more questions from people whose jobs are under attack by the new administration

by Alison Green on February 12, 2025

Here’s part 2 of questions from federal workers who are currently under attack by the administration, as well as others affected by the fall-out. Part 1 (and an explanation of what’s going on) was here.

1. For those of us staying, how do we deal with this?

For those of us choosing to stay and continue defending the constitution, any advice? What are ways to deal with uncertainties, short notice changes, conflicting information, being short handed, and low morale? I hope many of us still feel that service and putting others before ourselves is good and the right thing to do.

I wish there was a good answer for this. Much of what’s happening is designed to get you to leave on your own. It’s going to be a rough ride for a while, and it will help to expect that. You’ll still be blindsided by things — you can’t be prepared for all of it — but you can brace yourself to know that it’s going to be rocky for a while. While things are so chaotic and volatile, the more unflappable you can be — the more you can simply roll with things like conflicting and constantly changing info, or being short-staffed, or how uncertain everything is — the less seasick you’ll be through all of it.

It’s not a great answer, I know.

But for people who are staying, know how many of us are very grateful to you. Thank you for doing what you can to hold the line.

2. Encouraging staff to leave before they’re laid off

I’m in one of the nonprofit sectors being heavily impacted by the executive orders. Even though they haven’t taken away our funding yet, upper management is sufficiently terrified to start saying we’re not renewing contracts in that work (in case funding gets clawed back). We are looking at significant decreases or the elimination of our department over the next 4-6 months.

I am the manager of a double-digit-sized team, who are all very passionate about the population we work with and our department. A few of them have loudly said they will go down with the metaphorical ship. Alison, I don’t want that! They’re all very talented and competent, and I would rather they find somewhere to land safely while I play Nearer My God to Thee. Any time I see a job I think they would be well suited for I will send it their way, but it feels awkward to do so. How do I walk the line between “you are an integral part of this team and sorely missed” and “get out while you still can”?

Be up-front with people! “I appreciate your dedication, but there are many ways to do good work in the world that don’t require you to go down with the ship. I want you to take care of yourself and your family, and I cannot in good faith discourage you from looking for a safe landing spot.”

You don’t need to nudge them every day to job search, but you should be clear that you support them in looking and believe they should look, and that there’s no special valor in refusing to.

3. Applying for a federal job in the middle of this

I’m a long-time federal employee. A month before January 20, I began an interview process for an internal transfer. I completed the final interview shortly before the hiring freeze.

I sent out thank-you notes, received a couple of polite acknowledgements, and it’s been radio silence ever since. Ordinarily, I would assume that I wasn’t picked and move on, but this is such an odd situation. I’ve heard that internal transfers will eventually be allowed. I suppose there’s a chance that the position will be eliminated or I will be fired, although I’m aware that I’m very fortunate not to be in my probationary period.

I’ve not followed up at all since my thank-you notes. There’s been so much chaos and confusion that I felt like it would be inappropriate and insensitive. But … should I? If so, when? and what on earth do I say?

Don’t follow up right now. There’s a federal hiring freeze (with the exception of a small number of exempted positions), and following up will make you look strangely oblivious to that. At most you could send a note saying, “I understand things are most likely on hold right now, but if you do return to filling the position, I’d love to talk further.” But it’s not really needed; it would be more about your own desire to close the loop in some way than anything likely to have a practical impact on next steps. I’d just sit tight for now and see how things develop.

4. Resume when I just got promoted but am already job-searching

Like many federal employees, I am expecting Reduction in Force in the upcoming weeks and am trying to prepare by updating my resume (thanks for the great resume advice, by the way!). The problem is that I was just promoted to a new position two months ago. I’m not sure how I should address this, if at all. I saw your advice to not include a short-term position unless it was intended as such from the beginning (e.g., a campaign), and I appreciate that advice. But I haven’t technically been laid off yet, and the promotion was a pretty substantial upgrade in terms of title (and expected responsibilities), and I’m reluctant to not highlight that on what are effectively marketing materials for myself. But I certainly haven’t been in the position long enough to have any “accomplishments.” Do I leave it off my resume and address it in my cover letter? I have to imagine that there have been other people in my position, federal employees or not, but can’t seem to find any good advice online.

Leave the promotion on your resume, and you don’t need to address the short nature of it in your cover letter. It will be clear to anyone in touch with hiring right now why you’re leaving.

