I got a tentative job offer letter to be transferred to a different VA in a different state, Should I relocate or no?

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 10:46:29 -0400

I was recently offered a job offer to be transferred to another VA in another state (Colorado). I would receive a full Grade/Rank increase and the locality rate for the state is higher. However, relocation I would have to do on my own monetarily and I have a family. My annual Salary will do a big jump though. I've never lived here before I'm excited and nervous at the same time.
Thoughts anyone?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2016 10:49 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 10:49:58 -0400

Would this be a boost to your career? If so, then go forth and do it, I say.

Response by SGT David T. made Jul 1 at 2016 10:50 AM

SGT David T. — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 10:50:21 -0400

Well, I have done two of those from coast to coast. It can really help your career to be mobile. The moves can be pricey, but if you can swing it and its a grade increase, I say go for it.

Response by Sgt Chris Lima made Jul 1 at 2016 10:52 AM

Sgt Chris Lima — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 10:52:02 -0400

If you're talking about an increase in your GS grade... I'd probably do it. Take a look at whether it's a ladder position or not and compare that to your current job. If you have more room to go up in the new one, I'd take it. Colorado is nice. I don't have a family, but I think you're supposed to discuss it with them as well.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jul 1 at 2016 10:55 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 10:55:15 -0400

Yes I would if it was a good offer & more money.. But moving can be a big pain in the rear-end & costly

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Jul 1 at 2016 10:56 AM

SSgt Ryan Sylvester — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 10:56:56 -0400

Grade increase is a definite, especially if you've got the time remaining to hit the right Step to go beyond the previous grade's Step 10 pay. Boost in pay, boost in pension. Besides, Colorado's pretty awesome.

Response by 1SG Charles Hunter made Jul 1 at 2016 11:02 AM

1SG Charles Hunter — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 11:02:08 -0400

As Sgt Lumb suggested, discuss the issue with your family. Do some research on the new location and get an estimate of relocation costs. What's the time frame for break-even?

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Jul 1 at 2016 11:03 AM

MAJ Rene De La Rosa — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 11:03:09 -0400

The cost of moving without reimbursement is tax deductible, according to the IRS. The relocation could benefit you and your family, and you would have to take into consideration those benefits. Good luck on this decision-making process.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jul 1 at 2016 11:19 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 11:19:20 -0400

Colorado! Yea buddy. Hunting, fishing, great outdoors in the Rocky Mountains!! I'd snap that one up in a flash, even if there wasn't a raise in pay and position. I've moved a lot in my life - it ain't nothing but a thing.
Besides great chances don't come often. If you don't take it, later in life you'll be saying, "Gee wish I'd have done that."

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 1 at 2016 11:36 AM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 11:36:44 -0400

Others have already mentioned it, but grade increase aside, what are the promotion opportunities for this new job? I know you said you'd be moving from GS5 to GS6, but is this new job a GS6/11 (for example) position?

Also as you've stated, you have a family. You should consider/look into schools for your kids, and any programs your kids may need if they've got special medical or other needs (like whenever I move I have to consider that my daughter is Autistic and not every state has the programs she needs).

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jul 1 at 2016 11:49 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 11:49:00 -0400

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member Where ever you end up in Colorado with the higher locality rate might be more affordable than living in Austin, making yr move really worthwhile.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 1 at 2016 11:51 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 11:51:05 -0400

OK, there isn't much to go on. Presume the job announcement stated PCS expenses not authorized. You didn't mention from what grade/step to what you're going to so I'll assume two steps to the right and and first one more down. If you don't have a pile of crap like retired guys like me have, I'd expect your move to run around $13K. So if you're a member of one of the military credit unions, you can check into their relocation loan options. If you have equity in the home, an equity loan from your bank may be an option. I do recall an OPM version of the military "Dead Horse" wherein you get advance pay to fund the move and payroll deduction to cover it. They use your saved up annual/sick leave as hostage. It's been a very long time since I made that kind of thing happen so don't know if it's still an option.

Now about the job. You didn't mention whether or not your new position is virtually capped, aka no promotion opportunity once there. Like everything else, property values, school quality, etc. go into the equation. Good luck.

Response by CW2 Shawn Stevenson made Jul 1 at 2016 12:16 PM

CW2 Shawn Stevenson — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 12:16:32 -0400

The locality pay in Denver is 22.93% compared to 14.51% in Austin. The actual cost of living difference between the two cities is 14.17% so at the same GS level your standard of living would decrease by about 8%. Since your new job will come with a higher grade it should even out to roughly the same standard of living you have now. If I were in your shoes, and it was in my budget to move, I would strongly consider it solely for career progression.

Response by CPL David Salazar made Jul 1 at 2016 12:41 PM

CPL David Salazar — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 12:41:22 -0400

If it's at the Denver RO, take it.

Response by PVT Ryan P. Quirk made Jul 1 at 2016 1:32 PM

PVT Ryan P. Quirk — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 13:32:04 -0400

Yep Take the Job. There are many benefits and positives. Better pay and opportunities for you and your family.. If the cost to move is on you. It still would be a benefit. But the ultimate decision is for you and your family to make the choice. Good Luck

Response by Sgt Tammy Wallace made Jul 1 at 2016 3:20 PM

Sgt Tammy Wallace — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 15:20:42 -0400

take the promotion and move...I moved my family out of pocket from NC to CA and I didn't have a job offer, I just wanted to go back to Cali because I didn't like Charlotte...it cost me less that $5000 to not lift a finger packing or unpacking...Not sure where you live now, but either way, the move can't be further than what I did...so again, I say, pull the trigger and move...moving is a good thing and Colorado is gorgeous. Good luck! :)

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jul 1 at 2016 3:58 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 15:58:27 -0400

If you mean family as in like wife and kids, then you need to discuss it, but if you are single then hell man move; just remember that the VA is Federal so no pot use, same with the cookies, the brownies, the candy, dam even the girls have pot lip gloss..

Response by SGT Patrick Hawkins made Jul 1 at 2016 4:06 PM

SGT Patrick Hawkins — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 16:06:40 -0400

Colorado is an awesome place to live was stationed in Colorado Springs in the late 90's and enjoyed every minute of it. There's something to do all year round but just be aware of the winters they are brutal. As others have already said, although you will get the promotion to the next grade the cost of living may even out to what you currently make in Texas. I would take the time to talk it over with your family and make a sound judgement once you weigh all the variables. Colorado is a big difference from Texas.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Jul 1 at 2016 4:52 PM

PO2 Mike Vignapiano — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 16:52:15 -0400

Colorado is a very nice state. I guess it depends on the city & the wife.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jul 1 at 2016 5:29 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 17:29:08 -0400

In your decision making don't forget that Denver is one huge city with horrible traffic (approximately the size of Dallas). I used to work for a Hospital in Colorado Springs and It took me less time to drive to our Headquarters in south-central Denver than it took for folks coming from the east and west sides of Denver.

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Jul 1 at 2016 7:11 PM

SPC Kirk Gilles — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 19:11:46 -0400

Upward and onward.

Response by Capt Michael Greene made Jul 1 at 2016 7:33 PM

Capt Michael Greene — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 19:33:43 -0400

In a heartbeat! No hesitation.
Better career. Better pay. Better schools. Better scenery. Better quality of life.
I'm surprised anyone would ask about a career move from Texas to Colorado.

Response by CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR made Jul 2 at 2016 4:38 PM

CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 16:38:32 -0400

Thinks of not taking the opportunity it could look as if you will only work in your comfort zone. This opportunity would demonstrate your willingness to do what you have to do....I say go for it. Leap the NET will appear.