Why does working that USPTO suck so much?

[Anonymous]

Current conditions at PTO have worsened. 80- 90% of GS15/managers at the PTO perform purely administrative tasks - yes administrative like something a secretary would do, make lists, check attendance against computer and turnstile records, and even watch an indicator on a messaging app that shows available or away. Surprised the business types (or current administration) has not jumped all over this problem. Quick calc: move the remedial stuff to secretarial positions (GS3-10?), save $100K or more x 1500 positions = $150 Million saved per year...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:my opposite sex boss will not sign off on sick leave for doctor appointments unless I tell here what the doctor appointment is about. for example.... hey larla I submitted a sick leave request for 4 hours so I can see a doctor. I saw it but you didn't fill in the comments section telling me why you are seeing the doctor so I can't approve it until you do that. Umm..... I'm having to wake up at night to pee so I need to get a prostrate exam......

That's illegal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Current conditions at PTO have worsened. 80- 90% of GS15/managers at the PTO perform purely administrative tasks - yes administrative like something a secretary would do, make lists, check attendance against computer and turnstile records, and even watch an indicator on a messaging app that shows available or away. Surprised the business types (or current administration) has not jumped all over this problem. Quick calc: move the remedial stuff to secretarial positions (GS3-10?), save $100K or more x 1500 positions = $150 Million saved per year...

Explain why it has worsened?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's because you're dealing with engineers and lawyers. Two of the worst "people" people in the workplace. And, God help you, some of them are engineers who went to law school. Just look at the patent law firms. Really toxic places.

I’ve worked with Engineers my entire career at a different agency. Where I work now there are also Lawyers. This isn’t the problem. I thought USPTO has quotas to fill and I have heard it’s a good place to work for people who don’t mind the quota system, which can be abused.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think you're not as talented as you think you are, OP. I know a number of people who started working there right out of law school All are still there, and all are enjoying the perks now that they are several years in (remote work, etc).

Heck, I used to hang out and play video games until like 2-3am with the guys I know who work there. Then again, they are exceptionally smart and talented people. So again, maybe you aren't as hot as you think you are.

ummm... first, I never said I was "hot" or super talented in any way. What I said what working that USPTO sucks in comparison to my previous private sector jobs. Because your post comes off as insulting I can only assume you are trolling.

Someone disagreeing with you doesn’t make them a troll.

My DH started his legal career at the PTO, went to law school at night while working there, so his experience wasn’t like yours. We often had a bunch of examiners hanging out playing video games in our basement after work. We have friends who are former patent attorneys with good firms who went back to the PTO after getting laid off during the recession who are thriving there. Really, if you’re having to work that many hours it sounds to me like you have the qualifications on paper but not the right skills and it doesn’t help that you seem to think this is a job that should be beneath you.

[Anonymous]

PTO is the best place to be outside of an engineering job at google/Facebook. I don’t know too many engineering jobs that pay as much if you take into consideration pension and medical.

[Anonymous]

I noticed that some examiners are taking pay cuts to go to the administration side of the house in order to keep the full time work from home privileges and avoid the examining quota.`

I'd imagine the managers in the business units are gonna start raising eyebrows at why a few of them are taking cuts to escape examining and coming over to them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I noticed that some examiners are taking pay cuts to go to the administration side of the house in order to keep the full time work from home privileges and avoid the examining quota.`

I'd imagine the managers in the business units are gonna start raising eyebrows at why a few of them are taking cuts to escape examining and coming over to them.

Why is that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:my opposite sex boss will not sign off on sick leave for doctor appointments unless I tell here what the doctor appointment is about. for example.... hey larla I submitted a sick leave request for 4 hours so I can see a doctor. I saw it but you didn't fill in the comments section telling me why you are seeing the doctor so I can't approve it until you do that. Umm..... I'm having to wake up at night to pee so I need to get a prostrate exam......

You must be f’king kidding me. This is illegal. She can ask for doc note but can’t ask to know how you are sick. HIPPA violation big time