GS 12 versus GS 14?

[Anonymous]

I had an interview for both. GS 14 sounds great on paper, majority telework, but one person I know who would be working with me is incredibly unprofessional (a fed who hung up on other feds on a conference call without apologizing), has abysmal soft skills, and generally makes my life hell already, doesn't respect anyone around them, talks over others, tells people to do things that actually violate agency policy, tries to tell everyone how to do their jobs, and nobody is reining them in or telling them off. I interviewed for a GS12 role which pays $20k less (but nevertheless six figures), more in person work, but incredibly prestigious even among people not in the field. Is it nuts I'm leaning heavily toward GS 12, for learning opportunities and just to mainly get away from that one person? I can't tolerate working around this individual, and I just need a fresh start.

[Anonymous]

If you can afford it, that's the right call. Perhaps the prestige will let you move up I'm a different direction.

I turned down a promotion because of the personalities involved, who then left. Still no regrets as I've gone on to do other things and the risk of working with those people was not worth it.

There is a type of person who could take the 14 you describe and either ignore or shut down the jerk. But I'm not that person, and maybe you aren't either.

[Anonymous]

Is it a 12/13/14 track? I think one person can make your life h3ll in a fed job, so you're not crazy. But if you'd have to apply out again to get to 14 from the 12, it might be worth it to take the 14 and then apply out from there.

[Anonymous]

I'd take the 14. I've successfully put people like that on disciplinary actions and PIPs. Hanging up on a conference call? That's a disciplinary issue. Keep track of them and start a file. Playing well with others is important.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd take the 14. I've successfully put people like that on disciplinary actions and PIPs. Hanging up on a conference call? That's a disciplinary issue. Keep track of them and start a file. Playing well with others is important.

OP said working with, not working for.

[Anonymous]

Don't be short-sighted. From a 14 to a 15 and on in to the SES, or to a more highly compensated role in the private sector, is a more realistic possibility than achieving the same end results starting from a 12. You'd be adding years of time in grade before you could get to whatever your long-term goal is. Think strategically, not just about tomorrow, the next few months, or the next year or two.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't be short-sighted. From a 14 to a 15 and on in to the SES, or to a more highly compensated role in the private sector, is a more realistic possibility than achieving the same end results starting from a 12. You'd be adding years of time in grade before you could get to whatever your long-term goal is. Think strategically, not just about tomorrow, the next few months, or the next year or two.

I agree with this, as someone who just took a competitive promotion to 13 after 4 years at 12 (no ladder options). I may never get to 14, 15, or SES, so I'm happy where I am, but if you want to go higher then don't waste your time.

Also, 12 to 14 should be more than 20k different, no?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't be short-sighted. From a 14 to a 15 and on in to the SES, or to a more highly compensated role in the private sector, is a more realistic possibility than achieving the same end results starting from a 12. You'd be adding years of time in grade before you could get to whatever your long-term goal is. Think strategically, not just about tomorrow, the next few months, or the next year or two.

I agree with this, as someone who just took a competitive promotion to 13 after 4 years at 12 (no ladder options). I may never get to 14, 15, or SES, so I'm happy where I am, but if you want to go higher then don't waste your time.

Also, 12 to 14 should be more than 20k different, no?

12-10 is $113
14-1 is $122

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't be short-sighted. From a 14 to a 15 and on in to the SES, or to a more highly compensated role in the private sector, is a more realistic possibility than achieving the same end results starting from a 12. You'd be adding years of time in grade before you could get to whatever your long-term goal is. Think strategically, not just about tomorrow, the next few months, or the next year or two.

I agree with this, as someone who just took a competitive promotion to 13 after 4 years at 12 (no ladder options). I may never get to 14, 15, or SES, so I'm happy where I am, but if you want to go higher then don't waste your time.

Also, 12 to 14 should be more than 20k different, no?

12-10 is $113
14-1 is $122

at 14-1 you are getting annual raises through step 3 (148k under the new salary tables). As a 12-10, you will never get anything other than COLAs. Next year, that would take you to 128k.

[Anonymous]

Take the 14

[Anonymous]

To me, quality of life has value. I’d take the job where I think I’d be happier.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To me, quality of life has value. I’d take the job where I think I’d be happier.

Sometimes things change overnight. Grades don’t.

[Anonymous]

I’d take the 14 unless the money and prospects for advancement are of no concern.
My job is a 12-14 track. I entered as a 12, got to 13 one year later and then to 14 another year later. But I’ve also know people who started in GS 12-only jobs and it’s more difficult for them to move up since you have to apply for a new position.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To me, quality of life has value. I’d take the job where I think I’d be happier.

I agree, but I wonder if OP really knows what office dynamics are like at the 12. They paint the 12 as a respected key contributor. If never seen a 12 with much autonomy or who gets a strong voice in the room. My experience is that both of those start at 13 and by 14 you really get a voice

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had an interview for both. GS 14 sounds great on paper, majority telework, but one person I know who would be working with me is incredibly unprofessional (a fed who hung up on other feds on a conference call without apologizing), has abysmal soft skills, and generally makes my life hell already, doesn't respect anyone around them, talks over others, tells people to do things that actually violate agency policy, tries to tell everyone how to do their jobs, and nobody is reining them in or telling them off. I interviewed for a GS12 role which pays $20k less (but nevertheless six figures), more in person work, but incredibly prestigious even among people not in the field. Is it nuts I'm leaning heavily toward GS 12, for learning opportunities and just to mainly get away from that one person? I can't tolerate working around this individual, and I just need a fresh start.

Are you willing to share the field ?

If not, how can anyone recommend taking a GS 12 position over a GS 14 ?