[zx10guy]

I feel for you. When I graduated in 92, I had to deal with the recession at the time. After being picked up by a temp agency to just work, I took a step back and applied for an intern position I found at a local community college. Got an interview and was told I was way over qualified. I told them I was bored out of my mind and wanted to do something technical even if it was for a short time. The intern position was supposed to be for the summer only. In the end, I impressed them enough where they created a full time position for me. That was my stepping stone.

As far as defense contractors, it's going to be tough. In the spaces I used work, the government has been paring down the number of contractors with clearances. Defense contractors used to be more willing to hire someone with no clearance and put them through the process even though they may be straight overhead. Lockheed did this. Not sure if they still do. Now with this whole Covid situation I can imagine doing background checks can be more challenging.