Anonymous wrote:We’re a GS-15 / SES household. As the GS-15 in that equation, I don’t think it’s worth it at all to be an SES. I have a lot of flexibility that’s not afforded to my spouse and he doesn’t earn that much more. He, on the other hand, LOVES it and wouldn’t be satisfied as a GS-15. Diff’rent strokes.

Doesn’t SES get more vacation?

Anonymous wrote:One thing to keep in mind is that I don't think you get overtime as SES. At least my cousin didn't. I remember her telling me about this big project where everyone was working overtime, and her colleagues who were still GS got to charge overtime but she didn't, and she wished she had stayed where she was before. I don't know if every SES gets a big bonus, but it sounded like she didn't.

I don't know any GS-15s charge OT though. Unofficial comp time maybe.

One thing to keep in mind is that I don't think you get overtime as SES. At least my cousin didn't. I remember her telling me about this big project where everyone was working overtime, and her colleagues who were still GS got to charge overtime but she didn't, and she wished she had stayed where she was before. I don't know if every SES gets a big bonus, but it sounded like she didn't.

Anonymous wrote:What’s the deal with job security for career SES? Are there any protections, or is it something like at-will?

Your SES is protected but not where you work. I have seen SESs reassigned to "out to nowhere" places. Not often but it does happen if you stay in govt long enough.

What’s the deal with job security for career SES? Are there any protections, or is it something like at-will?

We’re a GS-15 / SES household. As the GS-15 in that equation, I don’t think it’s worth it at all to be an SES. I have a lot of flexibility that’s not afforded to my spouse and he doesn’t earn that much more. He, on the other hand, LOVES it and wouldn’t be satisfied as a GS-15. Diff’rent strokes.

I only got a modest raise going from a GS-15 to an SES, so my base pay hasn't changed much, but I've gotten an annual bonus of over $20k compared to the 2% I used to get as a GS-15. Also, the annual leave carryover goes from 240 hours to 720 so I will likely get a much larger cash payout for my leave when I eventually leave or retire.

Agree with the other poster though, don't do this for the money. I really like my SES job and it's worth it to me, if I didn't it would be pretty painful to be doing this much more work for the bonus and annual leave.

Anonymous wrote:What is SES?

Senior Executive Status. Top status people in Govt, above GS level.

What is SES?

If you want to do independent consulting (start own business) after you retire from government, then retiring as an SES elevates your status and makes you much more marketable and viewed as an expert. GS-15s are a dime a dozen. This also includes seeking employment at the executive level at the DoD contractors.

If you want to become SES for $ reason, you got this all wrong.

The bonuses are much bigger in SES. That’s the monetary difference.

And can’t the agency basically send your ass anywhere? If you are an SES in finance or budget, they could technically move you anywhere....procurement, logistics, policy.

Greater ability to positively impact your agency? That’s why I did it. There is a small bump up in pay. You also qualify for performance pay, but it’s not guaranteed, by any means.

Is there much of a financial incentive to go from a GS15 to SES? There does not seem to be much of a difference between a GS 15-10 and entry level SES salaries. Do the bonuses compensate for the increased responsibility?