Government employee thread! (Being a government employee is sweet) (1 Viewer)

[dgreen]

Any GS employees hear of any downsizing or hiring freeze in their respective departments? It looks like a couple departments where I work are having to downsize about 10% over the next year or two. Not terminating anyone, but instead just not going to re-hire positions after people leave or retire.

I haven't heard anything in my department. However, we do move very slowly to fill vacancies and I think that's sometimes intentional because senior leadership are trying to save money by letting vacancies sit for a long time.

 

[flapgreen]

Any GS employees hear of any downsizing or hiring freeze in their respective departments? It looks like a couple departments where I work are having to downsize about 10% over the next year or two. Not terminating anyone, but instead just not going to re-hire positions after people leave or retire.

I read the VA was expanding in my area.

 

[flapgreen]

Some of these government employees are the sorriest sacks I've ever seen. Don't hear anything for months after getting my references. Finally call them today. Then, they turn around and call me saying they haven't been able to reach two of my references. I'm like lady they freaking work, too, unlike you, apparently.

There is a crisis right now with military members not getting administratively separated. It used to be done by local PSDs and assisted by military members. Over the last 12 years, all of the PSDs slowly have closed and now it is strictly done from civilian GS employees. I know people who retired 6 months ago who still have no health insurance and not getting retirement pay. I know people who have left the service several months ago and the government is still paying them as if they were in. I know people who retired at 20 years but their time of service doesn’t reflect that and aren’t getting any retirement benefits. I have read about, heard of, or assisted in literally hundreds of these cases. Several people have had to get their congressman involved in the process. Let that sink in. Congress is having to get individuals their military retirement benefits on a case by case basis because the process is now so broken.

What a damn mess

 

[-OZ-]

Some of these government employees are the sorriest sacks I've ever seen. Don't hear anything for months after getting my references. Finally call them today. Then, they turn around and call me saying they haven't been able to reach two of my references. I'm like lady they freaking work, too, unlike you, apparently.

There is a crisis right now with military members not getting administratively separated. It used to be done by local PSDs and assisted by military members. Over the last 12 years, all of the PSDs slowly have closed and now it is strictly done from civilian GS employees. I know people who retired 6 months ago who still have no health insurance and not getting retirement pay. I know people who have left the service several months ago and the government is still paying them as if they were in. I know people who retired at 20 years but their time of service doesn’t reflect that and aren’t getting any retirement benefits. I have read about, heard of, or assisted in literally hundreds of these cases. Several people have had to get their congressman involved in the process. Let that sink in. Congress is having to get individuals their military retirement benefits on a case by case basis because the process is now so broken.

Damn. That’s the first I’ve heard of it being that bad - and I work with quite a few retiring officers (usually the senior types) as they approach retirement or come back as DACs. You’d think there would be motivation to fix this, but that too often requires pressure by lobbyists.

 

[-OZ-]

Any GS employees hear of any downsizing or hiring freeze in their respective departments? It looks like a couple departments where I work are having to downsize about 10% over the next year or two. Not terminating anyone, but instead just not going to re-hire positions after people leave or retire.

I haven't heard anything in my department. However, we do move very slowly to fill vacancies and I think that's sometimes intentional because senior leadership are trying to save money by letting vacancies sit for a long time.

It might be international for some but per Occam's Razor, it’s far more likely the understaffed and often under motivated employees stall the process unnecessarily. It’s crazy how many people are involved in the process.
A position in my office opened in April. Our staff is actually pretty good, and that position is just getting filled next month. For an essential position.

 

[flapgreen]

Got the email for on boarding today and filled out the entire thing in an hour and emailed the lady it was all complete. I figure if I keep them up to date and let them know it's done, they're less likely to forget about me.

 

[belljr]

Any GS employees hear of any downsizing or hiring freeze in their respective departments? It looks like a couple departments where I work are having to downsize about 10% over the next year or two. Not terminating anyone, but instead just not going to re-hire positions after people leave or retire.

We go through periodic freezes all the time, or we don't back fill right away.

When I was on board it was right before the Trump hiring freeze.

 

[flapgreen]

Doing my drug test, background check, and health screening at the VA in Nashville next Friday. Surely, it won't be over a month after that.

 

[shadrap]

Doing my drug test, background check, and health screening at the VA in Nashville next Friday. Surely, it won't be over a month after that.

my experience with government: expect the worst & hope for the best.

 

[flapgreen]

Doing my drug test, background check, and health screening at the VA in Nashville next Friday. Surely, it won't be over a month after that.

my experience with government: expect the worst & hope for the best.

