It’s been a very long time since I’ve posted here, guess I have not had much in the way of questions or comments, so I just read.

I am looking for some advice making a job-related decision, the wealth of knowledge and varied backgrounds makes this a great place to ask, and I don’t really have anywhere else to turn.

My conundrum is whether I should take a job working for an agency I would like to be at, in a location I want, but with no guarantee of pay grade promotion in 52 weeks (worth about 10K), or take the job with guaranteed pay jump, but maybe for a less desirable agency or location? The HR folks for the no guarantee gig did say they almost always have higher pay grade jobs available, but I would have to apply and likely move, again.

I want to keep things focused on the info above so I don’t want to get into the weeds with specifics, but will say they are all in the same field and all GS(.gov) positions. Every job will require a relocation between 600 and 2000 miles. One does require a clearance, which could be a plus, but not a deal breaker one way or the other.

For background, I’m 46, single, medically separated from the Navy/Army (16+yr) and just completed my BS and MS for this field.

I will try and check in as much as I can to answer any questions.

Thanks in advance for your help.

***EDIT****

I didn't want to add too much info so as not to sway, but I guess some context is warranted. The career field is IT, the offers I am currently looking at are from the BLM, Dept. of AG, Dept. of the Navy, Dept of the Army, Dept. of the Air Force and the VA and are located in PA, KS, OK, IA, ND, east TX and WY. All but one of the jobs are automatic pay-grade bumps after 52 weeks, unless you are a complete idiot. The one that is not, the agency will probably have a higher GS position available, but I would most likely need to move.

Proximity to a VA hospital would be great, but not a deal breaker.

As to the people I would be working for, I did all my interviews via conference call and offers made via email or phone call from HR.

*****Edit 2******

IT is one of the fields that is on the 7/9/11 model, if hired at a GS-7 level, you get advanced to GS-9 in 52 weeks, then GS-11 in another 52, then start the steps every year. You have to be a real shit bag to not advance, and even then.....


I have two that need to be decided in the next 24hr.

BLM in Wyoming, IT position at a GS-9 level, no guarantee of a GS-11 position, but have been told by HR that they become available frequently, just might need to move to get it.

Dept. of Agriculture in Iowa, IT, GS-9 with a jump to GS-11 after 52 weeks.

In the mix, but have some time before I need to officially accept the offer or not .

Navy base in Mechanicsburg PA, GS-9/11 job, IT adds a SECRET clearance to the mix.


Non IT job that is a 9/11/12 position at the VA in Tyler TX, the jobs here pay less, even at the same grade.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sgtmac,

I'm in the camp that thins, it's not always about the money but where you enjoy your work. The mental health is more important to me.

Too many factors and so it'll really come down to your own decision. And don't know if the pay raise is big or not for you (would it be 50% of your salary or 5%). Or your general financial condition and readiness for retirement. Sounds like you'd get a pension so maybe retirement financing is not a big concern.


Here's how a wise manager (who served in the military) once guided me.

There are 3 things to consider for any job that will influence how happy you will be:
1) how well you like the people you work with/for
2) how well you get paid relative to the work
3) how well you like the work itself

If you don't have at least 2 of the 3, you should be looking for another job. I'd have to add that job stability at these ages is a strong consideration as well. Perhaps not a concern for the type of work you do but can be for at will, private employment these days.

So, with the limited info above, if it were me, I'd probably take the job at the agency/location you want.

You have what is commonly called a HIGH CLASS problem. LOL

It should be an easy choice. Go with the location. If you have kids or significant other that would be a factor. Money should not be primary unless you have ongoing health issues, and then location for health issues would be important. You never know about advancement.

I recently made a job transition. All I can say is money doesn't always buy happiness and it takes a lot of it to make sh*t taste good. Whats your goal? Upward mobility? Job happiness? Money? Self identity? Job flexibility? Unfortunately, I've yet to find a job with 10s for all of these traits, its just prioritizing which trait is most important for me at the moment. I say go for the job where you will be most happy. You're less likely to get burnt out and what's the money we earn worth after we are dead? Enjoy the ride while you can.

Thanks for the reply's already!

It's a solid field with no real chance of a down turn, especially since it's a .gov job. The pay bump is around 10K a year, which I feel is substantial.

The field is static across the board, it's just which agency I go with, for example, the VA or BLM or department of the Navy, et. The daily job will be mostly the same no matter where I end up.

I am starting to see a trend....

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
I'm in the camp that thins, it's not always about the money but where you enjoy your work. The mental health is more important to me.

This is a HUGE part of life, being happy. Only you can decide which is more valuable to you. The agency you want to be at in the location you want to be in. OR, more money in who knows where.

Take the money. I took a civil service job and went to several less desirable locations for money/promotion, but within a very few years found a place I liked and stayed for 20+ years. Took me 7 years, but I got there and homesteaded. We also learned a lot from living in those less desirable places, and I made money on every house we bought, then later sold. There are good people everywhere.

I'm not a money person, as long as both jobs will pay the bills and leave a little extra for fun. I'd take the better location and agency. I think the agency is especially important for GS jobs.

If you were younger I would say go for the $$$.

At mid-40s I feel like there are other more important variables. At late / mid-40s it's harder to put up with some BS that I took for granted when I was younger.

$10k a year - in the grand scheme of things - is not a life altering amount. Esp. if you are having you 'grin and bear it'...

Good luck whatever you decide.

---------------------------------

Do you need the extra 10k?

Just like the housing market. Its location, location, location.

quote:

Originally posted by gpbst3:
Do you need the extra 10k?

Just like the housing market. Its location, location, location.

Another good point when considering the 'extra' $10k.

Cost of living can vary tremendously - rural AL vs. NOVA, etc.

--------------------------------

If you have the discipline to take the "yearly bump money" and make it grow for your "FU" money, then go that route.

If you did not have the other opportunities to compare, (location and desire) would you be content with the higher paying gig?

If that answer is yes, the other positions are a distraction, take the money and feed the pig.

If the answer is no, the money is a distraction, and shoot the pig and live go be happy.

Good luck and I bet many people were stuck in your dilemma!

Theres a very easy way to solve these problems, or any decision that is. Rate the change in a percentage scale.

I.e. - Do i want an orange whip? I am 85% certain i do. Well. Only execute on things that you are 90% certain or above. In the example I didnt want an orange whip. You will waste less time and only do what you are truly certain about.

You are not weighing the decision right now, you are weighing the regret of not getting a pay increase down the road. Which you COULD want, but you wont know til you get there. The decision seems clear to me.

I'd take the one in Wyoming.

Not enough information, really.

But 10K isn't a fortune if the better paying job will not make you happy.

If you can get with the agency you want in the place you want, the pay will come eventually.

then you'll have the place, team, and pay you're after.

Thanks for everyones input, and it seems clear the path most are suggesting.

To those that are saying not enough info, I'm curios what I could add? The jobs are the same, regardless of where, all are federal government, GS jobs that have a clear path with 99% guaranteed promotion potential at the 52 week mark. The jump in pay is mostly static and would take me from the mid 50's to the mid 60's, give or take. Not a lot of money, but not a small amount either.

I will add some more info to the op.

Thanks again

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
I'm in the camp that thins, it's not always about the money but where you enjoy your work. The mental health is more important to me.

This

I would add one thing which is very important to me at least; I would not join an agency which would put me by necessity in a large city. (Read here; typical Democrat stronghold).

Nor would I join an agency where I was totally at odds with their mission; for example the EPA, I would probably think very hard about getting involved with the shit show that is the VA.