More broadly, the advice about not including short-term positions that weren’t intended to be short-term is really about when you held a single short-lived position at a single company. It never applied to promotions at an existing company, even short-term ones!

5. Free job-hunting help for federal employees

I would love to pay for copies of your How To Get A Job ebook for a few of the federal employees who are undergoing such horrendous job conditions right now, many of whom I suspect may not have much job searching experience and possibly also not outside government jobs. It’s an outstanding resource. Any suggestions on a way to do this? Maybe there are other readers with the same impulse?

That is a lovely offer, and it makes me want to send it for free to any federal worker who wants it.

Federal workers: Email me with whatever evidence of federal employment you’re comfortable providing and I’ll send you a copy.

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{ 114 comments }

{ 114 comments… read them below or add one }

  1. Union nerd*

    “That is a lovely offer, and it makes me want to send it for free to any federal worker who wants it. Federal workers: Email me with whatever evidence of federal employment you’re comfortable providing and I’ll send you a copy.”

    I know we often think that Alison is competent, smart, and thoughtful, yet this is even more generous than I would have expected. As a Canadian federal worker, I am so grateful for your thoughtfulness!

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      1. sagewhiz*

        That’s just one reason I love this community: All helping each other, and that goodness comes from the TOP! Alison, you and your generosity in all forms are a wonderful addition to this world.

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    3. Eldritch Office Worker*

      Thank you so much Alison. I’m not a federal employee but I am in HR in an impacted nonprofit sector (I’m not the LW!) and it’s hell out there right now. This is so generous and will help a lot of people – especially if they’re looking outside the federal workforce for the first time or haven’t done a job search in many years.

      When things are falling apart it’s so, so important to see people supporting each other.

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    4. Jasmine Clark*

      Agreed! Alison, you’re so kind for doing that. I’m not a federal worker but I’m heartbroken about what’s going on and I’m glad you’re making multiple posts about this. To all the federal workers having to deal with this, I’m so sorry. It’s so messed up.

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      1. Hey, I'm Wohrking Heah!*

        Agreed Jasmine. A lot of people who have no idea what Fed workers do and how they will be impacted without those folks are about to find out. Like every org, a few people don’t pull their weight but most do, and how awful to be made Public Enemy #1. Sending love.

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    5. A Teacher*

      Number 5 legit made me tear up. This is one of the sites I can come to and still get a good grasp on what is going on. I don’t get why we are where we are but people like number 5 and Alison make me value others a bit more.

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    8. Older Boomer, yet still working*

      This brought tears to my eyes. I’m not a federal worker but a part-time contractor who will probably be laid off. We will be fine, our household is not dependent on my income but I am glad Alison is offering this to Federal workers. I’ll pass on the link to those who may need it. Thank you Alison for all you do!

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    9. SummitSkein*

      Starting my Wednesday off with a happy tear in my eye. To the LW and to Alison, thanks for reminding us in the midst of all the chaos that there is still so much kindness and generosity to be found.

      Reply ↓
    10. Grimey*

      It seems so strange that so many people on regular social media are not only OK with what the current administration is doing, they celebrate it and call themselves Patriots. So thankful this community isn’t like that.

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    11. Aphrodite*

      Alison, I am willing to pay for up to four copies of your book to send to federal workers. I would like to see you get paid too so please contact me if you are willing to let me help. I am adding my email address below my name so you can let me know.

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    12. cat herder*

      Aaaand I’m getting misty eyed at my desk. Telling my coworkers this Chipotle is extra spicy.

      Alison, as a decade-long reader of AAM, I can confirm that countless people are very grateful for the supportive, nurturing community you’ve fostered here. Your kind actions speak even louder than your wise words. THIS is how we take care of people. Thank you.

      Reply ↓
  2. Willow*

    For #1, seek out in-person community. Connect with other federal workers and with members of your community for moral support and mutual aid. Don’t use electronics to communicate unless it’s completely secure. Read On Tyranny and Autocracy: Rules for Survival.

    Reply ↓
    1. ferrina*

      Yes to this. I’ve also found that when you have an incompetent leader, it helps to slow down. Go with maximum efficiency in getting through the good stuff, but when you don’t want to follow an order/don’t think it’s legal, slow it down.

