In uncertain times, the most effective step you can take is to stay informed, stay prepared. Image: Denphumi/Shutterstock.com
By: Nancy SegalIf you are a federal employee (or even if you’re not), you may be wondering about the future of your career trajectory. Things are very much up in the air for federal employees; it is time to think about next steps—even if you have made the decision to stay.
• Pay attention to what’s going on around you and stay calm. Is your career field growing or contracting? What about your organization? Do you hear rumors of layoffs in your or similar organizations? Do not ignore signs of potential problems and be informed.
• Understand the rules on buyouts, RIFs, early retirement and termination for probationary employees (the later being somewhat of a moving target for now).
• For federal employees: Get all your documentation now. That means your eOPF, get your service computation date records, veterans preference documentation and all the documentation for your performance ratings and awards. Don’t wait until you need any of these to request it from outside the agency.
• Think about the skills you need for the new reality. Assess your existing skills honestly and identify your gaps against your organization’s priorities and your goals. Ask others who have performed the role similar to the one to which you aspire.
• Don’t just train for the sake of training. Determine what you need to know / learn and why you need to learn it. While I certainly endorse continuous learning, if you are transitioning, or thinking about transitioning, then your learning needs to be focused so that you’re using your time and resources wisely.
• Find others interested in similar skills development opportunities; this will help you stay motivated and accountable.
• Build and nurture your network. No one does it alone; you need a strong network to help you navigate your career.
• Own your career. No one cares about your career more than you do. You need to proactively manage your career. This means tracking your accomplishments, making sure that you always have a resume ready to go, taking the necessary steps to maintain and upgrade your skills, and building a robust brand across your career field, both in your organization and outside.
• Be open to possibilities. Don’t be afraid to explore new avenues.
• Take care of yourself. Change is stressful. Be sure to take care of yourself and don’t be afraid to rely on your loved ones to help you through the inevitable difficult situations. Give yourself a break and move on.
In uncertain times, the most effective step you can take is to stay informed, stay prepared, and take deliberate action to shape the future of your career rather than letting change dictate it for you.
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See also
Attorney Schnitzer: How to Challenge a Federal Reduction in Force (RIF) in 2025
Alternative Federal Retirement Options; With Chart
Primer: Early out, buyout, reduction in force (RIF)
Retention Standing, ‘Bump and Retreat’ and More: Report Outlines RIF Process
