Dear Bureaupat,

I am a young federal employee. For the five and a half years that I have worked for the government, I have endured a micromanaging, dishonest, condescending supervisor who has done everything to undermine my career. I have FINALLY been offered a position outside of my current organization. I am awaiting PCS orders for my transfer, and fear reprisal whenever I notify her of my leaving. I have several questions: How much notice do I have to give my supervisor/agency? What are my "rights" as a federal employee? When I get my PCS orders, do I give her a "resignation" letter? Or another type of notification since I am technically transferring?  Thank you, Shelly

Dear Shelly,

Bureaupat was going to begin responding to you by describing the life of Oscar Wilde, one of the most fascinating characters the world has ever known. Bureaupat mistakenly believed that Mr. Wilde, author of such bons mots as "A little sincerity is a dangerous thing, and a great deal of it is absolutely fatal," and "Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative," had also coined the phrase "Living well is the best revenge," but it turns out that particular phrase was authored by an English clergyman named George Herbert, who lived during Shakespeare's time. Therefore, Bureaupat's gentle readers will be spared a long discourse into the career of the late Mr. Wilde-for now.

Bureaupat does hope, though, that as a young federal employee, you will keep Reverend Herbert's lasting contribution to the English language in mind, as it will give no end of consolation in the months and years ahead. It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a committee to arrange a transfer date. You, your future boss, your current personnel office, your future personnel office and (sadly) your current boss are all involved in the negotiations --- so it's not just you and your boss alone. The common rule of thumb in transfers (Bureaupat is not sure that this "rule," like many others, has ever been written down) is one pay period for promotions and two pay periods for laterals or downgrades (Bureaupat has also heard the next pay period for promotions and up to 30 days for laterals), but the fact is that your transfer date will be a collective decision. 

Federal government transfers are not resignations, so no letter is required. Just show your boss and your HR office your transfer papers, and say you'd like to leave as soon as possible. If your boss complains that all of a sudden she can't get along without you, hold firm; if she wants anything longer than a 30 day transfer time, complain to your personnel office, your new boss, and, if that fails, one of our fine federal employee unions. Don't worry; you'll soon be gone.

Bureaupat offers you condolences for having joined a club nearly all federal employees are in at one time or another: the bad boss club. Congratulations also on your imminent departure. Should you ever be "invited" to join this club again, or should other readers unfortunately be members, Bureaupat has a few suggestions to make:

First, keep a paper trail. Document your assignments, your performance, and any instances of bullying. When your boss tells you to do something, send him or her an email describing your understanding of the task. 

Second, stay professional at all times. Another English saying, authored by neither Mr. Wilde nor Reverend Herbert, is "Keep calm and carry on."

Third, do your best work, and keep getting better at your job. Others are watching.

Fourth, don't complain to your co-workers; some have their own, others may have a different relationship with your boss and will, as the saying goes "rat you out."

Fifth, if your office has an employee assistance program, use it. When you're in abusive boss hell, sometimes you lose perspective. A counselor can help you regain your confidence, and help you find a way out. 

And finally, have a life outside the office. Remember you are more than an occupation --- you have friends, family and community who will support you outside of the workplace. Make sure a mean-spirited dolt does not define your entire identity!

Sooner or later, as this gentle reader has, you will get out-and you will be happy. And that, Bureaupat promises, will make your former tormentor miserable. Living well, as the Reverend Herbert said four hundred years ago, is indeed the best revenge. Enjoy it!

Yours in Gov,

Bureaupat

Have a question for Bureaupat? Email bureaupat@ohmygov.com or send a tweet Bureaupat's way at http://twitter.com/bureaupat

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