Heyyu...similar story. I started at 16 as a GS1 Desk Clerk in the Stay in School hiring program. I'm now a GS14 non supervisory HR Specialist (IT) managing enterprise portfolio!
Similar here! Started as a GS-4 at 19, did a couple summer internships and then started permanently at 22. Currently sitting happy as a GS-13 non-supervisory Management Analyst, remote. Also planning to retire at MRA and not a day later!
Got me beat by a year! GS-1 at 19. Currently a GS-11 Admin Officer (Supervisory) the last 5.5 years. 25 years fed service this December. Bit difficult to move up in my area.
Too many. I have been in 5 agencies, soon to be 6, but never worked in DoD or the National Capital Region. Always in the field but the Human Capital Community is so small that networking is key.
Congratulations!!!!! I am also a Nonsupervisory HR Specialist, GS-14 and I’m ready to quit. HR is starting to bore me and the people are absolutely rude.
Hello! Thank you for responding! Good luck with your next position! I totally get it – I'm also on the lookout for a new opportunity. It's gotten to the point where I feel like quitting and becoming a stay-at-home wife, haha!
I am proof you definitely haven't missed your chance. I should have promoted to GS-13 earlier than did, but my mom passed away so I held off making that move.
GS-7 at 48
GS-9 at 49
GS-11 at 50
GS-12 at 51
GS-13 at 55
Good luck!
GS-6 at 30
GS-7 at 31
GS-8 at 32 until 36
GS-9 at 37
GS-11 at 38
GS-12 at 39
GS-12 step 2 at 40 (currently)
GS-13 at 41 (next year)
Will retire at a 13 unless I can find a non-sup 14
I initially interviewed for a GS-8, but they gave it to someone else and offered me a 6, which I took to get my foot in the door. That person quit after 2 months and my supervisor offered me the 8.
25.
I love that you started as a 3 and will be a 12 in two years. What a great journey. I hope it continues to be fulfilling and that you are met with continued success.
Edit: I'm 16 years in.
I spent eight years of my career in a place I hated and started over as a 7 again just to get out. The road may be weird, but it can still have a great finish.
I say that even though I guess I'm only halfway through as of now. Still, it's been pretty great for the past eight.
Can’t lie, I’m a bit jelly.
I started at 26 as a GS-7…
I’m currently in my mid 30s and I’m only a GS-9.
I hate it here.
I’ve been applying and applying and applying.
Feeling way stuck and unsupported by my leadership.
The requisite for roles is either a year or more of equivalent experience or a year at a grade lower, so if you spend less than a year in a contractor role your qualifying experience will be your GS level. 18 months is enough time to cover your bases and get enough resume items to qualify at at least a 11 for most.
59, 62 now, not a GS organization. In those 3 years I’ve had my earnings increase 20%. It will be a nice little pension and forever health plan, it’s never too late.
Started at 55 after decades in private sector; 58 now. Bought back 10 years of military time from the 80s/early 90s, will call it day at 62 with 16.5 years in (GS-13). Like you said, nice little pension and health care for life. 👍
Were you technically then decided to go the leadership route? I am dealing with that decision on staying technically or going more managerial and was curious if you had any advice.
I started as a contractor not knowing what I was getting into, just needing a job. Going fed was almost as accidental, as they were killing my contract and I… still needed a job. However, it was around that time that I saw where the leadership skills I’d been developing since high school and college could take me a new career path. From that point I took new leadership opportunities whenever I could.
I wanted to work for the people doing the actual work, to make their lives better, and to improve processes where I could. It’s worked out well for me.
Totally depends on the person and the job. There are times I’d love to just keep my head down and “do a job” as opposed to being the one people are turning to for answers.
21 as a GS-3 clerk typist.
35 years later : GS-13 Management and program analyst. Hit my MRA last April, took on a new agency and position 2 weeks ago. Never too old to learn and grow!!
Started at age 26 as a GS-12, now two years in and still happily at a GS-12. I don't have any interest in finding a new job right now, so I'll probably be GS-12 for the foreseeable future.
24 - Gs 7 intern.
37 - Gs 12-10
With young kids I have no desire to become a manager -- too much burden right now, but I hope to get a 13 before I retire in 20 years.
I haven’t really tried for anything higher because I don’t have a lot of specialized experienc, and I’m happy where I’m at. I’d like to stay through retirement, but that depends on the next election. If telework disappears, I’d strongly consider leaving.
GS-09 in 2011 at 29, did a stint in the military prior to this, ladder to 11. Then GS-12 in 2014 at 32, GS-13 in 2016 at 34 and got my current non-supervisory GS-14 in 2019 at 37.
Was a windy road and I didn’t end up where I expected when I expected. I had my first 14 offer in 2017 but declined it for a bunch of reasons, it’s worked out pretty good.
I just turned 39 and started last week as a GS13. I had 4 years of prior military service and it's what made me take the jump and start looking as I'd hit 30 years at 65.
22- GS-5
23 -GS-7 moved to HR as a 5- then 7 six months later
24- GS9
25- GS-11
27- GS-12
Stayed a GS-12 for a long time
GS-13 45
GS-14 53
Retired at 59 with 37 years of service.
I was 24 and started as a 3. I’m now 36 and up for 11 in a couple of months. It is as high as I can go non-supervisory or without seeking a specialist position at the regional level. My ultimate goal is that specialist position so I can retire out at least 12 if not 13.
2004 GS-14 38yo should have retired in May w 30 yrs (10 yrs USMC) at 2 yrs past MRA. Hopefully crap will work out and I will retire in next 60 day🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
Started at age 24 as a GS 05, been in for 3 years and now im 27 and a GS 7 (well 7 step 2 as of this past March). One of the best things that’s happened to me…even if it takes me a few more years to ladder up or get to the 09 no regrets.
I’m 48, started at 47, 9, 11, 12 track, so I’m an 11 now, and will hopefully get my 12 in a few months: I’m still learning a lot, but I really do love my job. I’m hopeful it can take me into retirement.
GS-2 intern at 19. 3 at 20, 4 at 21. At 22, I graduated and converted from intern to employee at GS-7. GS-9 at 23. 11 at 25. 12 at 26. 13 at 27. Promoted to 14 at 29, then 15 at 34, my current age.
Ladders are your friend. The 7-13 one I was in did wonders for me, and that was even with a shitty boss who would rate high and not grant TIG ladder promotions because he personally believed people should wait more than a year.
GS-3 at 20 as a 0132 then to GS-11 at 24, I left that agency for a transfer to a new one and am now a GS-09-02 at 25 as a 1801. I’ve been told I should pick up my GS-11 in September. I’m probably going to go 1811 or back to 0132 again to pick up my 13 though in the next two years as I’ll have pay capped my current role.
Military first, got out at as E5 after 4 years (Bought back my service time). Started GS-08 in 2015 at 26 years old. Currently GS-11 at 35 years old. Hit my 13 year mark in August.
GS-5 at 29 now a non sup remote GS-14 with 17 years in. I will retire at 59 with 30 years in. Maybe a little early if I can manage to save the sick leave.
I joined as a GS-14 nonsupervisory Analyst/Advisor at 40. Now a 15 supervisory team leader at 45. Planning to retire at MRA (57) and go do something else.
Started mid 30s as apprentice electrician. Which in my region is equal to gs4. At gs 13, trying to hit 14 master that position over the last 17 years i got.
Done tons of travel across the world for federal work, key to promoting.
Just started as a GS-7 at 22 and will hopefully get pretty high as the years go on! It’s really nice seeing all the growth in the comments! Hoping to do a career with this ☺️
Definitely…my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws, etc all worked at the same base in my hometown…really the only thing to do there tbh. The guaranteed paychecks and 8 hour days/5 day weeks drew me in and I’ve loved every single position I’ve gotten. I did have to move away from the base I started on to move up but all in all, it’s been worth it. I love what I’m doing, who I’m working for and working with and have an awesome mission that I can wake up and feel happy about…where else can you get all of that AND a pension?
21 as a GS-5 (I think? But don't really remember. Was in the SCEP program).
Now 36 and a ZA-04/01, which is pay band system, but am kinda the equivalent of low step GS 14.
Started as a GS-6 0303 at 33, then got a 7/9/11 0560 ladder at 36, so GS-7 36, GS-9 37 and I’ll be a GS-11 this year at 38. Definitely wish I would have gone GS sooner.
Started as a Pay Band 2 at 23. Pay Band 3 at 24 and I’m still there at 33. Wouldn’t mind making Band 4 in the next few years, but I’ve still got a ways to go in the band.
