Climbing GS levels in federal career

[Anonymous]

Do the best you can to advance without being a self-serving asshole who fosters undue resentment (note I said "undue" resentment, some slackers will resent no matter what).

I came in as a GS-13/6 attorney. I was a GS-14 about 2+ yrs. alter (accretion of duties). I was a GS-15 supervisory about 2 yrs. after that, and about 5-6 yrs. later was a GS 15/10 thanks to QSIs and step increases.

You do have to "pay your dues" but you also should have a next step or 2 in mind without crawling over the backs of your colleagues to get there.

I just retired after 26 yrs. and the most gratifying thing I heard on the way out was kind words from colleagues I teamed with and people who worked for me who I fought for and mentored and who remember and appreciate that.

That contrasts starkly with some of the narcissistic, self-absorbed a-holes I saw around me in the management corps so I guess I did OK by myself and for my colleagues and people who worked with and for me.

[Anonymous]

huh. I joined as a 15-10. Did I do it wrong?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:huh. I joined as a 15-10. Did I do it wrong?

obviously not

[Anonymous]

Just don't make it a personal issue/create drama when your boss can't advance you. It's not that he/she won't, it's that they can't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:huh. I joined as a 15-10. Did I do it wrong?

You should try to work you way down to the bottom. Kinda like Benjamin Button.

[Anonymous]

I agree with 11:11 - don't make it personal. There are real bureaucratic hurdles for managers and they can't always reward performance financially. But that shouldn't stop you from seeking promotions - when you get close to the GS cap for your current position, ask your supervisor how much flexibility s/he has to put out a competitive merit promotion to get you into the next level. If s/he can and is willing to go to bat for you to make that happen, I'd stick around - you've got a supervisor who appreciates and values your work. If not, they at least know that you're looking to get promoted and won't be surprised when you come back with an offer to join another office later down the line. Being transparent will help you keep your bridges in tact.