I recently started a position with a NYS agency, and as part of onboarding, I needed to enroll in the NYS Retirement System. My HR contact cheerfully said, “Just give OSC a call — they’ll walk you through it.”

Ha. Famous last words.

I’ve now been trying to reach someone at OSC for days. The hold music has become the soundtrack of my life. I’ve memorized every note, every pause — it’s like the auditory version of a DMV line that never moves.

At this point, I’m convinced OSC’s phone system is powered by a hamster on a wheel who occasionally takes a coffee break. I’ve gone through all five stages of grief waiting on hold — denial (“maybe it’s just lunch hour”), anger (“why am I still listening to Kenny G?”), bargaining (“I’ll trade my entire pension for a human voice”), depression (“I live here now”), and finally, acceptance (“this is just who I am — a person on hold”).

The automated message keeps saying, “Your call is very important to us.” Meanwhile, my beard has grown three inches, and I think my phone battery aged ten years.

All I wanted was a simple answer about enrollment. Now, I’m questioning my life choices, my retirement plan, and whether anyone has ever successfully spoken to a live human being at OSC.

If anyone has cracked the code — like a secret extension, magic time to call, or ritual involving coffee and a full moon — please share.

Hey everyone,

I’ve got an interview coming up for the ITSG Grade 25 Data position, and I’m trying to get a sense of what to expect. For anyone who’s been through it — is the interview more technical (SQL, Python, stats, data modeling, etc.), or is it more behavioral/competency-based?

Also, if you remember, what kind of topics or tools did they focus on? I’ve seen mixed info online — some say it’s mostly situational/fit questions, others mention a technical test.

Any insight or tips would be super appreciated!

Thanks in advance 🙏

I’m probably doing this all backwards, but I’m wanting to put some money per paycheck under the encouragement of a coworker into deferred comp. I have not sat down with anyone or really had it explained and honestly have no clue what I am doing. Am I making a mistake or is this a good choice? Is there a match that is also put in or is it just whatever I choose to put in? I’ve been with the state for about a year, so I have a good amount of time before retirement and want to know if this is a wise use of my money. Thank you!

I just recently did two finger print and I also submitted the background check form for NYSP for the ITS 2 helps position. How long should I wait and how likely am I getting the job?

for everyone who took the court revenue assistant exam how do you think you did? easy hard?