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Restoring Hope and Purpose in Your Career: A Guide for Federal Job Seekers, Federal Employees Facing Buyouts, and ANY Job Seeker Facing Change

by | Career Strategy, Federal Jobs, Mindset, Senior Executive Service

There’s no shortage of “news” taking place about the Federal government…and private industry.

The federal job landscape is changing, and many federal employees are being asked to make difficult decisions about their careers…in a very short amount of time.

Private industry is changing.

Our world is changing.

The uncertainty, shifting policies, and restructuring efforts leave many wondering what their next steps should be.

But here’s what I know to be true: While we may not have control over every change happening in government, we do have control over how we respond and prepare.

…and you know the saying when you are prepared, you shall not fear.

If there’s anything to learn from all of this, it’s this:

In the midst of uncertainty, one question stands out: How can I build a career that weathers any storm?

The real lesson here isn’t just about resilience—it’s about future-proofing your career with skills, strategy, and adaptability.

What steps are you taking today to ensure your career thrives tomorrow?

Change is hard.

Change is inevitable.

A career pivot isn’t something to take lightly. Typically, there’s a lot of planning – and a LOT of decisions…and it takes time…more than a couple of weeks.
There’s a lot to consider to avoid mistakes…and failure.

Whether you’re a federal employee considering the buyout, transitioning to a new role, or in private industry searching for stability, it can feel overwhelming…
…unless you have a guide, and a strategic plan.

We’ve been helping people pivot and progress in their careers for 30 years. It’s what we do.

Career pivots can be caused by a variety of personal, professional, and external factors.

  • Attrition causing change in jobs and those left behind.
  • Natural career growth and advancement.
  • Lack of fulfillment of job satisfaction.
  • Work-life balance and flexibility.
  • Financial and job security reasons.
  • Passion for a new field.
  • Educational and skill development.
  • Workplace environment and culture – economic and industry shifts.
  • Personal or health-related factors.
  • Changing from an employee to an entrepreneur.
  • Agencies moving divisions to other states causing people to change jobs.
  • Layoffs in private industry make federal jobs appealing for stability, benefits, and to make an impact.
  • …and now the “Deferred Resignation Program” exiting federal government.

We have helped people in every scenario…and we can help you!

Keep in mind there are still more than 2+ million federal employees if 200,000 leave…and as of this writing, 50,000 people have taken the buyout…and GOVERNMENT IS GOING TO CONTINUE TO NEED TALENT. We NEED you!

With that said, let’s continue.

Understanding the Buyout Offer: Key Considerations

Many federal workers are being offered buyouts with limited time to decide. Making an informed decision requires careful thought. Below is a checklist of some important factors to evaluate before accepting any buyout, not just a federal one:

  • Financial Implications
    • What is the TOTAL buyout amount being offered?
    • How will this impact my retirement benefits, including my pension and TSP?
    • Do I have enough savings to cover expenses if I don’t find another job right away?
    • How long can I go without work?
    • Will my new salary be competitive and sustainable for your financial needs?
  • Healthcare and Benefits
    • Will I retain my health insurance, or will I need to find alternative coverage?
    • How will this affect my life insurance, dental, and other benefits?
    • What happens to my accumulated sick leave and annual leave?
    • Can I cash out my sick leave and annual leave?
  • Career and Employment Considerations
    • What IS MY career vision?
    • What is MY WHY?
    • What do I want to do now?
    • Can I be more selective?
    • Where do I want to be in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
    • Am I prepared to enter the private sector, or should I look for another federal position after this wave is over?
    • Does the new role align with your long-term career aspirations?
    • Will this move bring you closer to your ultimate professional goals?
    • Will I be able to continue to grow professionally and make an impact?
    • What would entrepreneurship look like?
    • What job opportunities align with my experience, skills, and long-term career goals?
    • Do I need to update my resume, federal application materials, LinkedIn, cover letter, networking letters, networking resume, and other items in my career portfolio to validate my value—and what do I put on my resume regarding my exit?
  • Work-Life Balance & Flexibility
    • Will my new role offer flexibility (remote work, hybrid options, flexible hours)?
    • Will my new role improve or hinder your work-life balance?
    • How will it compare to my current work-life integration?
    • What family matters do I need to consider?
  • Retirement and Long-Term Planning
    • Will this buyout affect my ability to retire when I originally planned?
    • Should I consult a financial planner or an experienced and reputable career coach before making my decision?
    • What are the pros and cons of leaving now versus staying?
    • What will I do after leave? What’s next?


