Current non supervisory GS14. Should I become GS15 supervisor?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They cannot convert non-supervisory 15 to a 15 on a whim.

True, but IME the non-sup 15s often have tasks like training others and providing feedback on written work, which leads to you being a first-line supervisor in all but name. Depends on the job, of course.

No. Being a first line supervisor comes with a crap ton of accountability that non sup 15s don’t have to worry about.

[Anonymous]

ABSOLUTELY


VERY REWARDING



AND SATISFYING



WORLD CHANGING

[Anonymous]

Every first line manager I know in the FIRREA agencies readily admits that it’s the most thankless job in government. You’re responsible for so much, get sh#t on by senior management and principals, and the pay bump is negligible (they would make only $10-15K more than their most senior non-sup staff).

It’s the difference between “leaving your job at work” (non-sup senior staff) and “bringing your work home with you” (first line manager).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Non-sup GS 15 here. The only reason to ever take a sup role is to get some “management” experience to later (near term, ie 3-5 years) capitalize when jumping to private sector to triple your salary. Otherwise, non-sup GS 15 is an awesome, balanced life.

Can’t you still capitalize on a non supervisory 15 and make a ton in the private sector?

Definitely, but having that management experience helps

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They cannot convert non-supervisory 15 to a 15 on a whim.

True, but IME the non-sup 15s often have tasks like training others and providing feedback on written work, which leads to you being a first-line supervisor in all but name. Depends on the job, of course.

No. Being a first line supervisor comes with a crap ton of accountability that non sup 15s don’t have to worry about.

NP. I was a non supervisory and I couldn't stand it. I was basically a team lead, except no one on my team would do their work and they had zero accountability. I couldn't force their managers to make them do their work either. It was hell. The only power I had was "pretty please, do your work." They would tell their bosses that they were working on other tasks than mine. I had all the responsibility of getting my project done, but no ability to make it happen.

I got them all put under me and 100% on my project (so they couldn't say they were working on other projects). I used data and quickly put several on a PIP then removal.

Being a supervisor isn't great, but sometimes it's better than the alternative. Every time I hate being a supervisor, I look back at the mess that was and am grateful I'm a supervisor.

[Anonymous]

Do you all consider being a team lead quasi supervisory? Do you think non sup 15 or team lead is better?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you all consider being a team lead quasi supervisory? Do you think non sup 15 or team lead is better?

Are you responsible for signing off on someone else's annual review? Their time sheet? Their annual leave requests?

If not, you're not a supervisor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you all consider being a team lead quasi supervisory? Do you think non sup 15 or team lead is better?

Are you responsible for signing off on someone else's annual review? Their time sheet? Their annual leave requests?

If not, you're not a supervisor.

Good point. In our agency's case, the team lead approves and reviews work and provides guidance but no, does not sign odd on annual reviews. Does have input though on an individuals performance. So, all things being equal which is better non supervisory 15 or team lead 15 or are they essentially considered the same

[Anonymous]

bump

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cap of Gs-14 and 15 is going to merge soon in the DC area. No point in taking so much extra responsibility

Source?

[Anonymous]

No, there is no point of going to a GS-15 for a couple of hundred $s/mo. Federal pay system is so outdated.

[Anonymous]

omg---no!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:omg---no!

to a supervisory 15 or non-supervisory 15?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What kind of work do you do? Do you like the broader mission of your agency and want to try other things or would you expect to stay with your group the remainder of your career?

I am a senior manager at my agency and an attorney. When I took my first supervisory job I would never have imagined all the opportunities I have had. If you are only doing the job for the money then maybe say no, but if you enjoy having more of a leadership role maybe say yes. I started as a GS-13 and am now SES.

I have been here over 25 years and still love lots of things about my job, and I have never regretted becoming a manager.

NP. I'm an attorney too, non-supervisory GS-15. In my experience, very few supervisors or SES I know say that it is worth it. I am glad that you are happy, but you are atypical.

OP, I think it depends on what you want out of life. I am very happy to spend the next 15 years I have until retirement as SME non-supervisory attorney, simply because I am unwilling to sacrifice the time I have with my wife and kids. I love having the flexibility to be a PTA dad, take multiple vacations each year, etc. It is very rare I have to work more than 40 hrs/week, and rarer still when I have to work a weekend. I invest that time in my family.

I know it is difficult to find a non-supervisory GS-15 job, and I feel grateful and blessed. The extra money helps, but if I had to be a supervisor to get it, I would NEVER do it.

NP here. I also moved from a GS 14 to a supervisory GS 15 as an attorney with over 20 years left of federal service (can retire at 60, became a manager at 38) and I really love being a manager. It's a totally different skillset, though. Considering applying for SES positions but want to wait until after the election because I am concerned about political exposure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What kind of work do you do? Do you like the broader mission of your agency and want to try other things or would you expect to stay with your group the remainder of your career?

I am a senior manager at my agency and an attorney. When I took my first supervisory job I would never have imagined all the opportunities I have had. If you are only doing the job for the money then maybe say no, but if you enjoy having more of a leadership role maybe say yes. I started as a GS-13 and am now SES.

I have been here over 25 years and still love lots of things about my job, and I have never regretted becoming a manager.

NP. I'm an attorney too, non-supervisory GS-15. In my experience, very few supervisors or SES I know say that it is worth it. I am glad that you are happy, but you are atypical.

OP, I think it depends on what you want out of life. I am very happy to spend the next 15 years I have until retirement as SME non-supervisory attorney, simply because I am unwilling to sacrifice the time I have with my wife and kids. I love having the flexibility to be a PTA dad, take multiple vacations each year, etc. It is very rare I have to work more than 40 hrs/week, and rarer still when I have to work a weekend. I invest that time in my family.

I know it is difficult to find a non-supervisory GS-15 job, and I feel grateful and blessed. The extra money helps, but if I had to be a supervisor to get it, I would NEVER do it.

NP here. I also moved from a GS 14 to a supervisory GS 15 as an attorney with over 20 years left of federal service (can retire at 60, became a manager at 38) and I really love being a manager. It's a totally different skillset, though. Considering applying for SES positions but want to wait until after the election because I am concerned about political exposure.

Out of curiosity, what type of different skillset does being a manager entail (e.g., is it a matter of being a people-person, empathy, being detail-oriented/other)? Legitimately curious since it's an area I've thought about exploring later in my career.