I work as a contractor around govies. Now, I work in IT, so I can’t speak for more forward-facing positions in the government, but looking at some of them, I find it hard to see them in the private sector. Let me explain.
As contractors, we are expected, even in IT, to dress business casual; some even wear shirt and tie (skirt and business blouse for ladies). The govies with whom we work side-by-side, however, are jeans with holes, t-shirts and sandals.
Contractors are required to have a modicum of interpersonal skills. Some of the govies with whom I’ve come in contact seem almost autistic.
As you well know, most contractors have specific deliverables that they are held accountable for producing on a date certain. Miss that date and you’re technically in default of the contract. There are other contractual conditions that must be adhered to as well but the general ‘theme’ here is accountability for work products and related services.
Many if not most feds probably couldn’t work under these demanding expectations and therefore couldn’t cut it in the private sector. And of course there are social expectations, skill requirements, and communications abilities that are necessary to function as a contractor. Bottom line is that contractors are typically held to much higher standards than are their federal “colleagues”.