Hi, I've got fired today by megacorp...Looking for help...

[Silver]

My DH has been a soft wear engineer for over 30 years, most of those at IBM. He was laid off from IBM when his division was sold to AT&T. He was pretty bitter.

For the past 9 years he has been self-employed, working at home designing and developing forensic soft wear and has made a very, very nice income doing what he still enjoys greatly. During that time he attended college part-time for 4 years and now has a Master's degree in digital forensics, so he has made a nice niche for himself in that industry as an "coder" who truly understands the process of forensically searching large computer systems. He is 64 years old and I can't get him to even think about retiring....he says he's having to much fun.

My suggestion is to take time to think about what area of IT you enjoy most, then pursue a career there. Go back to school if need be. Learn different computer languages that are currently in vogue. Where is the demand.....and go there. Don't sell yourself short.

 

[gayl]

There are multiple reasons why I am overthinking this:
- Still in shock, since I've lost job < 48 hrs. ago
- Never had a formal or phone screening interview in my entire career. Got a job via Co-op / intern out of college and then switched jobs once after a short discussion.
I've applied for more jobs in the last 24 hrs. than in the entire life.
Yeah, I am clueless about everything in the job search process.

I think you're in panic mode to uncertainty instead of embracing a different kind of challenge. I'd be more concerned about this coming through on an interview and I've sat on plenty of government interview boards.

Plan: go on vacation / ask wife if she WANTS to work (no pressure - maybe her statement that she can't find anything in a field that's got a 2% unemployment rate is because she likes being home. If you're comfortable with that, awesome) / relax. You are actually FIRE- eligible now, you're just not ready mentally, you have time / $$s and will be back to the grind b4 you know it

 

[Travelfreek]

the games we play..

CC company does not like this. They are the loser in this game when card holder did not really spend the money, because they now need to pay out the bonus. In the case of Chase Sapphire Reserve card, the bonus is worth more than $1,200 dollars with 100K points.

I've been in this "world" as a hobby since 1998 ish (see my username). I have been able to provide many a "free vacation" for our family. In the world of credit card issuers, we are known as "deadbeats" because we pay our full balance each month (no interest going to credit card companies). But it's completely legal and it hasn't stopped the credit card issuers from providing more opportunities. I've never gone into the territory of MS (manufactured spend but I did consider it).

What I'm guessing is because of a laundering process (credit card purchase to gift card to money order), it caught the eye of govt folks who track money laundering. And since OP has a security clearance and works for a govt contractor, he's been subject of further investigation. Honestly, I don't see anything wrong with what he did. Since it's legal and he didn't do it for illegal drugs or anything else, I don't see where it's so horrible.

Once I got called on the carpet at work for using the internet (which I only did during my authorized lunch time). I even kept an excel spreadsheet of my lunch times (thank goodness) since my boss let me flex them depending on my workload (some days I took 1 hour and some days 2 hours). I was at work an extra 90 min each day due to a carpool w/ my hubby. I used the extra time during lunch and would check my yahoo mail or whatever (nothing porn, nothing shady). Anyway, the security folks had a special software tracker and were able to identify those who appeared to be overusing the internet while at work. OMG..could not believe I was called on the carpet. My manager knew very well I was on the up and up. But the HR manager said "it's the image" that is created. I have to say I did agree that if my office door is shut for 90 min w/ a LUNCH sign on the door, it gave the appearance I was taking an extra long lunch and people unaware would think I was stealing time from the employer when in reality I was working my full 8 hour day. So, I had some scary days while the investigation was being considered. In the end the HR manager said they wouldn't take any action.

My opinion on the employment lawyer is that OP would probably win his case in a heartbeat! He didn't do anything illegal whatsoever. It's just the part of does he want that job back or does he want to teach his former employer a lesson and does he want to go through the effort? If it were me, I'm thinking YES! It's wrong what his employer did to him. He took advantage of a loophole that's legal to get points and miles. And he stopped doing it now that he knows it's a murky area.

 

[Blue Collar Guy]

wow, I just finally understand what manufactured spending is. So you get Credit cards with some cash back offers, then buy debit cards and suck out the cash and reap the freebie rewards? I need to look into this, I have a lot of time on my hands,. I m seeing people in here saying they saved over 10k by getting rewards.

