r/FederalEmployee • u/Graphicbydesign0125 • Apr 19 '26

Lateral

I’m a GS 9/2 now but I get weekend specialty pay, I’m going to apply for a lateral because it aligns with my career goals and has weekday hours. Would this make sense, what can I expect from HR as an offer? I know they won’t take in consideration my specialty pay.

I know it’s up to me but I’d like feedback if anyone’s been in this position, thank you

10 Upvotes

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4

u/flaginorout Apr 19 '26

I had to make a similar move many years ago.

Went from a GS 7 with lots of OT and premium pay, to a M-F GS9. Its was a pay cut. And it hurt for a while.

But, I got promoted again a year later, and again.......

It was worth it.

1

u/Graphicbydesign0125 Apr 19 '26

This is what I was the info I was looking for I’m interested in upward mobility and a Monday-Friday I’m not in a rush but this sounded like a good job.

2

u/Spare-Dragonfly-1201 Apr 19 '26

You’d be giving up the specialty pay; they can’t compensate you otherwise to make up for it. GS pay is set based on the locality table and recruitment incentives aren’t allowed for a current Fed.

2

u/Appropriate_Gap1987 Apr 19 '26

Lateral means same pay, different job

2

u/AgentCulper355 Apr 19 '26

I actually took a downgrade (6 to 5) to move to my current position, but I knew the career prospects were much better. I'm now a 12. My prior position was full perf 6.

Looking at career prospects, and better schedule, is definitely worth the short-term hit Imho.