I've tried to apply to federal positions for years. I won't even get so much as a "fuck off".

However when I apply to commercial, I'm snapped up in weeks. The most recent move was to a contractor. Again, 2 weeks to hire. 3 interviews total 2h. I have no degree, but my work expertise speaks for itself. Commercial sees that. The feds dont seem to care.

It is with a contractor for the federal govt. $150k/yr. Generous benefits. But being a contractor, it is without federal protections, without school debt forgiveness, and others.

Whatever. I prefer to stay for the length of the project. In this case, it's 2-3y. Would I work for the feds again? Absolutely. Will I even get a response when applying? Hardly.