In category: Career Development
GS-13 vs. Contractor: What the Same Cleared Job Pays on Each Side
GS-13 step 1 pays $121,785 a year in the Washington-Baltimore-Arlington locality and $106,437 across the Rest of U.S. Same grade, same step, same position description. The $15,348 between them is settled entirely by a zip code, and no negotiation touches it. Key takeaways Four … more
The IT Certifications You Need to Have in 2025
Certifications continue to be an important tool in developing and expanding a successful career in IT. At their best, they validate a body of knowledge, set a baseline of expected expertise to align with scope of work, and reflect a level of passion to remain relevant in a f… more
Stay Current & Stand Out: Strategies to Keep Up-to-Date in Your Field
When preparing for a job interview, it's common to focus on the technical questions you might be asked. However, if you really want to stand out, it's essential to also be prepared for the question, "How do you stay up-to-date in your field?" While it is true that some go… more
Three Ways to Act Like a Consultant for Career Success
Note: This article is adapted from the author’s book, Going 1099: How to become a solo federal sub-contractor and gain control of your working life, earn more money, and unlock more free time. If you want to become a solo 1099 sub-contractor or improve your value as an … more
What Career Choices Do You Need To Make Next for Your Future
You’ve seen all the coverage of the “Great Resignation,” the various debates over how and where work will occur if we ever get to the “new normal,” and the wild coverage of how hard it is to hire. For many people, the volume of daily life and work changes from the … more