r/USACE • u/Patient-Molasses9833 • 23d ago

Might Leave USACE

I’m an early to mid-career civil engineer thinking about going private.

  1. Is it better to use up as much PTO as I reasonably can before I leave or leave it alone?
  2. Is it better to cash out my 4.4% FERS contributions to invest in Roth IRA/401k? It seems like the value of the pension is low until late in one’s career since the calculation isn’t inflation adjusted until age 62.
  3. Any other tips for someone with about 10 years of service?
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u/Initial-Win7594 23d ago

Im a state employee thinking of accepting USACE offer as CE. Can you give more insight on resons for leaving? Definitely only use sick leave that doesn't payout when you resign.

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u/Patient-Molasses9833 21d ago

Have had some interviews recently. One place is better pay, similar time off, WFH three days a week, equivalent to a step increase and cola every year. Basically a GS 13/14 equivalent. Raises every year and the top of the pay band is about $160k