Hello! Has it been difficult for anyone working as a federal contractor to pivot into the private sector? I’m asking because I feel like my experience has been very niche and I think it may be a part of the issue I’m having. I’ve been trying to get out of contracting for years and I’d like to make it happen soon.

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Yes, government work to private sector is difficult because private sector thinks "government worker" is an oxymoron (="Golden Hancuffs", "Golden Parachute"). Private sector feels government workers are not as competitive, not as "up to date", and have gotten accustomed to a more "relaxed" work schedule.

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They have no idea how challenging it is. Government employees often take on multiple roles without any additional compensation. Moreover, the public tends to view us as lazy and fails to appreciate the time and effort we invest in making the most of limited resources and outdated systems.

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After being a federal contractor for over a decade, I was lucky enough to have pursued a degree which was different from my job. This doesn't diminish the experience of trying to find a new job in this market and current administration. I come from an industry that has been around for over 30 years and a lot of folks have retired from doing it, but things are not the same anymore. The contracting companies are trying to keep people employed by sending them on out of state assignments but the work is not there anymore, and local and federal government is not interested in bringing it back either. God Bless America and may the force be with all of you contractors out there struggling is just going to get worst.

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Government contractor here and I can't find anything in the private sector that pays even close to what I make. All the interviews I've had were between $6-13 less an hour. Also, I would avoid job switching now that he's decided to start WW3 (it's coming since he decided to bomb Iran).

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It sucks for sure I wish y'all all the best

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The job market in the federal public sector is bad and getting worse. As contracts end, fail to start (Lutnick @ Commerce), or get DOGE'd more and more contactor personnel find themselves on the market add to that all the recently dismissed federal employees and you have a huge, and largely geographically concentrated, pool of applicants competing against each other for the same few actual jobs out there. Recruiters are so inundated with candidates they resort to AI screening which lets some qualified, good candidates slip through the cracks because the AI doesn't like their resume for whatever reason. Many advertised jobs are "contingent upon award" but don't say so up front, you'll see many different companies advertising for the same jobs. With a possible RIF on the horizon, it's only going to get worse. State gov't jobs are an option but the pay is typically $10k - $20k lower, if not more. There are better opportunities if you're cleared.

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Sounds like the hunger games a bit. Do companies not sponsor higher clearances the way they used to?

Hi there! I have been STRUGGLING myself with the transition out of government contract work for the last 3 years. I wish I had some encouraging words or advise on how to phase out. I'm looking for advice as well lol

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It’s the worst!! If I knew it would be like this, I would’ve declined the first offer I ever got with a contracting company. Haha. When things go back to semi-normal with the job market, we may have to get out and network in person!

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Yes! Not only has the government scaled back on hiring, the private sector is doing the same. I’ve talked with numerous friends and others that are having a difficult time finding anything.

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This is so disheartening!

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I agree. I know people that retired that had anywhere from 30-40 years did not want to stop working but this new administration made so an uproar so many of us retired.

NO! Then again I have private sector experience as well as Governemtn.

I agree I had government job as well. It's hard but keep trying it's will happen! Don't give up. I took some AI classes through Google Essentials Corseco and its a good way to show improvement in another area as well
Besides its fun! You learn a lot!

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