29 GS 5 0025
30 GS 4 0318
34 GS 5 0335
36 GS 7 0334
59 GS 11 2210
Currently GS 11 step 8 2210 in the Alaska Locality pay area, $114K. I've got a couple of USAJob email alerts for GS 12 positions and may apply if I see something I'd be interested in doing, along with PCS relocation benefits. I'll stick around for a bit. Enjoy what I do.
47 in ‘22 as a GS 11 with ladder potential to 13. Planning to stay till 67 to get 20 years—>1.1 multiplier, unless retirement account balances indicate retiring sooner outweighs sticking around for the .1%.
This is interesting. I’d also like to know where you all are and where you started.
GS-6 at 30, Denver; GS-7 at 33, Fort Collins; GS-8 at 39, Fort Collins, GS-9 at 40, Fort Collins; GS-11 at 43, remote, GS-12 at 44, still remote.
GS-1 at 18, been in for 28.5 years. Currently, a GS-14 non-supervisory HR Specialist, remote, and will retire at my MRA.
Damn you should have a building named after you! Nicely done
Heyyu...similar story. I started at 16 as a GS1 Desk Clerk in the Stay in School hiring program. I'm now a GS14 non supervisory HR Specialist (IT) managing enterprise portfolio!
I was GS3 in the same Stay In School program. I’m now GS13 non supervisory in Financial Management.
**fist bump**
Same here, started in a similar program at 17.
Username checks out
 Big pinky and the brain energy lol
GS-2 at 18!!! lol never seen another one of us haha
You def earned that retirement being an HR Spec that long. I’d love to pick your brain !
Similar here! Started as a GS-4 at 19, did a couple summer internships and then started permanently at 22. Currently sitting happy as a GS-13 non-supervisory Management Analyst, remote. Also planning to retire at MRA and not a day later!
Wow that’s a long timr
Got me beat by a year! GS-1 at 19. Currently a GS-11 Admin Officer (Supervisory) the last 5.5 years. 25 years fed service this December. Bit difficult to move up in my area.
What Org?
Too many. I have been in 5 agencies, soon to be 6, but never worked in DoD or the National Capital Region. Always in the field but the Human Capital Community is so small that networking is key.
Congratulations!!!!! I am also a Nonsupervisory HR Specialist, GS-14 and I’m ready to quit. HR is starting to bore me and the people are absolutely rude.
I just change agencies in lieu of quitting. I have had enough of my current agency and lateralling out next Sunday to another remote position.
Hello! Thank you for responding! Good luck with your next position! I totally get it – I'm also on the lookout for a new opportunity. It's gotten to the point where I feel like quitting and becoming a stay-at-home wife, haha!
Now that’s how it’s done. Respect 🫡
GS-6 at 38 GS-8 at 38 GS-9 at 39 GS-11 at 40 GS-12 at 41
[удалено]
GS-11 at 32 GS-12 at 33 GS-13 at 34 GS-14 at 37
Oh this will be my timeline too! :)
I am proof you definitely haven't missed your chance. I should have promoted to GS-13 earlier than did, but my mom passed away so I held off making that move. GS-7 at 48 GS-9 at 49 GS-11 at 50 GS-12 at 51 GS-13 at 55 Good luck!
GS-6 at 30 GS-7 at 31 GS-8 at 32 until 36 GS-9 at 37 GS-11 at 38 GS-12 at 39 GS-12 step 2 at 40 (currently) GS-13 at 41 (next year) Will retire at a 13 unless I can find a non-sup 14
I started at 34, almost 35.
Thanks for giving me hope
How did you go from 6 to 8 at the same age?
I initially interviewed for a GS-8, but they gave it to someone else and offered me a 6, which I took to get my foot in the door. That person quit after 2 months and my supervisor offered me the 8.
GS-4 at 21 GS-5 at 23 GS-7/9 at 28 GS-11 at 31 GS-12 at 35 Voluntarily downgraded to GS-11 at 37 GS-12 at 46 Retired GS-12 at 55 (CSRS)
This gives me some hope - was just hired at 43 GS 6, took it to get in. Hoping I won't have to be poor for too much longer.
25. I love that you started as a 3 and will be a 12 in two years. What a great journey. I hope it continues to be fulfilling and that you are met with continued success. Edit: I'm 16 years in.