Staying Mentally Strong During Uncertain Times

Making a major career decision under pressure can be stressful, and it’s essential to stay mentally strong throughout the process. Here are some ways to manage stress and avoid making impulsive choices:

  • Take Your Time: Even with a deadline, don’t rush your decision. Weigh all factors carefully and seek guidance.
  • Manage Stress: Practice self-care through exercise, meditation, or activities that help you stay balanced and clear-headed.But the BEST way to manage stress is to be PREPARED. We can help you with that.
  • Seek Support: Talk with trusted colleagues, mentors, or expert career coaches to gain perspective and insights.
  • Avoid Emotional Decisions: Fear and anxiety can cloud judgment. Focus on facts, long-term goals, and financial stability rather than immediate relief.
  • Stay Positive: Change can be challenging, but it also brings opportunities. Keeping a positive mindset will help you navigate transitions with confidence.

 

For Federal Employees Choosing to Stay: Navigating Change

I’m going to say this again…

Keep in mind there are still more than 2+ million federal employees if 200,000 leave…and as of this writing, 50,000 people have taken the buyout…and GOVERNMENT IS GOING TO CONTINUE TO NEED TALENT. We NEED you!

WE NEED PEOPLE WORKING IN GOVERNMENT – doing their jobs. We have amazingly talented people in the Federal government.

For those who decide to remain in their current role, the workplace is evolving. It’s important to be proactive and position yourself for success in the changing environment.

  • Stay Informed: Keep track of agency updates, new policies, and restructuring plans.
  • Strengthen Your Skills: Invest in professional development and training to remain competitive.
  • Prepare for Potential Changes: Even if you stay, be prepared for future transitions by keeping your resume and LinkedIn profile updated and continue to explore career options.
  • Optimize / Update Your Federal Resume: Ensure your resume is updated. Keep track of your accomplishments. Be ready when there is an opening. We can get you 90% prepared so that we only have to do the last 10% then the job announcement posts.


For Those Transitioning to New Roles: Taking the Next Steps

If you decide to move on, there are key steps to ensure a smooth transition:

  • Clarify Your Career Goals: Identify what type of role you want next, whether inside or outside the Federal government.
  • Optimize, Update, and Convert Your Federal Resume for Private Industry: Ensure your resume aligns with hiring requirements and is tailored for private-sector roles. We have the perfect federal resume and private sector resume ‘builders’ with all our strategies built into the templates – with video, community, and consulting along the way. We make it EASY to create as many effective resumes as you need all along your career journey!
  • Optimize Your Career Marketing: We call it a career toolkit here – the whole shebang — because the holistic approach works best when you have a cohesive, branded toolkit that is makes it EASY for you to ‘grab’ when you need it!
  • Expand Your Network: Leverage your connections on LinkedIn, attend career events, and seek out expert mentors who can provide guidance.
  • Use Available Resources: Take advantage of our expert career coaching and a holistic approach to your career so you never have to worry about what’s next!

 

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for You

The decision to accept a buyout or stay in your role is deeply personal. It requires weighing financial, career, and personal considerations. Whatever path you choose, remember that you are not alone.

We are ready to support you in navigating this transition.

We are not powerless. We can make informed decisions, prepare for what’s ahead, and take control of our careers.

In times of uncertainty, the best thing we can do is focus on what we can control and move forward with clarity, confidence, and a plan. A plan of preparedness.


It’s Time to Pull Back the Curtain and Leverage Our Solutions to Solve Your Stress

At CC Career Solutions, we have always taken a holistic approach when helping our clients.

For decades, we have helped clients land multiple promotions throughout their federal career—in nearly all 450 agencies…from new graduates to senior executive service to Presidential appointees—under 8 different presidencies—Republican and Democrat.

For decades, we have helped clients land roles in private industry/corporate careers…from recent graduates to senior executives to entrepreneurs—at Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Google, META, General Dynamics, Raytheon, Honeywell, CACI, Bechtel, Northrop Grumman, General Electric, Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed, Battelle, BAE, SAIC, Accenture, MIT, SpaceX, Dell, and hundreds of others.

We help clients exit their federal and corporate careers to create businesses and become entrepreneurs and vice versa.

We help you create your success path and your career portfolio – no matter what path you are on.

Because of our holistic and strategic approach, rest assured that you’ll have all the tools you need to be successful.

 

But let’s start with HOPE and knowing there are choices—not dead ends.

I would be honored to help you on your career journey!

Join our Federal Job Search Help group on LinkedIn and schedule time to talk with me here.

If you know someone who needs help, please share this with them.

Thank you in advance!

 

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Camille Roberts
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