The “Fork in the Road” email was sent to federal employees on January 28. This email, from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), introduced a deferred resignation program, offering employees a choice between continuing their current employment or resigning with full pay and benefits until September 30, 2025. Almost a year after the federal shake up, Jill Hamilton and Lindy Kyzer report on how federal workers should focus on the mission in their current job and how to lead a positive job search.
Worried about your federal job? Here’s what to do.
Understand Your Situation Clearly
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Stay Informed – Follow agency updates, union communications, and OPM (Office of Personnel Management) guidance. Rumors can cause unnecessary stress; focus on official information.
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Know Your Rights – Learn about reduction-in-force (RIF) procedures, reassignment rights, and options for early retirement if applicable.
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Review Your Benefits – Federal employment comes with strong retirement, healthcare, and training benefits. Knowing what’s available helps you plan.
Strengthen Your Career Resilience
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Update Your Résumé & ClearanceJobs Profile– Even if you don’t plan to leave, keeping documents current means you’re prepared if needed.
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Build Transferable Skills – Take advantage of government-funded training, certifications, or tuition reimbursement. Skills in project management, cybersecurity, or data analysis are highly portable.
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Network Proactively – Strengthen relationships inside and outside government. Join professional associations (e.g., AFCEA, INSA) and attend industry events.
Explore Parallel Opportunities
- State & Local Government – Many states actively hire former federal workers, especially in public safety, emergency management, and administration.
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Contractor Roles – Private contractors working alongside federal agencies value federal experience and can often provide continuity.
Even if your federal job feels uncertain, you have more options than you think. Preparing now, professionally, financially, and emotionally, will put you in a strong position whether you stay in government or move into a new path.
As a part of ClearanceJobs’ Expand the Mission, we created FedWork.net, a federal news, career advice, and community platform for both cleared and uncleared federal workers. It offers discussions on federal workforce issues, news analysis on government changes, and opportunities for federal employees to connect and share insights.
