The State Department offers a class for people separating from the agency called the “Job Search and Transition Program” (separation can be for retirement, being RIF’d like so many were in 2025, etc.) and I started taking it this week. (I was supposed to have done the class last fall, but it was canceled due to the 2025 government shutdown. Some folks are also able to make the class their last two months of work before they separate.) The first four weeks of the program, they hold classes (now all virtual) and the second four weeks are for people to figure out their next steps, get their resumes together, apply for jobs or volunteer opportunities, start their own business, etc. After busy careers — many of us overseas — it’s an excellent way to get caught up on the latest job search technologies, resume trends, opportunities, etc., and most of all, to have a bit of space to have time to think. People have always told me it’s one of the best things State does for their employees.
The first four days were devoted to financial considerations, benefits, etc. and it was all a good review. Friday we had two good panels of folks who had previously separated from the Department and came back to talk about what they were doing now. The first panel went back to work in “serious” jobs, while the second panel did volunteer work, had hobbies, etc. It was all very inspiring!
The class really kept me busy all week — I’m not used to being glued to my computer all day and the time went by quickly.
Saturday morning we had Bill and Rachel (from the embassy) over for brunch and enjoyed yakking with them.
I finished reading “One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This” by Omar El Akkad. I think he has a lovely writing style. The book is very political but there is a lot of food for thought. It’s blurb says it’s his “heartsick breakup letter with the west.”
John and I really enjoyed the new Netflix limited series of “Pan Am 103” about the 1988 airplane bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland. A horrific event. As a consular officer, we were always very aware of the “no double standard” rule: if the embassy got threats or other information, we were obliged to share it with the public. It’s drilled in our heads and is just a reflex now. But, that rule came about due to the Pan Am bombing. U.S. government agencies had intelligence about a possible bombing on a Pan Am flight, but it was not shared with the public. The bombing also led to improvements in airline safety and the treatment of the victims and their families. So some good things came out of it, but at such a high price.