      “I’ll look into that.”
      “Hmm, do you have any documentation?”
      “Send me an email and we can schedule a meeting to discuss the details.”
      Channel the most inefficient systems you know (looking at you, my childhood church with its Church Committee Examining the Ubiquity of Church Committees.). Ask the inane questions. Delay until there is documentation. The way this administration is going, things can easily change in a week.

      Sending lots of love to all our federal workers!

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      1. JustCuz*

        This is also something I have learned to do, too! I had the dumbest boss with the most disastrous amount of power the manufacturing world has ever conjured, and this is what I did to manage the situation. And look, when thigs began to tank (directly as a result of said boss and the stupid amount of trust his bosses put in him), I was laid off. So ya know, it is about survival until the situation ends. But everything ends. I felt good not compromising myself in the throws of it all.

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      2. Abogado Avocado*

        Love you, Ferrina.

        Am working in local government, where we are on the receiving end of inane emails from the federal departments commandeered by political appointees who think it’s constitutional to kill grant programs created by Acts of Congress. Our response has been to write:
        – Please clarify what you mean by x, y and z.
        – Please specify which federal statute supports taking actions a, b, and c.
        – Please advise how we are to harmonize Executive Order # accords with the Administrative Procedures Act.

        And you know what the response has been? Crickets. It would be funny if only these appointees weren’t playing with grant programs that allow us local governments to protect strategic interests against terrorism, provide therapy for crime victims, and pay for meals for the elderly (among many other things).

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    2. MsM*

      I hear federal unions are experiencing an influx of new members right now. Might be somewhere else to look for support and community if you’re not involved yet.

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    3. M2RB*

      I’d encourage federal workers to get each others’ personal contact details NOW. I think that Alison may have already mentioned that but it bears repeating. Make sure you have each others’ personal cell phone numbers and email addresses so you can keep in touch if your office/team is suddenly shut down.

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    4. LizB*

      Agreed, and if it’s hard to run into your coworkers in person to invite them to a gathering, now could be a great time to start an after-hours book club or knitting circle that you can invite people to via text. The gathering itself can happen in person.

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    5. Rex Libris*

      #1 For those who are staying to fight the good fight you have my sympathy and my admiration. Consider every day you stay there a win. Remember that if it wasn’t important you be there, they wouldn’t be working so hard to get you to leave, because we all know it isn’t for the sake of “efficiency.”

      Reply ↓
  3. MassMatt*

    Ugh, I feel for these (hundreds of thousands!) of people, being targeted by people who have no idea what they even do and not knowing what tomorrow may bring.

    Cheers to Alison for the offer of the How to Get a Job book, it’s a great resource, I bought it for a few people new to the work force and they found it extremely helpful.

    It’s going to be a long four years.

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  4. libellulebelle*

    I am one of those who is so grateful to federal workers, both for what they do every day in normal times, and who are now doing what they can to hold the line and protect our government and institutions.

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    1. Paint N Drip*

      For every time I’ve desperately thought “but what can I do??”… THEY can do something. I am so grateful for all the federal workers diligently doing the work America needs when other forces make it challenging and painful

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      1. Wine not Whine*

        This, 1000%.
        (And they need to hear this appreciation. If there’s a federal/related or military/related worker in your life, a simple and sincere “thanks for all you do” will mean even more than usual right now.)

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    2. Rex Libris*

      Likewise. I hope they all get medals if/when the voting majority finally comes to their senses and we get through this nightmare.

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    3. Prof_Murph*

      Yes, thank you to the federal workers! Knowing that even a few sane people hold these positions gives me hope. But also recognize that staying in those positions could lead to insanity. Thank you to all of you and your very important service to our country! You are so appreciated!!

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  5. I should really pick a name*

    For #2, yes, make it clear that you’re okay with them leaving, but remember that they’re adults. They can make the decision to stay and that should be respected.

    Reply ↓
    1. ferrina*

      Yes. They know their situation best, and whether they can go down with the ship. Support them in whatever they need to do, and encourage each to make the right decision for their own situation.

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    2. Smithy*

      As someone in this industry – I totally agree. I also think there’s a value in sticking around even just another 6 to 12 months and seeing what the job market is like then. So that current positivity may serve a useful purpose in just helping them push through.

      However, I do think what the OP can do is actually look at what their professional development support, services, and opportunities are now. In our sector a lot of time that can focus on more technical/skill set training, and less on things like having resumes in a good space or practicing interviewing.

