The Personal Life Of A CIA Spy

How much time off does a CIA spy receive per year?

Like any government job, CIA officers are promised a certain amount of time off. In my experience, most CIA spies are working year round. And, I can't remember planning a vacation that didn't get cancelled because there were other events that were more important. So, one thing that you have to be very aware of if you're joining the agency, particularly the clandestine service, is that you have to be ready and willing at the last minute to cancel family vacation or not show up. And that you might miss your kids graduation. You might miss your kids wedding because the needs of the agency always supersedes the personal needs of the CIA officer.

What does a CIA spy need to do when requesting time off?

When requesting time off, a spy usually goes to their superior, and it will go up through the chain of command. If you have a reasonable boss they'll grant you time off, but often you have to be ready to cancel plans that you might have, such as vacation plans or personal time, because the needs of the CIA are expected to be foremost in your life.

How does a CIA spy in foreign territory make friends?

A spy in a foreign country makes friends just as you would make friends in the United States. You go to bars. You go to cocktail parties. You go to trade shows. Any sort of venue where people are milling about socializing, as a spy, you're going to use that venue as a way to meet as many people as possible, and to very quickly try to spot those people who might have access to information that you want.