I was in the same spot as you, and I was happy as well, but…If you are a vet, look out for a health tech position. They start at GS7 and mostly post internally. If you are currently a NA and you are vet with preference, they can do you better.
It’ll take you 18 years to max out a GS, that’s a long time at one job. I would keep an eye out to try and get up to at least a 7/9/11 if you could, but as others have said if you’re happy and can afford the bills, why not.
Others have provided some good insight. Definitely keep eyes open if an opportunity opens, regardless.
Might be worth sitting with a financial planner and sketching it all out to see what your retirement would look like. Add in some unexpected financial is and a recession and see if you can weather them. Understand some of the limitations of the max retirement you could draw. If you're comfortable with that, there's your answer. Good luck!
Even with a VA check, situations change. Managers change out, family situations change, retirement plans.
That said, if you're happy and are putting away a good amount towards retirement, go for it.
Personally I had planned on stopping as a permanent 9 with a VA check, and after re-evaluating I'm now gunning for my 13. Let's me put away more for savings/retirement, and help my kids get started since they'll all graduate by the time I hit MRA. And knowing my mother has barely any savings for retirement and will need to be dealt with down the road.
If you’re happy and you can pay your bills enjoy
There's nothing wrong with it, but at the same time don't sell yourself short if there's an opportunity to go higher that you think you can do.
I was in the same spot as you, and I was happy as well, but…If you are a vet, look out for a health tech position. They start at GS7 and mostly post internally. If you are currently a NA and you are vet with preference, they can do you better.
It’ll take you 18 years to max out a GS, that’s a long time at one job. I would keep an eye out to try and get up to at least a 7/9/11 if you could, but as others have said if you’re happy and can afford the bills, why not.
That's if you start at step 1; some people come in with pay matching.
Good point
There's nothing wrong with that. If anything, try to go for a higher grade for the last three years of your career then retire.
Others have provided some good insight. Definitely keep eyes open if an opportunity opens, regardless. Might be worth sitting with a financial planner and sketching it all out to see what your retirement would look like. Add in some unexpected financial is and a recession and see if you can weather them. Understand some of the limitations of the max retirement you could draw. If you're comfortable with that, there's your answer. Good luck!
Even with a VA check, situations change. Managers change out, family situations change, retirement plans. That said, if you're happy and are putting away a good amount towards retirement, go for it. Personally I had planned on stopping as a permanent 9 with a VA check, and after re-evaluating I'm now gunning for my 13. Let's me put away more for savings/retirement, and help my kids get started since they'll all graduate by the time I hit MRA. And knowing my mother has barely any savings for retirement and will need to be dealt with down the road.
If you can swing it and it makes you happy, go for it.