Former GS15s, tell me about becoming SES/PA or going private sector

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can go to a financial regulator for higher pay, but many of those jobs are highly specialized and some agencies prefer to promote from within.

I was able to move from a gs 15 to a financial regulator. Best move ever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

97% of GS15 are not ending up C-level position.

True. Thus why I said my experience isn't common and that I'm fortunate.

Anonymous wrote:I’m guessing you are a tall white male?

Correct. I understand what you're implying, but I think the degree to which that serves as an advantage varies from person to person. I was bullied, in part, because of my appearance as a child and there are elements of my adult look that are non-conformist/divergent so I genuinely don't know if my appearance is now to my benefit.

And at this point my demographic is not as much of an advantage as it used to be given the interest (rightfully so) in projecting diversity among senior leadership. I'll struggle to find a board position, for example. I can assure you that, all things being equal, most employers would jump at the chance to hire traditionally underrepresented populations into executive roles - mine included. Unfortunately, the percentage of qualified individuals from those communities is artificially low due to legacies of systemic prejudice as I imagine you are well aware.

Anonymous wrote:Much more relevant to hear about lateral and gradual advancement which is more likely.

The OP didn't specify criteria for relevancy.

Also, when I was a fed and pondering exit options, this board (and some networking) opened my eyes to how lucrative the private sector could be. It was inspirational and motivated me to strive for more than I would have otherwise. That's been to my benefit, and perhaps my story can be for others.

Anonymous wrote:I would be curious when you left if you are only 50s now?

I left in my mid-40s a few years ago.

NP: Congrats on your success, PP! And I appreciate your balanced response—we need more of that evenhandedness and civility on this forum.

NP. I think you appreciate and agree with his position.

I’ll take a different position. Let’s keep the racist crap off this forum. Stuff like “You must be a white male” is insipid, and as PP writes, counterfactual in today’s political environment.

That’s wrong. It was wrong when women and minorities had to overcome their gender and skin color to get board jobs before, and it’s wrong that white men have to do the same thing today. Let’s focus on ability and demonstrated performance.

[Anonymous]

Is age discrimination still as bad as it’s been? I’m wondering what this decision looks like if you’re staring down 57 and trying to figure out whether to stay to 62.