Solid advice

 

[flapgreen]

The HR lady did tell me they're hiring a lot of people at the VA currently, and they don't have enough HR to keep up with it all.

 

[flapgreen]

Fingerprints, drug screen, health screen all complete at the Nashville VA. Now, we wait more. Wanted to stay with DOD, but I'm happy to be coming home soon either way.

 

[flapgreen]

Still not a peep out of VA. Surely, I will start by the end of the year. Says only left is completing credentialing.

Position just popped up at Ft Campbell near home and I applied to it. Would hate to start at VA and immediately bounce back to DOD, but that's my dream job and I wouldn't pass it up.

 

[-OZ-]

Still not a peep out of VA. Surely, I will start by the end of the year. Says only left is completing credentialing.

Position just popped up at Ft Campbell near home and I applied to it. Would hate to start at VA and immediately bounce back to DOD, but that's my dream job and I wouldn't pass it up.

we loved our time at Campbell. Much more because of the people than the installation (which is surprisingly not great imo). What job?

 

[flapgreen]

Still not a peep out of VA. Surely, I will start by the end of the year. Says only left is completing credentialing.

Position just popped up at Ft Campbell near home and I applied to it. Would hate to start at VA and immediately bounce back to DOD, but that's my dream job and I wouldn't pass it up.

we loved our time at Campbell. Much more because of the people than the installation (which is surprisingly not great imo). What job?

Physical Therapist. Left home a year and a half ago to get in the system in hopes of getting a spot at Campbell but still have never gotten an interview and finally got a job at the VA in Nashville. Would prefer Campbell, though.

 

[-OZ-]

Still not a peep out of VA. Surely, I will start by the end of the year. Says only left is completing credentialing.

Position just popped up at Ft Campbell near home and I applied to it. Would hate to start at VA and immediately bounce back to DOD, but that's my dream job and I wouldn't pass it up.

we loved our time at Campbell. Much more because of the people than the installation (which is surprisingly not great imo). What job?

Physical Therapist. Left home a year and a half ago to get in the system in hopes of getting a spot at Campbell but still have never gotten an interview and finally got a job at the VA in Nashville. Would prefer Campbell, though.

That’sa job definitely satisfying at a place like Campbell. I’d think the VA would be too, but Campbell moreso. Godspeed!

 

[flapgreen]

These bastards in HR. Coworker I put down as a reference got reference request for the 3rd time. He's already filled out two for the same damn job. Then HR calls me today asking me if I knew what was going on with credentialing. Wtf. How would I know? Then she asked me if I could email the credentialing person to find out. What the hell is wrong with these people?

 

[Charlie Steiner]

These bastards in HR. Coworker I put down as a reference got reference request for the 3rd time. He's already filled out two for the same damn job. Then HR calls me today asking me if I knew what was going on with credentialing. Wtf. How would I know? Then she asked me if I could email the credentialing person to find out. What the hell is wrong with these people?

Don't take it personally. Credentialing has been a problem at my MTF for years, and COVID only made it worse.

 

[flapgreen]

These bastards in HR. Coworker I put down as a reference got reference request for the 3rd time. He's already filled out two for the same damn job. Then HR calls me today asking me if I knew what was going on with credentialing. Wtf. How would I know? Then she asked me if I could email the credentialing person to find out. What the hell is wrong with these people?

Don't take it personally. Credentialing has been a problem at my MTF for years, and COVID only made it worse.

I'm not. Just blowing off steam. The HR lady who called was really nice.

 

[Max Power]

Government work centers are a mess around this time of year. Covid only made it worse with everyone banking a ton of leave. Now we run into use or lose season.

We have a bunch of people taking extended Thanksgiving leave, Christmas and New Years leave. Plus the military moves to half days starting the second week in Dec.

It's mid October and we're already punting some important decisions into January because we are going to be less than full staff leadership for basically the rest of the year.

 

[ChiefD]

Government work centers are a mess around this time of year. Covid only made it worse with everyone banking a ton of leave. Now we run into use or lose season.

We have a bunch of people taking extended Thanksgiving leave, Christmas and New Years leave. Plus the military moves to half days starting the second week in Dec.

It's mid October and we're already punting some important decisions into January because we are going to be less than full staff leadership for basically the rest of the year.

See, this is what's wrong with our government. It's November!

 

[Gally]

See, this is what's wrong with our government. It's November!

Christmas creep........I mean some people start putting up trees in October. Soon that will be when the governments shuts down for the holidays.

 

[Judge Smails]

These bastards in HR. Coworker I put down as a reference got reference request for the 3rd time. He's already filled out two for the same damn job. Then HR calls me today asking me if I knew what was going on with credentialing. Wtf. How would I know? Then she asked me if I could email the credentialing person to find out. What the hell is wrong with these people?

She works for the government - what do you expect?

 

[-OZ-]

Government work centers are a mess around this time of year. Covid only made it worse with everyone banking a ton of leave. Now we run into use or lose season.

We have a bunch of people taking extended Thanksgiving leave, Christmas and New Years leave. Plus the military moves to half days starting the second week in Dec.

It's mid October and we're already punting some important decisions into January because we are going to be less than full staff leadership for basically the rest of the year.

See, this is what's wrong with our government. It's November!

Christmas creep........I mean some people start putting up trees in October. Soon that will be when the governments shuts down for the holidays.

It’s even better when you work in a organization with heavy acquisitions. September is rough with the end of the fiscal year, then people (myself included) take leave in October, then the holidays in November and December. So, we might get some stuff done in January. (Except me, my duties make me extremely busy with one function, almost mind numbing from January - March)

 

[flapgreen]

I guess it's getting closer, but who really knows at this point. HR emailed today from VA and said they are sending everything to the station chief to sign off and should be calling me tomorrow

 

[dgreen]

I guess it's getting closer, but who really knows at this point. HR emailed today from VA and said they are sending everything to the station chief to sign off and should be calling me tomorrow

This time of year with so many people I leave, Tomorrow = January

 

[Orange&Blue]

I have 60 use or lose, 20 travel comp, and 20 toa to burn. See you in January!!

 

[Sleestak]

In addition to my normal R&D workload, I am acting branch head until mid-January. Just shoot me. At least it is fixing to get quiet around the office in another couple of weeks.

 

[flapgreen]

Start day January 9th. Finally got it.

 

[-OZ-]

Start day January 9th. Finally got it.

Congrats!

 

[Big League Chew]

Very nice

 

[flapgreen]

On the exact day I get my start date for the VA, I get a call this evening from Ft Campbell for an interview tomorrow. The place I've been trying to get on at for over 2 years now and have never gotten an interview. Smh

 

[flapgreen]

Interview with DOD went well today. Said word should be sent out by next week. Puts me in a really tough spot if I get the job. Campbell and DOD is where I've been trying to get for last 2 years, but I'm supposed to start at VA on the 9th.

 

[dgreen]

Interview with DOD went well today. Said word should be sent out by next week. Puts me in a really tough spot if I get the job. Campbell and DOD is where I've been trying to get for last 2 years, but I'm supposed to start at VA on the 9th.

Yeah, that’s a tough spot. Good luck.

 

[flapgreen]

Still no answer either way from the DOD. I'm starting to think I'll stick with the VA either way. In my field, there's much more room for upward mobility and more money in the VA.

 

[belljr]

Pay increase is official.

Thanks Obama

 

[-OZ-]

Interview with DOD went well today. Said word should be sent out by next week. Puts me in a really tough spot if I get the job. Campbell and DOD is where I've been trying to get for last 2 years, but I'm supposed to start at VA on the 9th.

Someone who works in the bidness actually said she’d know a hiring decision within a week of the interview?
I interviewed at the location we live, for a job I was doing on a detail, I knew every person involved. It still took 6 weeks before the senior boss told me I was selected (so I didn’t accept a different job elsewhere) and another three before it was official.

Still no answer either way from the DOD. I'm starting to think I'll stick with the VA either way. In my field, there's much more room for upward mobility and more money in the VA.

I like the DoD (Army) enough, but VA seems to have some real advantages.

 

[Orange&Blue]

Still no answer either way from the DOD. I'm starting to think I'll stick with the VA either way. In my field, there's much more room for upward mobility and more money in the VA.

Which pay system? My opinion is that acqdemo is a lot better than GS. Do your job well and you can get rewarded especially when GS starts going to 2/3 years between step increases.

In my department, they changed the hiring process and it's causing a lot of confusion. Before supervisors could interview and make selections, but now they are requiring us to identify several candidates, send their resumes to a board who then interview, and they make a decision. Two of my supervisors had their selections kicked back. It's ridiculous, but fortunately the board is chaired by our group functional who sent me an email asking "how do you want them ranked?"... Lol

 

[flapgreen]

Still no answer either way from the DOD. I'm starting to think I'll stick with the VA either way. In my field, there's much more room for upward mobility and more money in the VA.

Which pay system? My opinion is that acqdemo is a lot better than GS. Do your job well and you can get rewarded especially when GS starts going to 2/3 years between step increases.

