By John Grobe
There are clouds on the federal employment horizon. Will they be storm clouds that bring strong winds and disruption, or clouds that herald much needed rain? The answer is “it depends.” To some extent it depends on where you are.
Are you in an agency that is in flux? Probably, since the government continues to morph. Are you in an occupation that is likely to be targeted for contracting out? Many of those, these days, too. Safe to say, some agencies and occupations are more “secure” than others.
How close you are to the end of your federal career also comes into play here. A predicted wave of retirements could have a beneficial effect by creating new opportunities if you have several more years to work.
We know for a fact that some transitions will confront us in our federal career (unless of course we are about to retire – and that is a whole other type of transition). The worst we can do is to ignore coming changes. By ignoring them we risk not surviving (in a disruptive or adverse change), or not thriving (in a situations where change creates opportunity for us). By facing them, we greatly increase our chances of career success.
Even if we don’t know at present what is before us, it’s reassuring to know that steps we take now to prepare for “rough weather” will stand us in good stead when the challenge arises.
About every month or so, we’ll discuss in FEDweek:
The columns will include practical advice on topics such as interviewing and resume preparation, as well as dealing with issues of career fulfillment and “where do I go from here.” I look forward to helping you along your road to success.
** John Grobe, President of Federal Career Experts, is the contributing editor of FEDweek’s The Federal Employees Career Transition Handbook and an expert in employment and job search issues. He provides career advising services to individual employees. John can be reached at (708) 771-2445 or johngrob@ripco.com. **