Federal employee bonuses

[Anonymous]

I don’t want to join the private sector, because I like and believe in the work, and don’t particularly want to sell my soul. I realize the trade offs I have made and most days am fine with them (for example, I am not worried about being fired because I failed to meet my billable hours). But for those who grouse about lazy, useless federal employees, don’t bonuses seem like a reasonable way to compensate high performers?

[Anonymous]

I got a bonus plus two extra awards for my work. I’ve gotten a bonus every year except for the years there were no bonuses due to budget.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some years, yes. I've gotten somewhere between nothing and up to $1200 or so in the last ten years (I'm GS15). SES get more.

Nice! What agency (if you don’t mind sharing?)

[Anonymous]

I think fed employee bonuses are statutorily capped at 5k.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t want to join the private sector, because I like and believe in the work, and don’t particularly want to sell my soul. I realize the trade offs I have made and most days am fine with them (for example, I am not worried about being fired because I failed to meet my billable hours). But for those who grouse about lazy, useless federal employees, don’t bonuses seem like a reasonable way to compensate high performers?

I blame our unions. They fight tooth and nail against any meaningful differentiation between people who bust their tails and people who are retired in place.

[Anonymous]

3k in the spring

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SES salary is designed to come more from bonus I believe. I don't think their base salary is much if any higher than a GS-15. Worst thing is they have to get goals and then everyone else has to do dumb stuff to help them meet their goals.

My office you have to do that as soon as you are a management official...GS 14.

[Anonymous]

I got a performance award that is 20 hours of annual leave.

[Anonymous]

Independent financial regulatory agency. $17K bonus this year.

I know my colleagues in our Legal division get bonuses of 15-25% of annual income. They also typically work 60-70 hours each week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Independent financial regulatory agency. $17K bonus this year.

I know my colleagues in our Legal division get bonuses of 15-25% of annual income. They also typically work 60-70 hours each week.

I should add that this was my year-end bonus. I received the highest possible performance review (exceeds/exceeds) for my grade.

I also received a $500 spot bonus in the spring; a $1500 spot bonus in October for finishing a high priority project for my main principal; and 3 days of "excused absence" days to use by end-of-year (does not count as my normal leave, cannot roll over).

It was my best year in 7 years at this agency.

[Anonymous]

Was initially told we weren’t getting anything this year but ended up getting $2k.

[Anonymous]

I got 52hrs off. I always opt for time off. That way I can take off every spring break, 2 weeks over summer, week of Thanksgiving, and 2 weeks at Christmas break. In a way, I maximize what little bonus I get in the form of savings on childcare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you kidding me? I worked my tail off this year leading a large, high-profile case (GS-15 attorney) and got a $350 spot award. It's shameful.

Quit bitching and join the private sector.

At least PP probably gets really good and, hopefully, cheap health care...??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you kidding me? I worked my tail off this year leading a large, high-profile case (GS-15 attorney) and got a $350 spot award. It's shameful.

Quit bitching and join the private sector.

At least PP probably gets really good and, hopefully, cheap health care...??

+1 I chuckled at the "it's shameful" comment. You work for the government what do you expect? Your benefits are already over the top.

[Anonymous]

We get them in the fall. I got 32 hours of leave, which was awesome because I am a new fed and have very little time off.