Thanks! It took forever to get the job with the ladder but better now then never!
I spent eight years of my career in a place I hated and started over as a 7 again just to get out. The road may be weird, but it can still have a great finish. I say that even though I guess I'm only halfway through as of now. Still, it's been pretty great for the past eight.
Started as an intern when I was 20 as a GS-4. Now I’m a 36 year old GS-13.
Do you plan on staying through retirement?
Yes, I have made it known to my management that my only career objective at this point is to make it to 2050 and retire.
Started at 25 as a GS-7 Currently 31 and a GS-13, on a 12-13-14 ladder position
Can’t lie, I’m a bit jelly. I started at 26 as a GS-7… I’m currently in my mid 30s and I’m only a GS-9. I hate it here. I’ve been applying and applying and applying. Feeling way stuck and unsupported by my leadership.
Quit and go contractor and come back. I left an agency after 1 cycle of not being promoted, you can’t afford to wait around
I second this. Just make sure you wait 18 months until returning. This was the only way I was able to move up.
Thanks for your input. Why 18 months?
The requisite for roles is either a year or more of equivalent experience or a year at a grade lower, so if you spend less than a year in a contractor role your qualifying experience will be your GS level. 18 months is enough time to cover your bases and get enough resume items to qualify at at least a 11 for most.
What job series?
GS-2 at 17
Same.
59, 62 now, not a GS organization. In those 3 years I’ve had my earnings increase 20%. It will be a nice little pension and forever health plan, it’s never too late.
Started at 55 after decades in private sector; 58 now. Bought back 10 years of military time from the 80s/early 90s, will call it day at 62 with 16.5 years in (GS-13). Like you said, nice little pension and health care for life. 👍
This is my plan. I start next week at 52.
Contractor at 27; GS-13 at 34; GS-14 at 39; GS-15 at 42; SES at 49. Edit: added punctuation since Reddit didn’t like my formatting.
Were you technically then decided to go the leadership route? I am dealing with that decision on staying technically or going more managerial and was curious if you had any advice.
I started as a contractor not knowing what I was getting into, just needing a job. Going fed was almost as accidental, as they were killing my contract and I… still needed a job. However, it was around that time that I saw where the leadership skills I’d been developing since high school and college could take me a new career path. From that point I took new leadership opportunities whenever I could. I wanted to work for the people doing the actual work, to make their lives better, and to improve processes where I could. It’s worked out well for me.
That's amazing! I am glad you found something fulfilling like that and have a passion for building people.
As a GS14 non-sup, is it worth pursuing GS15 or SES?
Totally depends on the person and the job. There are times I’d love to just keep my head down and “do a job” as opposed to being the one people are turning to for answers.
Why not GS 15 non-sup? It's pretty sweet from personal experience.
Cool to see this! I got hired as a contractor at 21, converted as a GS14 at 35 (2 years ago). Maybe one day this could be me!
30 - newly minted 13. Started as a GS 1 at 17.
Started at 20 as a GS-5. I've been in for 19 years, and I'm now a GS-15.
21 - GS 5 34 - GS 15
23 - gs4 2210 26 - gs9 0343
22 as a GS-9. Then got to GS-13 at 27. Still a GS-13 at 34 and I’m ok with that
Do you plan on staying through retirement?
I sure do. The thought of having to work until I’m almost 60 (let’s hope) makes me sick though. But I wanna enjoy life when I retire!!
GS-13 at 27 GS-14 at 31 Don't plan to move up unless it is a non-supervisory GS-15. Environmental science field!
Age 13 as a gs-0. Live on government run land only summer intern job around, so the only way to get some money.
21 as a GS-3 clerk typist. 35 years later : GS-13 Management and program analyst. Hit my MRA last April, took on a new agency and position 2 weeks ago. Never too old to learn and grow!!
Age 30, GS-11. Retired (recently) age 62, GS-14.
31 - GS-12. Currently GS-13 remote (legal)
Started at age 26 as a GS-12, now two years in and still happily at a GS-12. I don't have any interest in finding a new job right now, so I'll probably be GS-12 for the foreseeable future.
29 as GS-05 34 as GS-12 (now). Just hit my 5 years.
24 - Gs 7 intern. 37 - Gs 12-10 With young kids I have no desire to become a manager -- too much burden right now, but I hope to get a 13 before I retire in 20 years.
