Hello all -
I'm 43 years old and have been working in state government for over 15 years now. I initially started with a base salary of 80k and now make 110k in my position. The increases were only through cost of living adjustments as I was stepped out at the top when I started. This pretty much equates to 80 cents an hour increase each year over the last 15 years. State jobs don't offer any bonuses or merit based pay, so I'm pretty much at max earning now. Lower level techs that do almost no work are making pretty much what I'm making. They have less reaponsibilities and will not be able to do the work that I do. If I leave now they will be panicking as no one here can do the work that I do.
I was hired on initially to support one system which easily commands over 100k. Throughout the years I have been given a dozen or so more applications to support, each of which can easily command over 75k. Initially I didn't mind as I enjoyed the challenge of learning new technologies, but as time went on I am resenting doing any work here. Primarily because I have no other help in this department. I am forced to play the part of L1/L2/L3 techs, project manager, tester etc. I have years of private sector experience too with a top 5 consulting firm so I am wondering if I should bail for greener pastures. I never expected a government job to be so overwhelming. Granted, I have good work flexibililty (can make my own hours), work only 40 hours a week (any OT pays $80/hr), and I pretty much get along with everyone here. I'm just frustrated at the pay for what I do. There is also zero appreciation here. The only thing really keeping me going is the pension. I can retire at 57 with a reduced pension of $4300/mo or at 60 to get $8200/mo ( or even stay til 65 for $9900/mo). I feel institutionalized here and don't know what to do. I have kids and no debt so not much of a burden if i decide to start a new career again. Thanks for listening.
Submitted April 09, 2018 at 12:29PM by poof_daddy https://ift.tt/2GLrOXh