      Having a resume/CV up to date can both help someone be prepared for a potential job loss – but also for other professional opportunities around conferences, speaking opportunities, etc. If right now your team has a professional development budget, could you offer your team support on resume building/updating? Interview practice? If people don’t want to take it, they won’t take it. But those are solid building blocks you can give your team for the next few weeks or the next few months in case their jobs do become at risk.

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    4. Venus*

      Agreed, though I think LW2 was mostly looking for a way to send job opportunities to their employees without seeming like they wanted the employees to be gone. It’s hard to say “I don’t want to lose you, but also I can’t help but notice that this job would be a really good opportunity for you.”

      Reply ↓
  6. Daisy*

    Just wanted to say: Thank you, federal employees. I’m making phone calls to my representatives several times a week on your behalf.

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    1. Beth*

      202-225-3121 is the number to call to reach your Congressional reps, to tell them to protect federal workers, under the laws passed by Congress!
      And Daisy – you rock.

      Reply ↓
    2. Resident Catholicville, U.S.A.*

      Resistbot still works and I hear 5 Calls is a good resource as well. I use Resistbot because I’m familiar with it and my info is saved there, but reaching out in any way is good- I hear that as little as 20 emails or calls are a lot to reps!

      Reply ↓
      1. PokemonGoToThePolls*

        One of my senator’s staffers certainly recognizes me at this point! I call the local office rather than DC which may be why, but he always ends the call with “Talk to you soon!”

        Reply ↓
    4. What’s in a Name*

      Are there any good scripts anyone recommends using? I want to support federal workers and push back against the insanity that is unfolding, but I have a hard time communicating my thoughts about this in a cohesive way (as opposed to just screaming “are you kidding me” repeatedly).

      Reply ↓
      2. The Gollux, Not a Mere Device*

        My basic script is “Hi, this is Gollux calling from zip code thus-and-such. I’m calling to ask the senator/rep to do X.” Sometimes that’s been supporting or opposing a specific bill, and sometimes it’s “do everything in their power to stop Y.” Something like “oppose Y, for reason Z” is fine, especially if it’s something personal like being a veteran or needing insulin.

        If they want more information than your name and zip code, they’ll ask for it. And then I add “my phone number is Z” at the end of the message, because I can probably reel that off in my sleep.

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  7. Hlao-roo*

    Question #1: I recommend you read the Captain Awkward post “#450: How to tighten up your game at work when you’re depressed.” A lot of the post won’t apply (you’re dealing with a hostile takeover of your workplace, not depression) but some of the advice is applicable. I think the following bits of advice might be useful in your situation:

    I do not know if this will help you, but sometimes it helps me to say to myself:

    “Self, you can feel … horrible and still do the thing you need to do.”

    Or, “Yup, it is hard to do this today. But hard is not impossible.”

    If having a bit of a “checklist” will help you, I also think this part of the post is good:

    Having been the super-sad person, and supervised the super-sad person, I offer you some tips on not coming across like the super-sad person.

    1. Be 5-10 minutes early every day. …

    2. If your desk & work environment is messy, clean it…

    3. If you feel yourself getting teary, excuse yourself….

    4. Document your work tasks….

    5. Prep for this meeting with your bosses like you would for a performance review….

    This is all kind of basic stuff, but when you’re in a period of massive uncertainty it can help to make sure you’re doing the basic stuff. There are lots of short notice changes, but you know you arrived on time today, you have a clean work desk, and you’re prepared for the meeting with your boss (for example).

    That post also has some good tips under the Self Care heading.

    Good luck, and thank you for choosing to stay!

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    4. Crcala*

      Thank you! I’m not a federal worker but I work for a non-profit that receives federal funding and we expect layoffs this week. I was just wondering how to deal with all these feelings and try to get work done to actually help people, so this post is really useful.

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  8. hypoglycemic rage (she/her)*

    “Maybe there are other readers with the same impulse?”

    ME!!! I’d love to pay for a couple copies for federal workers. I can’t do much to help, but I can do this. <3

    Reply ↓
      1. Yorkshire Tea Lady*

        Absolutely! This site kept me sane through my own toxic work experience and gave me the skills and confidence to get out, happy to help others do the same

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    4. Ask a Manager* Post author

      That is very kind. It’s an ebook so there’s really not much cost to me to send out additional copies (a loss in potential sales, perhaps, but that’s not the same thing) and I’m happy to do it.

