hybrid is likely the best case scenario, and very unlikely if you’re in an individual contributor role with a higher level clearance.

One way to “get around” this is work it as a 1099, charge a high bill rate, and then just work less overall.

But, if you’re trying to move outside of a major contracting area like DC, youre probably better off just getting a remote private sector job.

Some offer hybrid work arrangements, but if you're doing classified work or dealing with hardware then there's no practical way to do that remotely.

Often, no. This is serious work being carried out by adults that need to come together. There is no replacement for the water cooler yet. I made the decision to explicitly seek out in-office, on-location defense work. The seridiputous conversations and relationship building was not happening in remote work. I'm someone who has always worked from home and I still do every week but my career and life were going no where typing at people through Slack and building meaningless web apps--despite making enough money to be reticent to tell most people my earnings level.

Now I'm building software, involved intimately with designing and interfacing with specialized hardware, and travelling to interesting places doing interesting things with interesting people-- occasionally toppling off of combat machines. I took a 30% pay cut to do it. No regrets whatsoever, living life.