In my department, they changed the hiring process and it's causing a lot of confusion. Before supervisors could interview and make selections, but now they are requiring us to identify several candidates, send their resumes to a board who then interview, and they make a decision. Two of my supervisors had their selections kicked back. It's ridiculous, but fortunately the board is chaired by our group functional who sent me an email asking "how do you want them ranked?"... Lol

GS

 

[-OZ-]

Still no answer either way from the DOD. I'm starting to think I'll stick with the VA either way. In my field, there's much more room for upward mobility and more money in the VA.

Which pay system? My opinion is that acqdemo is a lot better than GS. Do your job well and you can get rewarded especially when GS starts going to 2/3 years between step increases.

In my department, they changed the hiring process and it's causing a lot of confusion. Before supervisors could interview and make selections, but now they are requiring us to identify several candidates, send their resumes to a board who then interview, and they make a decision. Two of my supervisors had their selections kicked back. It's ridiculous, but fortunately the board is chaired by our group functional who sent me an email asking "how do you want them ranked?"... Lol

From what I’ve seen, AcqDemo works better for those who have been in their band for longer. The first four years or so, even with all top ratings it can be difficult to beat the automatic steps. At least that was true in my last organization.

 

[flapgreen]

Still no answer either way from the DOD. I'm starting to think I'll stick with the VA either way. In my field, there's much more room for upward mobility and more money in the VA.

Which pay system? My opinion is that acqdemo is a lot better than GS. Do your job well and you can get rewarded especially when GS starts going to 2/3 years between step increases.

In my department, they changed the hiring process and it's causing a lot of confusion. Before supervisors could interview and make selections, but now they are requiring us to identify several candidates, send their resumes to a board who then interview, and they make a decision. Two of my supervisors had their selections kicked back. It's ridiculous, but fortunately the board is chaired by our group functional who sent me an email asking "how do you want them ranked?"... Lol

From what I’ve seen, AcqDemo works better for those who have been in their band for longer. The first four years or so, even with all top ratings it can be difficult to beat the automatic steps. At least that was true in my last organization.

I'll be a 13 at the VA. It's possible for me to move up another grade but I really have no desire to be a 14. I can be a 13 and not be a supervisor, which is what I prefer. No desire to be in management.

 

[Orange&Blue]

Still no answer either way from the DOD. I'm starting to think I'll stick with the VA either way. In my field, there's much more room for upward mobility and more money in the VA.

Which pay system? My opinion is that acqdemo is a lot better than GS. Do your job well and you can get rewarded especially when GS starts going to 2/3 years between step increases.

In my department, they changed the hiring process and it's causing a lot of confusion. Before supervisors could interview and make selections, but now they are requiring us to identify several candidates, send their resumes to a board who then interview, and they make a decision. Two of my supervisors had their selections kicked back. It's ridiculous, but fortunately the board is chaired by our group functional who sent me an email asking "how do you want them ranked?"... Lol

From what I’ve seen, AcqDemo works better for those who have been in their band for longer. The first four years or so, even with all top ratings it can be difficult to beat the automatic steps. At least that was true in my last organization.

Agreed

 

[dgreen]

Pay increase is official.

Thanks Obama

New pay tables are available: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2023/general-schedule

 

[flapgreen]

Start at VA on January 9th got an email today for the addended offer due to new pay increases. Can't complain about a raise before I even start the job.

 

[-OZ-]

Still no answer either way from the DOD. I'm starting to think I'll stick with the VA either way. In my field, there's much more room for upward mobility and more money in the VA.

Which pay system? My opinion is that acqdemo is a lot better than GS. Do your job well and you can get rewarded especially when GS starts going to 2/3 years between step increases.

In my department, they changed the hiring process and it's causing a lot of confusion. Before supervisors could interview and make selections, but now they are requiring us to identify several candidates, send their resumes to a board who then interview, and they make a decision. Two of my supervisors had their selections kicked back. It's ridiculous, but fortunately the board is chaired by our group functional who sent me an email asking "how do you want them ranked?"... Lol

From what I’ve seen, AcqDemo works better for those who have been in their band for longer. The first four years or so, even with all top ratings it can be difficult to beat the automatic steps. At least that was true in my last organization.

Agreed

got my eval back. Can’t complain but it shows why early on acqdemo isn’t great.
Perfect 5s in all factors; +1, slightly less than a step increase. This works well for senior employees but with relatively newly promoted, less so.
Can’t really complain too much with an overall >6% pay increase.