      Reply ↓
      1. Fed Here*

        I’m a fed who’s benefitted from your advice over the past several weeks, and your offer just made me buy it since I’m in a position to afford it. Thank you for all you do. You mean so much to so many people.

        Reply ↓
      1. Abogado Avocado*

        Me, too!

        And, Alison, if, as time goes on, you want to do something more that costs you money (like, say, a free webinar for federal employees and contractors), I’d be happy to contribute to funding for that. So, please, keep this offer in mind.

        You are my hero for stepping up to help these employees and contractors! Many, many thanks!

        Reply ↓
  9. gingersnap*

    Chiming in to add more thanks to federal employees – I can’t imagine the chaos you’re facing right now but so many of us see and appreciate the work you do everyday and especially now.

    Reply ↓
  10. RA*

    Hey all – I’m wondering if there’s an organizing happening between public and private workers who are affected by the current administration. For example, I’m not a government employee, but my career is predicated on the existence of federal grants. I’ve just thinking about how we can support each other in this environment and also work together to try to stop what’s happening.

    Reply ↓
      1. K.A.*

        I would also be interested! I work in nonprofit, and a large majority of my work/salary relies on government funding. I am terrified for our clients, my employees, and my own job (which almost certainly will not exist if our federal funding is taken back).

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    2. Josephine Beth*

      I would also be interested. My current job is 100% grant-funded, and my career also relies heavily on federal funding from specific departments under attack.
      I read r/fednews daily as inspiration, to be honest – so many dedicated professionals there dealing with an absolutely awful situation, and it usually gives me enough of a push to get through at least some of my day.

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    3. It's Me. Hi.*

      My takeaway from a senior leadership meeting this AM was that we need to be doing the storytelling of why this funding is critical, spreading the word. We think that state governors and AGs will be the most influential bc red or blue state, there are biomedical ecosystems that would have a devastating domino effect. I live in MD so our folks are well in the fight, but I’m going to use my very limited platforms to try and spread the word to folks who don’t really know because it’s not in their day to day life. But life saving research and treatments and local economies are things that affect us all. I need something to “do” for stretches of time and this is sustaining me currently.

      Reply ↓
  11. Beth*

    Thank you Alison for keeping these dedicated (and often comparitively underpaid) public servants at the forefront! This is all such a massive upheaval to so many good people.
    For everyone else, tell your rep that Congress must exercise its oversight authority now, and Congress must act to ensure the legal protections (put in place by Congress!) for federal workers are followed now.
    https://democracy.io/

    Reply ↓
  13. Shirley Keeldar*

    OP #1: You are the best judge of whether this is safe for you, but if it’s possible and if any part of your job includes communicating with the public, I’d say be as upfront as you can: “Unfortunately, we are very short-staffed, and our response time is delayed. We are doing our best, but you may not get an answer until X.” “I’m sorry to have to share bad news, but we can’t provide that service because of policy changes.” Let people know exactly how they’ll be impacted by the current awfulness.

    Reply ↓
    1. M2RB*

      I saw on Bluesky a photo of a letter from a city/county (can’t recall which) that was contacting constituents due to an executive order changing a grant they were receiving. The letter clearly stated that it was due to the EO: something like “Due to President (Felon’s Name) Executive Order (insert EO title here), we regret to inform you that….”

      Make it clear that the change in service level is due to whichever new rule has been put into effect.

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  15. Abby*

    For #2, if you are in a position where you could supply references for your staff, make that known as well. So often we hear about people who need to provide references but for obvious reasons don’t feel comfortable directing hiring managers to their actual supervisor–but how nice that they don’t have to hide their job hunting from you!

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  16. Crcala*

    Alison, I don’t want to take money out of your pocket when you’re being so generous, but would you consider also extending your free book offer to people who work for non-profits who are laid off/furloughed because of the executive orders? For example, a good friend of mine works for an international health NGO that relied on USAID funding and was furloughed last week. (Or if that’s not doable, I would also be happy to chip in to cover the costs for a few people to access the book).

    Thank you for all you do and for your support during this really sucky time.

    Reply ↓
  17. Box of Rain*

    OP3 – I love that I learned a new allusion today! I didn’t know that Nearer My God to Thee” was something played/sung during two ships sinking. I can’t help with your letter, but TY for the learning!

    Reply ↓
    1. LAM*

      My first thought was someone is familiar with Titanic history.