 

[fired_need_help]

wow, I just finally understand what manufactured spending is. So you get Credit cards with some cash back offers, then buy debit cards and suck out the cash and reap the freebie rewards? I need to look into this, I have a lot of time on my hands,. I m seeing people in here saying they saved over 10k by getting rewards.

Try it, you will enjoy it, as long as you are retired and don't care what your employer thinks .

You know, the funny / sad part was that when I was doing MS, I was learning it as a backup in case I'd lose my job, since I did not really need the rewards. But the fate has twisted things the other way.

Anyway, I've learned my lessons....

 

[REWahoo]

Manufactured spending is a new concept for me as well. Doing a little research I found this interesting first person report:

I Was Detained By The Police For Manufactured Spending

Disclaimer: I was at no time arrested. Anything you read on this post is indicative of a personal experience that occurred and should not be used as advice.

 

[fired_need_help]

Manufactured spending is a new concept for me as well. Doing a little research I found this interesting first person report:

I Was Detained By The Police For Manufactured Spending

I've seen and read this report long time ago. If you'd read into details, this guy was doing outrageous amounts of MS, which were clicking red flags for FinCen.

 

[Blue Collar Guy]

Ok, I googled it, what is VCG? I cant find out what it means. UPDATE< Visa Gift Card. Guess Im dyslexic too.

 

[Blue Collar Guy]

Just got off the phone with USAA, they will take visa or Mastercard gift cards for premiums. Hello! Now Im a man on a mission.

 

[aja8888]

Just got off the phone with USAA, they will take visa or Mastercard gift cards for premiums. Hello! Now Im a man on a mission.

I've been using my VISA card to pay for auto and home insurance premiums for a few years now. The insurance company doesn't charge a processing fee. I guess I am MS'ing without intent!

 

[youbet]

I've seen and read this report long time ago. If you'd read into details, this guy was doing outrageous amounts of MS, which were clicking red flags for FinCen.

I asked this question before but you seem to have missed it. You said you did not use anything related to your employer to do your MS activities. How did your employer find out and did your employer share what they knew about your MS activities with you?

It's not making any sense that your employer would even know about this.

 

[Blue Collar Guy]

I've been using my VISA card to pay for auto and home insurance premiums for a few years now. The insurance company doesn't charge a processing fee. I guess I am MS'ing without intent!

somebody called chase sapphire has 500 dollars for 4000 spent. Im enrolling later tonight when I get mom to bed. , Then i found another , i want to see how the first one goes before I got crazy & sign up for 3 million dollars worth of credit cards

 

[CardsFan]

I don't know what OP did, but based on the little bit of info, IF OP:

Had a security clearance and was working on sensitive projects, and

Traveled broadly to areas that might be considered questionable (Pakistan, Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Afghanistan, China, etc), and

IF the OP churned Thousands of dollars a month through credit cards and gift cards

Then I hope to heck the Government would catch on to this and check it out.

It may be totally innocent, but the "optics" are very bad.

 

[fired_need_help]

I asked this question before but you seem to have missed it. You said you did not use anything related to your employer to do your MS activities. How did your employer find out and did your employer share what they knew about your MS activities with you?

It's not making any sense that your employer would even know about this.

It was answered in the post just above this. Except that I've never traveled to 3rd world countries.
Regarding "how?" By rules, you are required to report interaction with government to your company.

 

[growing_older]

Software - programming and computer related stuff
Softwear - clothing, fabrics and other soft goods
Softwere - dark spooky creatures who sometimes help with software projects

 

[zedd]

... Master's degree in digital forensics...

Silver, that's fascinating. I had no idea such a career path existed. I bet I'd be good at something like that if I chose to get back into IT. I'm glad your DH enjoys his w*rk.

 

[youbet]

It was answered in the post just above this. Except that I've never traveled to 3rd world countries.
Regarding "how?" By rules, you are required to report interaction with government to your company.

Cut me a bit of slack here cuz I'm a geezer who still thinks a CC is run through a mechanical imprint machine when I make a purchase......

You're saying your "MS activity" was spotted by the gov't and they spoke to you. You had to report that encounter to your employer. Your employer decided that was an ethics violation and[-] canned you [/-]requested your resignation. Is that it?

