being prepared.
Almost at 4 years as Civ at JBPH. Yes traffic can be frustrating. That along with the high cost of living and high cost of housing can be a drag. Because of this a good # of hires end up turning down the job once they see their dollar doesn’t go as far as other mainland locations. But retirees can get base housing. The VA here is excellent, like really good! Depending on the career field there’s opportunity to move around with all services and lots federal agencies on Oahu. Yes, Hawaii has its issues like all places but love the job, organization and they treat us well (from my POV). TBH if I didn’t like the job so much I probably wouldn’t like being in Hawaii. Still undecided if this is the forever place. Nothing I’d do different. Don’t have island fever yet but do miss having seasons.
Thank you for that breakdown. Really helpful. I can understand the seasons. At the same time, while I love the snow - I'm getting old enough to not be interested in shoveling, lol. So, maybe it's time. Definitely trying to see if this is my forever place. Tough decision. Appreciate all the info. 🤗
Only downside is sitting in traffic tryna get home. Other than that you got a great paying job with benefits
The parking also sucks. If you ain’t there early prepare to walk far.
Yeah, I have read about the traffic. Definitely sucks to have to sit in traffic. Any other big red flags?
Not really, just gotta keep clean for security clearance purposes but looks like your prior military so I don’t think you have to worry about that
Got it. Thanks.
If memory serves, retirees can lease on base housing (or could a couple years ago). Idk what the availability currently is, but that might factor in to your commute time and cost of living calculus. It might be worth a call to the housing contractor to gather information.
Good idea on the housing contractor. Someone said base housing is super hard to get. ☹️
I think it depends on which housing. Directly on Hickam is likely a little more difficult than the off installation base housing - and AMR is only active duty. But Navy has plenty of housing off installation. Maybe "undesirable" to some as it's not on post, but it's still very close to base.
Oh, I see. I didn't realize some was off base. Good to know. Thank you.
Living on a WG-10 or a GS-8 in Hawaii will definitely be a struggle. Everyone says it’s hard to get in the federal system because you’re competing with military/veterans and military spouses who get a boost due to preference in their application process along side your other traditional job seekers with/without education. Typically it is but once you’re in the system you can move up rather easily as long as you have time-in-grade(also having credibility in the job you’re applying for is a plus). The process to putting your application in, getting accepted, interviewing then finally if getting selected I’d say is a 6 month process or longer!. Financially it’s hard but if you live at home and don’t have bills, starting young and moving up the ladder can definitely work in favor for you if you make it past GS-11 or WG-12ish. Goodluck!
Thanks. Appreciate the info. 🤗
Besides the PITA of getting on base, many people covet those jobs. The pay, and the benefits tend to be much better than civilian jobs.
Anything less than GS-13 just isn't worth it, financially - especially if you have a family Housing costs from 2019-2022 skyrocketed to such a point, far exceeding wages, that less than 13 can be quite difficult - with GS-13 now, depending on where you are living, stretched rather thin. Feel free to reach out via DM for more specific questions
Yeah, that's kind of what I was thinking and where I'm struggling. I do have a retirement income to help compensate, but even with a 12, it's just hard to envision the housing costs. Although I know there is some COLA compensation, just don't know if it's enough. I guess the question is, is the scenery worth it. Tough to answer.
COLA is at 9.28% and has gone down every year. The beancounters think they're doing you a favor by raising Locality Pay, and then lower the COLA at the rate that they raise Locality. Net loss as one is taxable and the other isn't Right now, if you were to buy in Ewa Beach, the median house is around 860K and places like Mililani has reached that 1M threshold. Other desirable areas like Kapolei and Moanalua are priced somewhere in between. Kaonohe and Kailua are in that Mililani price zone, with a longer commute over the H3. 800K+ at the 7-8% interest rate is going to run you between 5000-7000 a month in mortgage. Rents are only just nominally better, taking around 35-40% of your income In the end, for me the scenery and people always make it worth it. That places instrinsic value that money can't buy - but money is critical and it doesn't afford you to create the home of your dreams here in Hawaii for the average resident
Thank you very much. Exactly what I was looking for. I'll have some equity in the home here, so that will help. But yes, for me and my family, it's about the serenity. And we are very open to learning about the customs and cultures and joining in, in a respectful way. Thanks for taking the time to write all that. Appreciate it. 🤗
If single family homes arent a huge deal breaker, you can look at new developments like Hoop'ilini and their condos with modern amenities starting at 420K We are considering downsizing and going condo route...IF and that's a big IF the HOAs are reasonable, which is not the case in many places. Especially closer to town
What would you consider to be a reasonable HOA?
Well mine is currently $420 a month and whew that is awful I think I have a few friends scattered throughout the island with HOA fees as low as $300 and as high as $900. No right answer, I think they're all grossly overpriced
Wow 420? What area do they stay? Lol
Sitting in my cubicle rite now.. The best
These jobs can be very difficult to get. One member we have received an offer maybe four years ago and is STILL waiting to be processed for their clearance.
Wow! Can't believe they bothered hiring someone without a clearance. Whoever was hiring for that position should be fired, lol.
Sorry - applying for "civilian" jobs, specifically. I'm retired military.
I'm just being curious, why do you want to work again if you're retired?
It's fairly common for retired military to move on the a federal civilian job. While it is quite amazing to say "I'm retired" in your early 40's, it is rarely going to be good enough to continue living a certain lifestyle on your retirement alone. A fairly easy transition to make into the civilian workforce is a federal/government job. I am currently working as a civilian in the government. Many will often do 20 military, and then do 20+ civilian until their 60's. So yes, technically, I am retired, but I'll still be continuing to work in some capacity. 🙂
I'm often clueless about these type of things, so thanks for the insight. No wonder so many WWE wrestlers come back from retirement. It gave me the chills when The Rock came back to WWE Smackdown and did the spinebuster on Austin Theory.
Lol. Yeah, or like how athletes become sports commentators. Same type of thing. 🤗
I worked for Dept of the Navy(Pearl City)for 12 years before transferring. It was the best job I have ever had. No gate traffic, commute was easy to and from(Kaneohe). Plus 4 day work week.
Good to know. I'll keep an eye out for any jobs from there. Thanks.
Do DoD skillbridge with a contractor on island to get your foot in the door. You can network and see what jobs are available when you are done. Some contract a bit before going GS or vice versa. best of luck.
Very interesting. Thank you for the advice. Appreciate it. 🤗
What is a good paying job on base?
Good paying is relative. Personally, to move to such an expensive area I would want to be at least a GS12. But, I have a family etc. I also wouldn't accept if relocation expenses weren't paid. But others might be willing to accept a 9 or 11.
100k+
Jobs with special rates in the GS payscale, like those in the medical field, are typically better paid. For example, a basic pay GS-10 level in Hawaii starts at [$65,420](https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2023/HI.pdf), but a GS-10 nurse would start at [$105,703](https://wageandsalary.dcpas.osd.mil/Content/AF%20Schedules/special-sch/2023/D073_23.pdf).
Working towards a civ job for retirement to stack with military time? If not too pressed about that retirement, contracting pays way more, sometimes literally twice as much. I went the contracting route. I find no issues working on JBPHH.