      This is kinda off-topic, I really haven’t seen this talked about. There citizen efforts to create copies of federal sources of data, but that’s only part of the picture as a lot of records haven’t been digitized or are not on a public accessible site because they contain confidential information(as it should be during normal times). That’s the most vulnerable information, especially since its usually the only copy or the
      copies are managed by one entity.

      A number of content creators rely on primary source materials for their content, context, visuals, educational materials, etc. For example, Ocean liner Designs recently did a video on Titanic plans from 1912. The plans are at the National Archives because of the litigation about reimbursements from passengers. Most documents, like plans, photographs, and film, are actually of Titanic’s sister ships.

      The head of NARA was fired recently, so a lot in the records field are watching what might happen with federal records. Archivisrs are overwhelmingly female and a pink collar profession, so she was not a DEI hire.

      Also, the French Revolution is unique in they didn’t destroy the records and archives of who they overthrew. Which was the typical response before then (basically the previous regime didn’t do anything worth building upon). Things have mostly followed that pattern since, but we will see.

      Reply ↓
  18. Sloanicota*

    I can speak to #3. It’s been a wild ride at my org and my boss, and the ExDir/Board Chair, both said to me, “Sloan, we understand that you have to make the best choices for you. I expect you to be looking out for yourself.” The implication was that I should be job searching *and* they were hoping not to have to let me go if the budget didn’t get better. The budget did not get better. I got a new job.

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  19. CubeFarmer*

    Ugh, this deferred resignation is ridiculous and designed to demoralize the workforce. Federal workers, know that you are appreciated!

    Thirty years ago I had a summer job working for the Federal government (civilian military employee.) On our first day the group of us summer hires took the oath to defend the Constitution against “all enemies, foreign or domestic,” and I remember thinking the threat of a domestic enemy to the US Constitution was a completely bonkers idea. And yet, here we are!

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  20. Sloanicota*

    #4 – I am glad to hear this, as I’ve always been a big puzzled by the advice. There’s a huge difference between a kick-ass manager who was promotable versus someone who just lists the title as manager and doesn’t mention being promoted because it was short duration. I never realized it was different for internal vs external so thanks for clarifying. Makes sense to me.

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  22. Retail Dragon*

    Very generous of Alison and the last letter writer! As a former federal employee myself, I appreciate all the solidarity being shown to those in this insane situation.

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  23. Anon, anon*

    “But for people who are staying, know how many of us are very grateful to you.”

    Yes. Thank you, people who are staying.

    And for those who aren’t, none of us blames you in the least.

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  24. Retired Vulcan Raises 1 Grey Eyebrow*

    #2 If your job is also in danger, I’d lead by example, i.e. start job-hunting and take the best offer.
    Also tell them you’ll be happy to give them all great references anytime and hence will send them your contact details at your new job.

    Even if some don’t copy you, I’d recommend putting on your own oxygen mask first, as I presume you also need a salary & benefits.
    You can’t save everyone but you can ethically save yourself since you have given your reports such strong advice to get out.

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  25. Kevin Sours*

    #1. Get your house in order. Assume that you will be fired or will need to resign on short notice and structure your decision making accordingly. It’s much easier to push back when you aren’t concerned about making rent if you do. And it’s ultimately much less stressful if you feel that no matter what you can roll with what comes.

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  26. CzechMate*

    LW 1 – Lost my job after Trump took office the first time. (There were some other local political factors involved, but the projected budget shortfall was the nail in the coffin.) In that scenario, the waiting and uncertainty was worse than the actual outcome. Still, I just kept going to work, doing my best, and supporting my coworkers as best as I could.

    In my case, I just wasn’t able to DO any work for a while (as in, the layoffs/firings/resignations at the top meant that we underlings couldn’t really do anything). I used that time to prepare a lot of transitional information about my work. That way:
    -If someone asked if I was essential, I had some documentation showing what I’d done and why it mattered, and
    -If someone decided I didn’t need to be around anymore, there was documentation showing what work would still, somehow, need to be taken care of by someone.

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  27. I'm A Little Teapot*

    For #1: I have a family member who works for the federal government and is choosing to stay to do what they can. Below is the list of what I’m seeing from them.