 

[flapgreen]

Orientation all week this week. Met with my boss. Sounds like I'll be in charge of therapy at one of the outer lying clinics a few miles from main hospital. New program and will help build it up there and make my own schedule. Weird feeling

 

[Orange&Blue]

Still no answer either way from the DOD. I'm starting to think I'll stick with the VA either way. In my field, there's much more room for upward mobility and more money in the VA.

Which pay system? My opinion is that acqdemo is a lot better than GS. Do your job well and you can get rewarded especially when GS starts going to 2/3 years between step increases.

In my department, they changed the hiring process and it's causing a lot of confusion. Before supervisors could interview and make selections, but now they are requiring us to identify several candidates, send their resumes to a board who then interview, and they make a decision. Two of my supervisors had their selections kicked back. It's ridiculous, but fortunately the board is chaired by our group functional who sent me an email asking "how do you want them ranked?"... Lol

From what I’ve seen, AcqDemo works better for those who have been in their band for longer. The first four years or so, even with all top ratings it can be difficult to beat the automatic steps. At least that was true in my last organization.

Agreed

got my eval back. Can’t complain but it shows why early on acqdemo isn’t great.
Perfect 5s in all factors; +1, slightly less than a step increase. This works well for senior employees but with relatively newly promoted, less so.
Can’t really complain too much with an overall >6% pay increase.

Yeah, I don't disagree.

Just got mine. Got basically a 2/3 of a step for a 6.3% increase. Not keeping up with inflation, but I didn't expect it.

 

[Gally]

Still no answer either way from the DOD. I'm starting to think I'll stick with the VA either way. In my field, there's much more room for upward mobility and more money in the VA.

Which pay system? My opinion is that acqdemo is a lot better than GS. Do your job well and you can get rewarded especially when GS starts going to 2/3 years between step increases.

In my department, they changed the hiring process and it's causing a lot of confusion. Before supervisors could interview and make selections, but now they are requiring us to identify several candidates, send their resumes to a board who then interview, and they make a decision. Two of my supervisors had their selections kicked back. It's ridiculous, but fortunately the board is chaired by our group functional who sent me an email asking "how do you want them ranked?"... Lol

From what I’ve seen, AcqDemo works better for those who have been in their band for longer. The first four years or so, even with all top ratings it can be difficult to beat the automatic steps. At least that was true in my last organization.

Agreed

got my eval back. Can’t complain but it shows why early on acqdemo isn’t great.
Perfect 5s in all factors; +1, slightly less than a step increase. This works well for senior employees but with relatively newly promoted, less so.
Can’t really complain too much with an overall >6% pay increase.

Yeah, I don't disagree.

Just got mine. Got basically a 2/3 of a step for a 6.3% increase. Not keeping up with inflation, but I didn't expect it.

I am at the top of the band so nothing but COLA and then performance gets rolled into a lump sum bonus. No billets for the next band available at my location so I am where I am going to be. I am planning on retiring in 2029 and also have a high locality bump so I am happy where I am at.

 

[Orange&Blue]

Still no answer either way from the DOD. I'm starting to think I'll stick with the VA either way. In my field, there's much more room for upward mobility and more money in the VA.

Which pay system? My opinion is that acqdemo is a lot better than GS. Do your job well and you can get rewarded especially when GS starts going to 2/3 years between step increases.

In my department, they changed the hiring process and it's causing a lot of confusion. Before supervisors could interview and make selections, but now they are requiring us to identify several candidates, send their resumes to a board who then interview, and they make a decision. Two of my supervisors had their selections kicked back. It's ridiculous, but fortunately the board is chaired by our group functional who sent me an email asking "how do you want them ranked?"... Lol

From what I’ve seen, AcqDemo works better for those who have been in their band for longer. The first four years or so, even with all top ratings it can be difficult to beat the automatic steps. At least that was true in my last organization.

Agreed

got my eval back. Can’t complain but it shows why early on acqdemo isn’t great.
Perfect 5s in all factors; +1, slightly less than a step increase. This works well for senior employees but with relatively newly promoted, less so.
Can’t really complain too much with an overall >6% pay increase.

Yeah, I don't disagree.

Just got mine. Got basically a 2/3 of a step for a 6.3% increase. Not keeping up with inflation, but I didn't expect it.

I am at the top of the band so nothing but COLA and then performance gets rolled into a lump sum bonus. No billets for the next band available at my location so I am where I am going to be. I am planning on retiring in 2029 and also have a high locality bump so I am happy where I am at.

Which band?

 

[flapgreen]

My new office at the VA is nuts. Big corner office with window and view of downtown Nashville. Loving this!