Just finished my promotion application. And it took 2.5 glasses of port to get through the evening. One was liquid courage, the other 1.5 were celebration. Man, I think I've been talking about this for 6 months or longer. The job posting closes tomorrow.
I'm pretty sure I won't get it. Someone no one expected to apply decided to, and even I think she is the best. So I'm betting on her or outside. Outside has the advantage of not having to fight to backfill.
I submitted an app for an SES job a few months ago. I'm only a GS-14, so me getting it would have been a super long-shot. I never heard anything... but, it sure did make me feel good to prepare the application! Good for you. :Y: