<p>As a general matter you don’t need to take a polygraph to work for the federal government. Possibly for a few high security-clearance jobs, but I wouldn’t know as I’ve never held or applied for any of those. The thing is, though, whether you need to take a polygraph or not, it’s best not to lie when you apply for a government job—any government job, really. Lying on a federal job application is a federal crime, and cause for dismissal at any time even if the lie isn’t caught immediately. As for teenage indiscretions with alcohol and/or controlled substances, I very much doubt they’d be concerned with that unless there are prior criminal convictions or current addiction issues.</p>
<p>If you apply for a security clearance, you will have to say whether or not you have broken the law. This would include illegal drug use. You have to tell the truth; you sign saying that you did tell the truth. If they find out you lied, you won’t get the job. If you tell the truth about it, you might or might not get the job.</p>
<p>And re: consulting, I’ve known computer consultants. They’re really temp workers, doing the work that the hiring company doesn’t have manpower or expertise to do. When things get political, consultants don’t have to get involved. When things get boring, these folks move on. It’s not a bad kind of job for the right person.</p>
<p>I didn’t read the whole thread but I noticed multiple people mentioned how lucrative the consulting field is. Sure. If you can get clients. </p>
<p>But I didn’t notice anyone mention how long the hours are or all the pressure and deadlines that go with being a highly paid “expert” consultant. </p>
<p>You don’t get one without the other, I am afraid.</p>