Nice post. Very thoughtful and informative.
My main takeaway from it is something I try to tell people all the time; you aren't necessarily guaranteed to be placed at a new facility if you are unsuccessful. Yes the vast majority of people are lucky enough to get placed at a lower level facility and get a second (and sometimes 3rd) chance, but its not a sure thing. I hate to see the trainees who are clearly doing poorly, yet act super flippant and too cool for school about it. If it's a defense mechanism that's one thing (its awkward as hell to wash out), but sometimes I think its more of a legit entitlement feeling or some kind of generation gap. They just give up and assume they'll reset at their "next facility". Im not saying this about
Nfingers , but I see a lot of trainees who don't exactly have a sense of urgency or highly motivated to study and learn. I actually hear new trainees asking more about what's the break rotation? What's for lunch and who is going? Or talk about their old military base or contract facility as if they are an ATC all-star who has already arrived (Note: literally nobody cares). I do not believe in the hazing that goes on, the treating trainees like garbage, etc; but you aren't checked out until you are! And until you are you should grind like hell.
Do you actually want* to go to Alaska to work FSS? I personally wouldn't go, although I guess you could use it as an adventure and learning experience. Life's too short to be imprisoned in a mediocre govt job somewhere you aren't happy with or passionate about. Unless you are desperate to feed your family or have literally no other options and can just go bide your time. Break the chains of your captivity! Takes courage and is scary and may end up badly.... but staying working a miserable job in a miserable place as your life goes by is a fate much worse. At least when you fail you learn what didnt work and become better equipped going fwd and so its progress. Good luck! And there is absolutely no shame in "washing out" of an ATC facility. A) a level 11 is a stiff challenge right out the gate. B) Training is very subjective and often there is a thin line between sinking or swimming; and what side you fall on often arbitrary.
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