I would not accept it if you have to move down a grade

I was a fed in the South Bay, but left because the money didn’t go as far as I wanted. Outside of the Bay Area federal jobs put you closer to the top, but in the bay I felt very poor compared to all of the higher paying tech workers. It seemed that the salaries didn’t line up with the high cost of living. I found that the quality of life is much better in my lower cost locale.

Why a downgrade??? I don't get it.

We moved to sf from dc and just transferred and everyone else I know did the same thing. You shouldn't have to downgrade. Something doesn't make sense.

It is a higher cost of living but I do feel like we save money other ways like less trips to California to see family and better food.

Anonymous wrote:Might I suggest Richmond for housing. You’ll be soooo broke.

I'm wondering how OP will afford to live in the Bay Area, too, with a GS downgraded salary. Maybe OP is single and doesn't need to be in a good district and can live in a tiny studio apartment.

I was a fed in Mountain View for years before moving to DC for a promotion. Nobody cared that I was fed. Sometimes it was interesting to local people because of the projects I was associated with, but most people in the Bay Area are disconnected from the fed gov and have no idea what they do. And depending on what social circles you're involved in, some might even look down on you b/c of Trump, Newsom, or more local city government issues/scandals.

Might I suggest Richmond for housing. You’ll be soooo broke.

Hi there. I am a DC Fed employee looking to move to the Bay Area. I'm in the process of getting an offer from an agency but it is a grade down from my current grade (which I've been at for a while). I know higher level GS jobs are not as common in the Bay Area than DC, but am curious if anyone has any input/advice/suggestions on accepting a grade down and also on working as a federal employee in the Bay Area. Thanks! Hard to take the leap.