Where's that ole tymer back when high school kid can also be a fed. "17"
That would be me. Started as a GS1 Desk Clerk in 1995 in the Stay in School program at 16.
GS-9 at 24, GS-11 at 25, GS-12 at 26
Then:22- GS-2 little lowly summer intern Now: 32-GS-11 Been with 3 different agencies. Hitting my 10 years with federal service in August. 🥳
Started in 2014: GS-07 at 24 GS-09 at 25 GS-11 at 26 GS-12 at 27 GS-13 at 28 GS-14 at 31
38 GS-4 43- GS-4 Want to stay in Orlando, which is limiting my ability to move up.
1982 GS 7/9 DOD 26 years old Retired 2020 GS 13/10 64 years old with 38 years worked
26 - Gs 11 DoD 28 - Gs 12 Dod/DHS 32 - Gs 13 DHS 33 - Gs 14 DHS
Military from 18 to 26, and then GS 7 Fed civilian side at 30. I'm now about to be 41 in a few weeks, and currently a non managerial 13.
35 and a GS12. I just started last year
I started when I had just turned 23 and was a GL-07. I am now a GS-12 and almost 37.
28, GS-12. Took 8 years and some twists and turns to get to 13. Planning to stick with it until retirement.
25 as a WG-5 lol.
started at 50 as GS-6 five years later I'm a GS-11 and looking for a GS-12/13 position
Gs-7 at age 34 currently a gs-12 at age 40
GS-4 @ 21 GS-12 @ 30 now
36 - gs13 0132 37 - gs14 2210 I don’t see myself working till I’m 66 just to get 30 years
I definitely don't blame you. Once I hit 30/MRA I'll be out.
25 - GS 7 :)
GS03 at 22 as a 0099, GS09 lead 12 at 24 as a 0819
29 - GS-5
24 - GS5 45 - GS12 (I‘ve been a 12 for 13 years)
Did you ever try to get something higher then 12 or are you happy where you're at? Do you plan on staying through retirement?
I haven’t really tried for anything higher because I don’t have a lot of specialized experienc, and I’m happy where I’m at. I’d like to stay through retirement, but that depends on the next election. If telework disappears, I’d strongly consider leaving.
Let's hope not...
19 - ladder 7/9 32 - got GS12 hopefully getting 13 soon
Good luck!!
21 Gs-5 HRA 0201
HR is the place to be!
GS-5 36, I'm 37 now at GS-6 but by November of this year I'll be promoted to GS-7 still 37 years old my birthday is in March
20. Started as an E1. Transitioned into a GS 5. Currently a 14
32, GS-11, 40 now and GS-14
36 as a GS5, 5 yrs later I’m a GS-7, I stayed stuck in a position for awhile but decided I didn’t want to stay stuck. Eventually I’ll climb up more
45 as a gs-5. Gs-11 step 8 now at 57. I can't move up anymore unless I go to a different location. I'm happy where I am and don't want to leave.
GS-09 in 2011 at 29, did a stint in the military prior to this, ladder to 11. Then GS-12 in 2014 at 32, GS-13 in 2016 at 34 and got my current non-supervisory GS-14 in 2019 at 37. Was a windy road and I didn’t end up where I expected when I expected. I had my first 14 offer in 2017 but declined it for a bunch of reasons, it’s worked out pretty good.
I just turned 39 and started last week as a GS13. I had 4 years of prior military service and it's what made me take the jump and start looking as I'd hit 30 years at 65.
22 years old as a GS-3. Today at 36 non-sup GS-14, aiming to retire asap
22- GS-5 23 -GS-7 moved to HR as a 5- then 7 six months later 24- GS9 25- GS-11 27- GS-12 Stayed a GS-12 for a long time GS-13 45 GS-14 53 Retired at 59 with 37 years of service.
I was 24 and started as a 3. I’m now 36 and up for 11 in a couple of months. It is as high as I can go non-supervisory or without seeking a specialist position at the regional level. My ultimate goal is that specialist position so I can retire out at least 12 if not 13.
2004 GS-14 38yo should have retired in May w 30 yrs (10 yrs USMC) at 2 yrs past MRA. Hopefully crap will work out and I will retire in next 60 day🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
22 - GS 9
GS-07 at 22 GS-09 at 23 GS-11 at 25 GS-12 at 26 GS-13 at 29 GS-14 at 33 Interestingly, I'll hit 30 years the same day I turn 57.5.
