TommyDevito

Within-grade step increases are based on an acceptable level of performance and longevity (waiting periods of 1 year at steps 1-3, 2 years at steps 4-6, and 3 years at steps 7-9). It normally takes 18 years to advance from step 1 to step 10 within a single GS grade if an employee remains in that single grade.

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-over...eral-schedule/

UpUpUpNaWaYs

Really great answers. Thanks to all. I’m going to keep going with a few more questions. Are the expectation to only work your 40 hours a week and that’s it? If you work greater than 40, Do you get additional pay? Is it optional or is it typically a must because of the demands of the job?

MidwestXLguy

You paid on a two week basis, so you’re expected to work 80 hours per pay period. Depending on your scheduled (and grade) you might work 5 8-hour days (same time Monday-Friday). You might work 5 8’s ‘gliding’, which means you work any eight hours between 6a and 6p, although I believe you must work core hours of 9a-2p? Or, if grade allows, you can work maxiflex, which is basically 80 hours anytime in the two week Sunday to second Saturday of the pay period. Their is ‘premium pay’, 10% I think, for time outside 6a-6p, and maybe some extra for Sunday (thus management won’t want you to that)

Again, depending on grade, you may be eligible for 1.5x OT, or ‘comp time’. As with the airlines, selecting your work schedule is a ‘whole big thing’. You may get OT for working an accident outside your normal hours, or be ‘forced’ to adjust your schedule to take time off instead. It’s a union job, so you really to know the ins and outs of each schedule. Some seem to get lots of OT while others get none.

Clear as mud?

TommyDevito

I'll also add that telework is an option as well. This can be one day a week or more, or ad-hoc. Just depends on your manager.

Also, some people do "4 tens", which is 4 ten hour days then a 3 day weekend. IMO maxiflex is the best way to do it because you can adjust your schedule as needed.

I miss my dog

Yeah I have maxi-flex schedule and choose to work 10 hrs M-Th. Three day weekends every week are awesome and since I’m maxi-flex I can always alter the day off or even work five 10 hour days the week before a week off and then use less annual leave time by only having to use 30 hrs for the week off. The one downside are holidays. Since holiday pay is only 8 hours that leaves you with 2 hours to makeup, but that can be done with an extra half hour a day or whatever.


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MidwestXLguy

So many options and who knows what the future holds. See more and more positions allowing ‘remote siting’ and/or telework full-time.

I love maxiflex but got a bit hosed this pay period with an accident the 1st day of the pay period. Did a 12 hour Sunday, then flm didn’t wanna pay OT (take Thursday and Friday off at end of pay period). Finally got office manager to compromise.

I miss my dog

Yeah I get zero OT but I do get travel comp for AFW and sometimes OKC. Love all the time off. It’s a great feeling to actually have use or lose time.


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UpUpUpNaWaYs

Great collective picture. I’m looking forward to positive home life with our family jumping off the industry roller coaster. Thanks all. I’m sure this pay/schedule discussion could aid others as well.

I miss my dog

ASI is a good place to be as long as you’re ready for the life change. First year isn’t fun but when you finally get to do the job then things get much better. Actually, first year should be a lot better now doing strings online rather than living in OKC for months. Shame not to develop the close relationships with classmates though. I wouldn’t have liked this job as a young man but I’ve lived life on the road for a couple decades and this is.a great fit for me now. Best of luck!


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MidwestXLguy

Funny, just had this convo with a friend from string. We’ve developed great friendships and it was only hanging with them that made the 16.5 weeks in okc liveable.

It is a def change but omg is it nice to schedule something personal and know you’ll be there.