Just trying to get the details in line to aid in giving constructive advise.

 

[Blue Collar Guy]

Cut me a bit of slack here cuz I'm a geezer who still thinks a CC is run through a mechanical imprint machine when I make a purchase......


Just trying to get the details in line to aid in giving constructive advise.

I pumped gas when I got discharged from the Army and was waiting for my city job. When it was pouring rain out ,people would crack the window to their car , ask for 5 bucks worth of gas , then slide the credit card to me thru the same slit in the window. By the time I was done imprinting the card, everything was soaking wet. Then these same folks wanted the carbon paper that was still attached to my copy. Cant say I miss those days.

 

[cyber888]

With your savings of above $1.4m and house paid off, you will be fine. Yes, looking for a job is good for you ... because you are not psychologically ready to retire from my point of view. However, if you want to retire, i think you can. Just do a SEPP 72 for your IRA or 401k. Well, there is still Obamacare, so that might be cheaper than CObra

 

[Another Reader]

There is a class and a Facebook group on travel using miles and a lot of folks there do the manufactured spending thing. The founders are a doctor and an accountant...

Travel Miles 101 - Travel Miles 101: The quickest & easiest way to get started saving big with travel rewards points and miles..

 

[Just_Steve]

Some folks seem to frown upon MS as being unethical but I have never heard a peep about those that churn credit cards for the rewards. Whats the difference?

 

[athena53]

If that's the case I suggest you google job search in your area and find someone you can pay to help you navigate, resume, applications and practice interviews, it will be money well spent.

Be very careful of this route. There will be plenty of helpful "coaches" out there but they can be expensive and not worth it. I spent $10,000 on a career coach- I'd say his services ended up being worth about 1/4 of that. The approach was very heavily focused on packaged tests that spit out the results. I'd suggest the OP start with whatever "Dummies" books are available (resumes for dummies, etc.)- I like the books in this series. The public library should have a good selection of books and there may be local support groups for people seeking new jobs. If the OP isn't on LinkedIn, he should be. Now.

Last night I discussed security clearances with a friend who's got a Master's in Electrical Engineering and does IT contract gigs, mostly for aircraft applications. He's never had one but confirmed what everyone is saying about security clearances being inactivated if you leave a job but capable of being reactivated within a reasonable period of time. He also confirmed that manufactured spending and lots of international travel, even though legal and properly documented, can cause great concern. He's not willing to deal with the hassle of being that paranoid about his activities even though he's about the squeaky-cleanest person I know.

 

[fired_need_help]

Actually, what I've done today was finally contacting some of my former co-workers and asking them for recommendations on LinkedIn. Surprisingly, not everybody even knew about my departure.

I am not planning to look for "coaches", but definitely need to start looking into resume/interview books

 

[kcowan]

I have been retired for 15 years and my top secret clearance expired in the 60s. So I will not offer anything.

But this thread is only topped by Irma in terms of the high ratio of activity to views. I use that after being away to get caught up quickly. >170 posts and >7200 views!

And I always thought of MS to be multiple sclerosis.

And of all the firing examples, OP is in great shape! Good luck with your transition, and as one who has helped managed others' transitions, relax and have a beverage with your wife to celebrate the next phase of your lives.

 

[target2019]

After reading this thread, I can only say, "Good Luck!"

A clearance is something the USG grants to an individual, depending on many factors. Below is a good summary, and shows how complex things can get.

https://clearedjobs.net/security-clearance-faqs

There are several things you admitted, and I guess there are some more you didn't. It is true that if you have any contact with USG or other entities, you have to report this to your company's security officer. You pretty much get all the rope you need to hang yourself. No one watches 24 x 7, but when you engage in certain risky behavior, you can get caught up in a wider net that is cast.

The fact that your clearance seems to have been revoked (not accessible to a potential employer as you said) tells me USG determined you are no longer trustworthy. From the article above:

When an individual’s life history shows evidence of unreliability or untrustworthiness, questions arise whether the individual can be relied on and trusted to exercise the responsibility necessary for working in a secure environment where protection of classified information is paramount.

Any person with a clearance understands that all of their behavior, including future acts, can at any time be evaluated for character.

Overseas travel for any reason triggers many things...