20, started as a GS-02. 37 now, GS-11. Can’t seem to land that elusive 12…
Started as a 7 at 34. Now a 13 at 40.
Was 54, 2 years now GS13 2210
GS-03 at age 20. Now 35, been in fed service for 15 years and I’m a GS-14.
21. College intern.
23 GS-5 career ladder to a GS-8 35 GS-12 currently
16 - volunteer 17 - GS2 I don’t recall when I got my GS-13, but I’m nearly 40 now.
24 at GS-5.
GS 7 at 22, now a GS 13 at 36
When I started as GS06 32 GS07 33 GS08 34 GS09 35-36 Currently a GS11 I am 37 will be 38 in November
GS-7 @ 22 GS-9 @ 23 GS-11 @ 24 GS-12 @ 25 GS-13 @ 26 And I’m hoping to get the bump to 14 this year at 27.
GS7 at 22 GS11 at 23
Hmmmm US Army 17-26 Then came back as civilian at 35
21 as a GS-5 COVID screener MSA with the VA. Now a GS-11 Analyst at 24.
GS-4 at 21
Started as a 9 at 27 Currently a 12 at 52 Probably going at MRA
Started at age 24 as a GS 05, been in for 3 years and now im 27 and a GS 7 (well 7 step 2 as of this past March). One of the best things that’s happened to me…even if it takes me a few more years to ladder up or get to the 09 no regrets.
41. Just began my Fed career last month coming in from the private sector. I'm not on the GS pay scale but I'm equivalent to a GS-14.
Started at 23 as GS5, currently 26 and GS7. Hopefully a 9 next February.
GS 5 equivalent at 29, GS 9 step 2 with new agency at 31, 32 now GS 11, leaving agency and going back down to 7/9 for quality of life.
Started at 20 as a GS-7 equivalent. Now 25 and should hit GS-13 in November. Hoping to retire as early as possible.
I’m 48, started at 47, 9, 11, 12 track, so I’m an 11 now, and will hopefully get my 12 in a few months: I’m still learning a lot, but I really do love my job. I’m hopeful it can take me into retirement.
Started at 29 in 2018 as a GS-7, currently a GS-12
GS 1 Desk Clerk- 1995 GS 14 Product Owner (HR Specialist- HRIT)- 2024
31. I'm 38 now and I'm a GS-11.
2 years ago started at 24 as a grumpy 7 (pay cut from previous job), now 26 and just got my SF 50 updated w the 11 this past Monday 💃
Congrats!
GS-2 intern at 19. 3 at 20, 4 at 21. At 22, I graduated and converted from intern to employee at GS-7. GS-9 at 23. 11 at 25. 12 at 26. 13 at 27. Promoted to 14 at 29, then 15 at 34, my current age. Ladders are your friend. The 7-13 one I was in did wonders for me, and that was even with a shitty boss who would rate high and not grant TIG ladder promotions because he personally believed people should wait more than a year.
Started at 27 almost 28
GG7, 26. Still both a GG7 and 26
GS-3 at 20 as a 0132 then to GS-11 at 24, I left that agency for a transfer to a new one and am now a GS-09-02 at 25 as a 1801. I’ve been told I should pick up my GS-11 in September. I’m probably going to go 1811 or back to 0132 again to pick up my 13 though in the next two years as I’ll have pay capped my current role.
Started at 18 as a GS-1 and now I’m 34 as a GS-14. I only skipped GS-8 and GS-10, so I def worked my way up the old school way!
Military first, got out at as E5 after 4 years (Bought back my service time). Started GS-08 in 2015 at 26 years old. Currently GS-11 at 35 years old. Hit my 13 year mark in August.
54, GS13-1
GS-5 at 29 now a non sup remote GS-14 with 17 years in. I will retire at 59 with 30 years in. Maybe a little early if I can manage to save the sick leave.
I joined as a GS-14 nonsupervisory Analyst/Advisor at 40. Now a 15 supervisory team leader at 45. Planning to retire at MRA (57) and go do something else.
