New job..confused about salary

Skynet9

Hey guys: I will be starting the job next week. From what i know, its govt full time position (that's 40 hours a week?), and i will be paid "semi-monthly (24 pay periods in a 12 month period)". Not sure what this means? Also I have been told that i would be working from 8 to 5, but that's 45 hours a week?

So will i be getting overtime? Should I email my boss? Or Should i just wait until i actually start working?
I am sorry, as its my first job, I am just unsure about how this works in real world.

scaredoftests

Paid twice a month. You probably get an hour lunch. Also ask human resources...

Blackout

If your Salary in GS you wont get overtime, in a lot of those cases if you have to work overtime they will give you comp time. Although you will be working from 8-5 like scaredoftests said you have to factor in lunch. So when you log your hours it will be 8 hours a day. These really are questions you should be asking HR as each job is very different

Skynet9

Thanks guys, that makes sense. I guess having overtime paid is rare when it comes to govt positions.

Blackout

I don't think its in GS, there is no such word in the offer letter i got.

Christian.

Skynet9 wrote: »

Hey guys: I will be starting the job next week. From what i know, its govt full time position (that's 40 hours a week?), and i will be paid "semi-monthly (24 pay periods in a 12 month period)". Not sure what this means? Also I have been told that i would be working from 8 to 5, but that's 45 hours a week?

So will i be getting overtime? Should I email my boss? I am sorry, as its my first job, I am just unsure about how this works in real world.

24 pay periods means you will be paid twice a month, for example, one check in the beginning of month and then another right in the middle. Regarding the second item, you don't have to count your lunch-hour, 1 hour per day. After that, 8 to 5 gives you 40 hours a week, 8 per day. Overtime depends on where you are working, check with your boss what's their policy. If the department/company doesn't pay extra, maybe they are giving time-off for it (such as, if you work 3 hours overtime on Monday, maybe you can go on Tuesday at 11am or leave early).

gespenstern

Is normal.

Paid semi-monthly means, basically, paid semi-monthly. Once in two weeks. Once per 10 business days. Twice a month. Every second week.

1 hour per day is reserved for lunch. You are supposed to eat something during this time. You are not supposed to work during your lunch-time. This hour is not paid. In the end you get 40 hours a week. Which is normal.

Not likely you are getting overtime with the govt. Usually there's a paperwork that should go through and get approvals before you get overtime. Rarely happens, unless you are a real guru.

Skynet9

gespenstern wrote: »

Is normal.

Paid semi-monthly means, basically, paid semi-monthly. Once in two weeks. Once per 10 business days. Twice a month. Every second week.

1 hour per day is reserved for lunch. You are supposed to eat something during this time. You are not supposed to work during your lunch-time. This hour is not paid. In the end you get 40 hours a week. Which is normal.

Not likely you are getting overtime with the govt. Usually there's a paperwork that should go through and get approvals before you get overtime. Rarely happens, unless you are a real guru.

That sucks...lol I was looking to get over time. Will talk to HR once i start working. the benefits are great which i don't really care about.

scaredoftests

I have never been paid overtime. We have to work late sometimes, for CRS/updates etc, so we just come in late or get off early (and still get paid..)

gespenstern

Skynet9 wrote: »

I was looking to get over time.

Govt is huge, you may get one depending on where you at. But compared with business I'd say govt doesn't offer much overtime, at least from my XP.

DoubleNNs

Most places now seem to discount lunch time from work time. Working 9-5, w/ a 1 hour lunch is my goal.. but hard to find, especially in IT.

TechGuru80

scaredoftests wrote: »

Paid twice a month. You probably get an hour lunch. Also ask human resources...

This...standard. If it is straight govt they make you take the break for lunch usually. Also OT is probably not actually paid out if you are exempt.