u/ByzyBee

Just wondering if this is normal.

I left the federal workforce as a mid level GS-13 with the DoD. A few years later I'm reached out to by another dept (also DoD). I thought it sounded like a good opportunity, so agreed to an interview and was offered the job within just a few weeks.

However, what they're offering is a salary around $20k less than my prior paygrade. (Yes, it's for the same job in the same series and same locality).

I get that there's been a break in service, but is it really typical to be offered that much less? It's essentially an entire grade difference.

My previous organization offered my old job back at my prior paygrade, so I guess I figured that would translate to the rest of the govt, too. I'm taken aback slightly, and just wondering if it's the norm or if anyone else experienced this.

I'm relocating to L.A. for work. I'll be working at the LA AFB, and looking for neighborhood suggestions! A lot of pages say stick with nearby El Segundo, but....it looks very suburban, which is not what I want. But I'm open to hearing more about it.

I'm coming from MD and my plan is to initially book an Airbnb for a couple months to get a lay of the land, so will have time to look around and try out commutes. While I'm used to a 2hr commute each way, I'd like that to change to less than 1hr by driving, up to 1.5 by metro.

I do not really like suburbs, and wish to live alone.

I am looking for an apartment.

I will have a car but do not want to have to drive every day.

Would love a farmer's market nearby.

I'm 40, single, no kids, looking for decent nightlife, but nothing illicit.

Budget: I'd prefer to keep it below $2k/mo for a studio apt or 1br/1ba, but can go up if necessary, they tend to cost more than that where I am, so it's okay, just would like to save more if possible.

I enjoy fast paced, walkable with modern convenience, access to nature, and reliable public transport. For example, I've lived in Tokyo and that was the perfect pace for me.

I've also lived in Orange County before, right in downtown Anaheim on Center Street Promenade, and that was a really nice experience, I was able to walk to the grocery store, library, restaurants, parks, etc. And a short bus ride to jazz clubs, sports games, and the beach. Something like that would be great, I wouldn't mind it a tad more urban, though.

I'm currently considering Hermosa Beach, Culver City, and WeHo. Before accepting this job, I had wanted to relocate to NoHo (as I'll need to go to the Studio City area on occasion) but it's a little too far.

Appreciate any insight!