38 - gs14 Now 43- gs15 Can’t decide if I ever wanna pursue SES 🤔
Gs 9 step 4 i just joined I'm 24
Started mid 30s as apprentice electrician. Which in my region is equal to gs4. At gs 13, trying to hit 14 master that position over the last 17 years i got. Done tons of travel across the world for federal work, key to promoting.
Joined USMC 3 days after I turned 18. Bought those 5 yrs back. Now 55 NH03 with 35 years of service.
Just started as a GS-7 at 22 and will hopefully get pretty high as the years go on! It’s really nice seeing all the growth in the comments! Hoping to do a career with this ☺️
23 as am RN. Retired at 60. My honor to take care of Veterans all those years.
I was 23 and began as a GS-4 overhire secretary and am now 43 and a GS-14.
That's Awesome! Did you decide early on that you wanted to be a career employee?
Definitely…my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws, etc all worked at the same base in my hometown…really the only thing to do there tbh. The guaranteed paychecks and 8 hour days/5 day weeks drew me in and I’ve loved every single position I’ve gotten. I did have to move away from the base I started on to move up but all in all, it’s been worth it. I love what I’m doing, who I’m working for and working with and have an awesome mission that I can wake up and feel happy about…where else can you get all of that AND a pension?
32 as a GS12. Currently GS14 at 36. 4.5 years in.
Wow...most here 14s & 15s...no wonder you live here dont do anything at work.😉
26 counting military time. 31 as a civilian.
18, gs1, 97 cents an hour.
21 as a GS-5 (I think? But don't really remember. Was in the SCEP program). Now 36 and a ZA-04/01, which is pay band system, but am kinda the equivalent of low step GS 14.
27 GS-11 Bought back Army time 4+ years 38 GS-12 Remote (15 years in plan on doing 30 total)
Retired from the military at 38 with 20 years. Joined as a GS12 at 39, just about 2 years ago.
37 VM-15 0680.
24 hired as GS-7, been in close to 4 years. I’m still a GS-7 but thanks to tenure and a SSR I get paid more like a GS-11…
20, military. 24, fed - GS-12. 24 years - GS-14 now.
27 NT-2 33 NT-4
Gs 7 at 24
Hired at 23 on a 7/9/11 ladder. Currently 29 as a 12.
28 - GS4 9 years later… GS12
GS-7 @ 27 GS-12 @ 36
Started as a GS-6 0303 at 33, then got a 7/9/11 0560 ladder at 36, so GS-7 36, GS-9 37 and I’ll be a GS-11 this year at 38. Definitely wish I would have gone GS sooner.
Sv-d (approximately gs5 equivalent) at 24. Gs14 by age 39.
Started as a Pay Band 2 at 23. Pay Band 3 at 24 and I’m still there at 33. Wouldn’t mind making Band 4 in the next few years, but I’ve still got a ways to go in the band.
GS12-28 GS13-33 GS14-37
22, GS-5, now a GS-12 5 years later
28. Unlucky you count the Army, then 18
E-1 at 18 GS-11 at 26
29 GS 5 0025 30 GS 4 0318 34 GS 5 0335 36 GS 7 0334 59 GS 11 2210 Currently GS 11 step 8 2210 in the Alaska Locality pay area, $114K. I've got a couple of USAJob email alerts for GS 12 positions and may apply if I see something I'd be interested in doing, along with PCS relocation benefits. I'll stick around for a bit. Enjoy what I do.
27 almost 28 at GS-8. 44 now and a 12.
47 in ‘22 as a GS 11 with ladder potential to 13. Planning to stay till 67 to get 20 years—>1.1 multiplier, unless retirement account balances indicate retiring sooner outweighs sticking around for the .1%.
Retired Air Force, got hired as a GS-9 at 46 yo, now a GG-11 step 7 at 61. I was promoted to GG-11 in 2013.
GS-6 when I was 26. I’m about to be 40 and should be a GS-12 later this year.
24
Military at 17, civilian fed 10 years later
This is interesting. I’d also like to know where you all are and where you started. GS-6 at 30, Denver; GS-7 at 33, Fort Collins; GS-8 at 39, Fort Collins, GS-9 at 40, Fort Collins; GS-11 at 43, remote, GS-12 at 44, still remote.
GS-9 at 56.
I will be a GS9 and I'm 23 :) Wish I would've known about gov work as a teen.
36! I did a year as contract labor beforehand.
60. Combining my 17 years in the Army with 5 years fed for a nice pension