    –Prepare to job search, even though you’re choosing not to right now. Write that resume, write a cover letter. No they’re not final, but it’s much better to have SOMETHING than nothing.
    –Don’t take work home with you. As much as possible, disconnect in the evenings/weekends. See friends and family. Play with your pets and kids. Read books you enjoy, listen to music you enjoy. Take naps. Do what you can to counteract the crazy at work with positive things at home.
    –Try to improve your finances. Try to simplify, pay off debt or put money in savings. In case you do lose your job, you’ll appreciate whatever steps you took, and improving your financial situation will make things a little easier in the meantime.
    –Physical exercise is known to be helpful with stress, etc. Get moving. You don’t need to go to the gym. Turn on some good music and boogie in the living room. Go for a walk. At minimum, try to get outside for fresh air and sun.
    –Scrub your social media and lock it down. Don’t give them ammo to use against you.

    Thank you for doing what you can. It’s not nothing.

    Reply ↓
  28. LifebeforeCorona*

    I don’t have much to add to this situation as a Canadian. But as a former federal worker, I feel for you. What the powers that be don’t see is how much vital work is hidden from public view. It’s been getting done for years and in spite of current events, it still needs to be done. Good thoughts to all caught up in this.

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  29. Cobol*

    I don’t know if this is really helpful advice or not, but I’ve been in this type of situation in the private sector. The short answer is the only choice you have is whether you want to start applying for jobs outside of the government or not. Other than that everything is completely outside of your control.

    I know that’s an extremely stressful situation, but I’ve found it less stressful to try to accept that no amount of extra worrying, working harder, documenting, orc anything else changes anything.

    Reply ↓
  30. Sassafras*

    A lot of feds are not wanting to proactively comply by leaving now, but that doesn’t mean you have to be caught with your pants down.

    Get a budget in place and start saving/spending as if you are unemployed. RocketMoney is great and only $4 a month.

    Call utility, landlords, lenders, etc. and ask if they have discounts or programs in place for displaced federal workers. Save/prefill the applications now so you can hit the ground running if you do get laid off.

    Research some of the best job searching boards. A lot of the AI scrapers put LinkedIn and Indeed etc. to shame. Revamp resume, get contact info for reference, update resume for private sector. STAR isn’t just for interviewing, it works great as bullets for achievements too.

    Connect with people. Go to sporting events, etc. and share your story. Humanizing the nameless feds goes a long way. I’ve been doing it at work (not a fed but many fed friends). Just mentioning a few times. Oh man my army buddy got that fork in road letter. 18 years of service to our country, several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and just finished his MBA with his GI bill and landed a role in the IRS. It’s a shame he deserves better. It also helps to feel less alone.

    Good luck!

    Reply ↓
  31. Wingo Staww*

    I wish I could comfort every fed employee going through this awful situation. This entire thing is so messed up. We appreciate all you do for us regular citizens.

    Reply ↓
  32. It's Me. Hi.*

    Want to express my solidarity with Fed employees. I’m also in the biomedical research bubble and it’s devastating. We are fighting with you – thank you for being courageous in a terrifying time!

    Reply ↓
  33. Delia*

    Allison, you truly do rock!

    May we the AAM community support you in this endeavour? For every copy shared freely with a federal worker, those of us who are able to do so and want to join in can match that with a purchased copy? Not sure how to go about setting something like this up so am throwing this out to the AAM community as I’m sure someone out there knows!

    Reply ↓
  34. Wilbur*

    On the bright side, it’s unusual for for one party to control the Executive office, the House, and the Senate for four years. In two years we can look forward to Democrats taking either the House or the Senate and the government becoming completely ineffective, just like the founding fathers intended.

    Reply ↓
    1. Dr. Doll*

      I went to a city council meeting last night just to see what was going on. I can see why people are mad. Democracy is sloooooowwww as shiiiiiit and also more responsive to wealth than it should be.

      BUT, it’s still the only way that non-wealthy, non-powerful people have any voice at all.

      Reply ↓
  35. Llamabrarian*

    Shout out to all the federal workers living through this. Whatever you can do to try to stay sane in crazy times, whatever the right decision is for you, know that we’re cheering you on.
    And thanks to Allison and this community, in dark times!

    Reply ↓
  36. Bluebell Brenham*

    For everyone who is appreciative of Alison’s wonderful offer to Federal employees, remember that she has book buying links on the weekend open threads. And her book recommendations are also excellent.

    Reply ↓
  37. Dr. Doll*

    Hm, my comment didn’t take the first time, so: Is there a way for those of us who are more stable to help defray the cost of the books?

