Thinking of Becoming a Government Contractor? A Guide for Software Engineers

The United States Government is one of the largest employers on the planet.

With billions of money for contracts every year, it could be very tempting to work as a government contractor.

That said, there are a lot of hurdles and concerns to consider when becoming a government contractor.

We've got the guide for government contract work right here.

Considerations of Becoming a Government Contractor

As with all jobs, it is best to consider all aspects of employment before accepting. There are positives to every job, even if it is only a paycheck. The negatives, though, maybe a bigger bane than you prepared for.

Think on the items below before you start to prep for the interview process.

The Pros

1. High Pay

When you do get a government contract, you can be certain that your pay will be at a competitive market rate or even better.

Government contractors earn a powerful sum for their work. This can fluctuate from contract to contract, but there is a large reason government contracts are so sought after.

If you are skeptical, the government must share its spending history, so you can check up on what past contracts have been like.

2. Flexible

Contract work offers a powerful built-in way to shift gears. If you aren't happy with a particular contract, you have the option to not renew each time.

Unlike a regular job, you will have many opportunities to step away from the job as each contract ends. This also has the added bonus of not having major effects on whether you can get another contract in the future.

Don't like where the current contract is going? Branch off and find something new.

3. Benefiting the Minority

Due to many regulations, the government looks for many specific individuals to fill their contracts.

The government is active in looking for small businesses to work with, as well as with women, veterans, racial minorities, and those with disabilities.

This can make securing a government contract easier for some people.

The Cons

1. A Host of Rules

If you ever wanted a relaxing job that you can do as you please, government contracts are the exact opposite of what you want.

Government contracts come with a lot of rules and regulations. To keep the contract, and not be on the blacklist for future ones, you must follow each of these rules as well as possible.

2. Uncertain Stability

Government contracts can last from a few months to a few years. Most of them are on the shorter side, making the renewal of a government contract a frequent moment of truth.

Whether you get that renewal is far from a certainty. In addition, the government can fire contractors at any time. If you need stability in employment, government contracts are not the best road.

3. Benefits and Risk

Unlike a government employee, government contractors have none of the potent benefits. As well, auditing of your finances comes with added scrutiny.

Contractors can be under a good deal more pressure to find outside benefits other than a paycheck.

Employment in Your Hands

Becoming a government contractor can be a rewarding route of employment. There are things to consider with each job. Knowing the above benefits and problems will make you wiser when considering your next source of work.

If you want to keep an ear to the ground for promising employment opportunities, we at CodeIntelx would like to help. Contact us today!