4. Fam, choose boring tech over shiny. Those mainframes and COBOL still work just fine after 50 years of service. Those React apps you're writing are legacy before they launch, at a hundred times the cost, and no one can run them when you leave - making them abandonware.

5. Government doesn't need disruption, or even innovation. Many of us who came in as "innovators" are now the career bureaucrats just keeping the place from burning down. Listen to our expertise and work with us.

6. People don't want to hear this, but... this isn't a job for tourists. Building relationships to cause change takes time. If people know you have one foot out the door, they're not going to trust you. Think about what you're willing to sacrifice before signing up.

That all being said...

Welcome Home. I'm looking forward to collaborating with you all soon.