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Topic: Working for the USPTO (Read 449082 times) |
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Bill
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Re: Working for the USPTO
« Reply #130 on: Jun 26th, 2005, 8:44am » |
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Well I figured that about living in the Alexandria area.
I don't mind commuting at all...within reason of course.
Can anyone recommend towns within a reasonable commute distance that are more affordable? Thanks
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daven
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starting at GS-9 vs. GS-11
« Reply #131 on: Jun 26th, 2005, 12:28pm » |
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If you get a promotion within six months after starting at GS-9, why would you want to start at GS-11? They can match your current salary using either GS level, assuming you don't make more than GS-9 step 10.
I called human resources but couldn't get definite answers. If I qualify for GS-11 (by having 3 yrs experience) could I still elect to start at GS-9?
I did some research and found the average price of a home in northern VA is $350k!! The average price around here is $160k.
I worked overtime last year and made around $30K over base salary. My current employer is also paying around $4k/yr on my undergrad student loans. Would the patent office consider those things when matching pay or is it strictly base salary? I would love to work up there but I need to know how much of a pay cut I'm taking, given the cost of living, etc.
thanks
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guest
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Re: starting at GS-9 vs. GS-11
« Reply #132 on: Jun 26th, 2005, 3:34pm » |
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on Jun 26th, 2005, 12:28pm, daven wrote:If you get a promotion within six months after starting at GS-9, why would you want to start at GS-11? They can match your current salary using either GS level, assuming you don't make more than GS-9 step 10.
I called human resources but couldn't get definite answers. If I qualify for GS-11 (by having 3 yrs experience) could I still elect to start at GS-9?
I did some research and found the average price of a home in northern VA is $350k!! The average price around here is $160k.
I worked overtime last year and made around $30K over base salary. My current employer is also paying around $4k/yr on my undergrad student loans. Would the patent office consider those things when matching pay or is it strictly base salary? I would love to work up there but I need to know how much of a pay cut I'm taking, given the cost of living, etc.
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I don't think that you will qualify for GS11 unless you have a graduate degree. My experience was more than double yours and they hired me on at GS9/10. They told me that I could be promoted to GS11/7 after 6 months, which would mean that my next possible promotion would be a year after that. If you are initially hired on at GS11 your first possible promotion would be a year after you start. So starting GS11 does have benefits over GS9, putting you six months ahead in the cycle, although if you do good work its all just a matter of time until you reach certain levels regardless. That is the way i look at it.
I think the matching pay is strictly base pay, although Isaac could probably answer that better. I do know that they will only match you up to the max level that they offered to hire you on at (see the salary tables) and not above that level. i.e. my matching offer for GS9/10 had to be above $62986 (the level for GS9/9) but if i was far above that i would still be capped at the GS9/10 salary level.
I'm just a rookie and others here know much more than I, but that is my take.
On the housing side, i'll be coming to the D.C. area with the gain on my house sale and other savings. About $300K. I'm nervous about pumping my $$ into an expensive condo and still having a decent-sized mortgage, say if i bought a $500K condo. I'm going to be renting for a little while, at least until i get a feel for the market.
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Bill
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Re: Working for the USPTO
« Reply #133 on: Jun 29th, 2005, 12:37pm » |
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Does anyone know if the USPTO offers any kind of student loan reimbursement options for new employees?
What about moving expenses?
Thanks....everyone has been a lot of help.
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guest
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Re: Working for the USPTO
« Reply #134 on: Jun 29th, 2005, 5:21pm » |
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I don't think so, but i would suggest you call HR to find out for sure.
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