Mae T Mathieu

While single I worked retail: grocery store during high school & associates degree, then retail management for a chain out of NYC. When someone stole a guitar out of display window in Paramus, NJ I decided it was time for a career change. It was at this point I was married and husband went into the Air Force.

Knowing I was going to move regularly I knew a career change was imminent. I needed a job that would move with him. Hence, working for the federal government was logical. The career I wanted was a choice. I enjoyed math, business specifically. With a search of USAJOBS.gov I determined the business series (1100) was a good fit. At the time a bachelor's degree was required. I completed my degree at Bowie State University on Andrews AFB, MD. When stationed at Scott AFB, IL I began work in Contracting Office in the Small Purchases Branch for the US Army Aviation Command in St Louis, MO. Note/Personal Experience: a person that sent me requirement descriptions for an agency would "harass" me asking me if I was wearing a tight leather skirt and how short was it. Needless to say, it was wrong on so many levels. Decision as to how to expose him was necessary. I went to my supervisor and explained situation. She had her doubts. I called him from her desk, yes, he asked if I had a new phone number & I stated I was calling from coworker's desk. He immediately started in on what was I wearing. My supervisor coughed (on purpose) and asked me to leave the office. I said "yes" and used her name as I walked out of the office & closed the door. After their discussion she called his supervisor. No more issues. My point for you is to know rules/policies & get person in authority to enforce them. I chose to expose him beyond reasonable doubt.

Next base was Plattsburgh AFB, NY which is now closed. We then moved to Dover AFB, DE. I was now a mother of two boys and when youngest started school I went back to working in contracting office. I got hired on the base & worked there during 9/11. I could look across the highway and see the elementary school my boys attended, so I knew they were safe/okay.

My next job was with USDA Forest Service in Arlington, VA; they are now on Independence Ave, Washington, DC. I had opportunity to be Secretary of Agriculture Contracting Officer; I covered expenses for her to speak at award functions and events throughout capital district. I also was lead Contracting Officer for testing the new acquisition software for all of Forest Service and ultimately USDA. During the testing I didn't declare who I was other than a contracting officer working in Arlington VA. Other contracting personnel in the room knew who I was and didn't expose it, they just left me to work independently because I had to build documents/contracts for them to write orders against to obligate dollars. It was during this test we demonstrated instead of obligating $10,000.00 it was obligating one million dollars. I briefed the director each day on testing progress. On Friday we met with contractor, director of contracting office, & Secretary of Agriculture. I didn't know she was coming; this was our official meet n greet. She wanted to meet her Contracting Officer. Always be prepared for the unexpected, be confident, and use not talking to your advantage. It served me well because the contractor had no idea the role I played in their product being bought/launched. My job was to test the acquisition system, and I did it to the best of my ability.

I went on to serve 30 years with the federal government. My investment fund is healthy, my pension with social security allows me to live as I want/need. Have a plan, execute, don't have specific dates/timeframes unless absolutely necessary. If you are nearing retirement age or are planning it, go the Social Security Administration website and register. This is where accurate numbers are to calculate best retirement age and the amount you'll receive upon retirement. They have your work history and money earned during your life and this is the website that pushes data to Medicare website. You need to live life moment by moment and enjoy the ride of your life. Be confident in your decisions and choices; you got this.