IT in the DC Region: Government vs. Contracting (how much, look for a job)

[justtitans]

I posted this here because I wanted to get a pulse of how people in the IT field view either or both sides. Since NoVA has a majority of the IT positions I thought this was a good place to start. For those that have done both which one do you personally prefer? What made you switch over from one side to the other and how much do you think the presence of the government in this region impacts either side?

[mcleanexec]

Someone could write a book about this. Quick Answer.

Contracting: More money, more freedom to move from project to project. Prestige. Hotter women.

Govt: Stability, slower work environment, more diversity, some agencies are pro-Minority Middle Management - at the Treasury: 65% of Middle Management are AA women. AND LONG TERM BENEFITS.

[Carlingtonian]

About 1-2 years ago, there was a lengthy post about this from I believe Reblteen84 or JoninNova. The gist I think was that contractors work their a--es off and deal with a lot of instability.

[Jon_In_NOVA]

IT has to be one of the most ambiguous words ever.

Carlingtonian is correct there are many other posts regarding this problem. Since I have dabbled on both sides of the fence I would offer my perspective however, IT can mean a lot of things to a lot of people.

As an aside: There are many contractors that perform government like functionality (especially on site). Instability yes however, I am a believer in that if you are good at what you do; you do not have to look for a job.

[Spaten_Drinker]

Contracting is where you want to be around here. If you aren't part of the solution, you can still bill lots of hours prolonging the problem!

[Grsz11]

Originally Posted by Spaten_Drinker

Contracting is where you want to be around here. If you aren't part of the solution, you can still bill lots of hours prolonging the problem!

Ahmurica!

[va_lucky]

I prefer contracting by far. It is stable enough here where I almost hope my employer lets me go so I can go look for something else.

[WhoInTheZoo]

I am curious where some of the places are that that people look for IT contracting positions?

[va_lucky]

Originally Posted by WhoInTheZoo

I am curious where some of the places are that that people look for IT contracting positions?

In the DC area or anywhere? In the DC area, I look for nothing and I am found.

[frostopsy]

I'm not an expert on this... but I thought Maryland has the majority of IT jobs.

I may be wrong however.