[katze]

I retired as a GS-12, step 10, and I can tell you I worked mighty hard to reach that grade (retired in '91); further, I earned my pay many times over, with tangible savings to the Govt in many instances. It is easier now to reach a GS-12, but some of us had to produce to get it. Might add I stayed with it because of the security it provided, with my civilian counterparts making far in excess of my salary.

[PhiKapMom]

Couldn't agree more! It used to be very difficult especially out in the field to get a GS-12 when that was considered a high grade. At least in the AF there has been a total grade creep!

Some people don't realize how many years it takes to go from Step 1 to Step 10 either. The vast majority of people I worked with didn't just work 8-5 but were always putting in extra hours with no compensation.

Security and health benefits along with leave are excellent reasons to stay working for the Federal Government. At least in the AF, I felt most people earned their pay and more.

[Starboard]

It is easier now to reach a GS-12, but some of us had to produce to get it. Might add I stayed with it because of the security it provided, with my civilian counterparts making far in excess of my salary.

Agree completely that its far easier today to rise to a GS-12 (or higher) than it was years ago when you actually had to do/know something to 'earn' that level. Now, at least in the DC area, its no big deal to be a GS-14. Recognize that the job security thing is a factor for many people in government, but many employees don't seem to want to acknowledge the extremely generous leave. When you retired, you were probably getting 2.5 weeks sick and over 5 weeks a year of annual--plus all the holidays.