I work in IT and have seen this up close. It is one reason I chose to take a civil service job after 20 years in private industry (and nothing to show for it).
I can’t tell you how many people do not know about this issue. In fact, my sister in law, who works in a federal healthcare job, all but called me a liar when I explained what employers did. She said, “That cannot be possible.”
>>I work in IT and have seen this up close. It is one reason I chose to take a civil service job after 20 years in private industry (and nothing to show for it).
I did the same thing. Chased the “dream” for 20 years and had nothing to show for it. Took my skills to a municipal utility and finally have job security and have actually received promotions.