    Reply ↓
  40. pomme de terre*

    Another note of thanks to our federal workers, who do so much good work all the time and today are doing the great work of holding the line against an overreaching administration. Many people I care about are riiiiiight in the crosshairs of this nonsense, and I know them all to be thoughtful, dedicated people who chose public service for altruistic reasons. Hang in there, friends!

    Lots of good advice in this thread for seeking out community, tightening up your personal spending, and starting to job hunt. Prepping your resume, network etc to look doesn’t mean you’re leaving; it’s just a smart step at any time.

    Reply ↓
  41. ScreamingBeagle*

    Thank you, federal workers, for risking your sanity every day to hold the line. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU.

    Reply ↓
  42. Coverage Associate*

    I just want to point out that current federal employees looking to change jobs within the federal government might want to be careful that the change won’t make them probationary (with less job protections). My understanding is that some changes will, and some won’t, but that’s all I know.

    Reply ↓
  43. Calamity Janine*

    for LW2 – as much as we applaud and celebrate the people staying to do what they can, i think it’s important to also say… you don’t have to go down with the ship, either.

    you have people who clearly respect and admire your leadership. you can also be a leader by pointing out where the lifeboats are. there is no shame in an exfiltration that means you can fight another day.

    there’s ways to also express that which will let the people who admire, respect, and care about you help you out. an example that i immediately thought of? you can encourage their job searches by letting them know that helps them and can also help you. after all, the ship is still going down, and it means that having some friends in the lifeboats would be quite handy. they don’t – and shouldn’t – have to do your job search for you. but if you’re comfortable leaning on them enough to say “if you can pass along information about the lay of the land to me in your job search, that would be very kind of you”, it gives them an opportunity to channel that fierce loyalty and care for you into something that helps everyone. you can also use this state-of-the-game information to help guide others in the office, too. making it into more of a collaborative effort is a way to turn this camaraderie into something with a bit more payoff for everyone than “i’m with you ’til the end, cap’n!”.

    it’s getting a little bit in people’s heads here, i know. but we humans love agency. we want to do stuff to help. you are especially in a profession where that need to turn fierce compassion into action is prevalent, and those who want to go down with the ship are declaring that same sentiment towards you. give them another outlet for that camaraderie and i think they will happily take it. plant the seed of communal action. then – fingers crossed it’s not needed, but we live in hope while planning for the worst – you can use that “all for one, and one for all” spirit to not only help them, but have them be happy to do something to help you. they clearly want to! “keep an eye out in your job search if there’s postings that might interest your coworkers, including me” is a brilliant way to use that energy.

    it might pay off, it might not. but it also is okay if you want that to crystalize into another direction – acknowledging the bonds you all have forged, and expressing that you’d like to keep those. sometimes the expression of also wanting to go down with the ship is more connected to the sentiment of “i am so scared to lose this, to lose the workplace with all of you in it. i am so scared to lose you all.” it’s also okay to try and protect, encourage, etc. that, i think.

    maybe them helping you in this endeavor means passing along job postings and keeping an eye out for opportunities and sharing the research they’ve done to figure out where areas of promise are (or aren’t) for this job hunt. maybe them helping you means making sure someone’s got telephone trees and writing down out-of-office contact information and making plans to meet together for social events so that the loss of a workplace doesn’t mean the loss of these connections.

    the world is full of bad things and the human psyche itches for ways to do something about it. there are ways here to do something about it that isn’t just “don’t worry about me, lads, get yerselves to the lifeboats before she goes under – and mind the storm, these winds are a-blowin’ awful fierce!”. you also deserve this fierce compassion and to be included in this community you lead. remember to take care of yourself, too.

    Reply ↓
  44. Mallory Janis Ian*

    Y’all — Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is having a virtual Town Hall on Thursday, February 20th.

    It says:
    “Join us for a ‘Know Your Rights’ Virtual Town Hall, where we’re breaking down the law, answering your questions, and making sure you have the tools to protect yourself and your community”

    Live stream — Sign up: txt30.us/townhall
    Thursday, February 20, 2025 – 6:00 pm (it doesn’t say the time zone; probably Eastern?)

    Reply ↓
  45. beth b*

    Thank you, Alison, for all that you are doing to help our federal employees during this immensely stressful and chaotic time.

    And to all federal employees who are impacted (actually you are ALL impacted by this horrid situation), I would like to thank you for all that you do every day and apologize that you have not been treated fairly or decently.

    Reply ↓

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