Frixxxx
Moderator
Thanks brother,
I was seriously confused when I got to Norfolk, Virginia. The COLA is 14.1% like the rest of the U.S. But, there are a lot more taxes here in this state and the circumstances of my life cause me to be hit by the differences in my lifestyle (medical for my wife) and how I shop. One of the truly interesting things is the cost of fresh vegetables. I pay 20-30% more for fresh vegetables and fruit than I did in California. Also, taxes on owning property are a little more with cars and a house. The one item of interest is how the government treats the calculation of these costs and salary computations. It isn't how much it costs to live somewhere, it's a salary comparison of what people are worth in the area. These averages affected my salary and lack of progression in my chosen career as a computer scientist. Add the certifications in I.T. and Acquisition and I am (or feel) that I am not compensated at the level of my civilian/contractor counterparts. This comparison is easily calculated on a spreadsheet and a check of my personal goals.
It kills me that I couldn't make the people I work for see that my goals and desires were in line with the agency, and get the same intensity from my leadership to mentor and grow me into a higher position. I asked repeatedly for feedback which was always tremendous, but not reciprocated from their side. I won an award last year, and it would have been nice to get the bonus when I was told about the award, but I just checked today and it hit my paycheck for $150. Finally.
My 20 year service certificate was presented to me as my supervisor walked by my desk (which happen twice in the two years I've been here) and all that was said was (This came for you last month).
My Project Manager repeatedly has attempted to intervene with my position and compensation, but has been snubbed at each turn. I need to go.
But I loved having the relationship with my customer, and I'm sure they'll have a coronary when they find out I am leaving.
