Climbing GS levels in federal career

[Anonymous]

I have heard some people say that it is unbecoming for employees to try to get promoted quickly in the federal gov (i.e., climb the GS ladder) and others seem to think that you're crazy not to try to do so. Personally, I feel like the GS ladder is there, and if you're a bright, motivated, skilled employee there's no reason not to move up quickly and seek out promotions that help you increase your salary and standing. What do others think? Just curious what the general DC sentiment is.... (of note, I am talking about moving from GS-9 through 15 for people with a Master's degree).

[Anonymous]

It is extremely vulgar to try to seek rapid advancement in a professional setting, particularly for a lady.

One should not work for the Federal Government for the professional or financial rewards, but rather for the social opportunities afforded; days spent mingling with fellow bureaucrats are absolutely priceless.

[Anonymous]

Who says its unbecoming? People whose performance levels prevent then from getting quality step increases? I have sought and received increases every time I have been eligible for consideration.

[Anonymous]

I think you move as quickly as suits you, but do pay attention to when being too highly graded boxes you into a corner, if you like flexibility in work assignment. I'd get to 14 as fast as you can, but look around at that level if there's anything you want to lateral to.

[Anonymous]

10:25 must be a troll.

OP, your question is a bit weird. In my experience, the grade increases are pretty set in stone. Most places move you up 1 grade every year until you hit the max grade level unless you get a less than perfect review and they want to hold you back up to 6 months and re-review. To ask for anything faster than that at most agencies would be obnoxious I would presume. But maybe you know people in your agency who have done it and it's the norm, but I've never heard of such a thing.

[Anonymous]

I meant max GS for your position, which may max at 14.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is extremely vulgar to try to seek rapid advancement in a professional setting, particularly for a lady.

One should not work for the Federal Government for the professional or financial rewards, but rather for the social opportunities afforded; days spent mingling with fellow bureaucrats are absolutely priceless.

Wait, what is this about ladies working? Why aren't they barefoot and pregnant taking care of their man's, oh, I mean King of the Castle's, home? FU PP.

[Anonymous]

I'm pretty sure 10:25 was pulling OP's leg in response to the OP's reference to rapid promotion being "unbecoming"

[Anonymous]

Take it slow and steady. If you have to spend 30 years as a fed, making it to the GS-15 level in 10 years (and being salary capped) will set you up for frustration and boredom for the remaining years. In my position, there were many more "fun" opportunities at the working grades (GS-13 and below) then there were at the GS-14 and up management grades. Once you get into supervision, a whole new set of headaches begin....

[Anonymous]

It really depends on your agency and what the tradeoffs of promotions will be. Also, it may not be fully under your control - my agency, which isn't on the standard GS scale, has clamped down on promotions for budget reasons.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:10:25 must be a troll.

OP, your question is a bit weird. In my experience, the grade increases are pretty set in stone. Most places move you up 1 grade every year until you hit the max grade level unless you get a less than perfect review and they want to hold you back up to 6 months and re-review. To ask for anything faster than that at most agencies would be obnoxious I would presume. But maybe you know people in your agency who have done it and it's the norm, but I've never heard of such a thing.

Unfortunately this is not the case for my agency. My position goes to the 13 level - but it seems like no one ever gets higher than the 12. They make the 13 almost unattainable.... I know one person who got their 13 after ONLY one year at the 12 but the person is a stellar employee.

[Anonymous]

If the 13 is almost unattainable, then move to another agency.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If the 13 is almost unattainable, then move to another agency.

trust me. many of us are looking. some have left. however, with sequestration - its been a little bit slim on the job announcements.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is extremely vulgar to try to seek rapid advancement in a professional setting, particularly for a lady.

One should not work for the Federal Government for the professional or financial rewards, but rather for the social opportunities afforded; days spent mingling with fellow bureaucrats are absolutely priceless.

lol

[Anonymous]

I agree that it can come off badly if you're just trying to move up the ladder. Yes, you should look out for your own financial best interest, but you also shouldn't be so obvious about being ready to jump to the next grade as soon as you get to this one. It bothers me when people feel like they don't even have to prove themselves at this level to get a job at the next level. It's fine to look for your next opportunity, just be quiet about it.