The United States has experienced a significant wave of job losses. As of last month, more than 12% of the 2.4 million civilian federal workforce. Overall, more than 260,000 federal employees have either left or are slated to leave since the shift began.
Meanwhile, in the private sector, tech companies alone have shed almost 75,000 jobs by the end of May, driven by cost-cutting amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
Whether you’ve been downsized from a government post, laid off from a tech company, or pushed out of a nonprofit, the feeling is the same: like being shoved out of a plane with no parachute.
You might be asking why you chose this career path or staring at headlines wondering how your work became political or obsolete overnight.
But pause the panic. Here’s what’s still true: You matter. A lot.
It’s easy to feel flattened when loud voices with little understanding reduce your work to a punchline. But don’t buy the narrative.
You were never “just a bureaucrat,” “just a manager,” or “just staff.” You were, and still are, a skilled operator navigating some of the most complex systems in the world.
That experience isn’t just valid—it’s valuable. And it's in demand.
Let’s look at the numbers. Those 260,000-plus workers leaving federal roles? That’s a massive release of talent, experience, and institutional knowledge into the broader economy.
The same goes for tens of thousands of private-sector professionals now navigating their next act. That’s not a collapse. That’s a talent wave. And you’re part of it.
Let's put this in context. Nearly 60,000 federal workers have already been fired; 77,000 have taken buyouts. Another 150,000 may still be on the chopping block.
According to the New York Times, about 12% of the entire U.S. government workforce is either gone or in flux. But that number represents a massive wave of experience and institutional knowledge suddenly available to the broader economy. That's you. And that's power.
So, let's be clear: you're not obsolete. You're valuable. And more than that, you're poised for a pivot. As Stephen Covey said, "Shift your paradigm."
This isn't the end of your career story. It's a new chapter. The private sector, especially startups and high-growth companies, craves the skills you bring.
And what you've picked up navigating federal systems isn't just resume filler; it's entrepreneurial gold.
Consider this:
- You're fluent in regulations, which can save a company millions in compliance headaches.
- You've managed stakeholders across fractured, high-pressure environments.
- You've optimized processes under resource constraints.
- You know how to assess risk through trained, practiced analysis, not by gut feeling.
- You've written and evaluated grant proposals, pulled off logistics miracles, and brought order to chaos.
Translation? You're not just job-ready; you're business-critical. And businesses are catching on.
Increasingly, they're hiring ex-government pros precisely because you can help them navigate the growing maze of rules, risks, and requirements without flinching. So, if you're staring down a sudden, involuntary exit, here's the better lens: this is a re-launch.
One where your public service isn't a handicap - it's your unfair advantage.
Now, let's talk practically. This isn't about "finding another job." It's about redefining what you want this next act to look like. Do a self-inventory. Think like a strategist: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats - SWOT it out.
- What are your assets?
- Where do you shine?
- What kind of risks are you comfortable taking?
This clarity will make the path ahead more intentional and way less overwhelming.
And before you start blasting resumes, network. Not the performative, awkward kind. Build real relationships. Ask questions. Share something useful. Offer help before you ask for it. Real networking is about generosity, not self-promotion.
Curious about entrepreneurship? Good. Some of you are built for it. But be honest: do you have the financial runway? Are you ready for risk?
If you need to earn quickly, lean toward low-overhead, service-based businesses. Your skills in compliance, logistics, procurement, and grant writing are already a business model.
Start here:
- Offer consulting in the sector you know.
- Write proposals or manage vendor contracts.
- Help startups navigate policy, systems, or reporting requirements.
- Build a business around the pain points you already understand.
But don’t skip the legal fine print. If you’ve signed non-competes or confidentiality agreements, know the rules before you leap. When in doubt, check oge.gov or get a legal consultant. Smart protection isn’t fear—it’s foresight.
Remember this, too: you know procurement. You know, operations. You know how to make systems work. There are companies out there struggling with exactly the problems you’ve already solved.
Who better to help them? You.
Yes, the transition can be rough. Clients ghost. Startups fumble. But in exchange, you gain ownership, flexibility, and the freedom to shape your career on your terms.
And if you worked in DEI, climate, public health, or other “under-fire” roles, don’t lose heart. Trends shift. But equity, sustainability, and social good aren’t fads. They are values. Stay sharp. Stay ready. The pendulum will swing back.
In the end, this isn’t about rejection. It’s redirection. The job may be gone, but your skills, drive, and impact? Still here. Still strong.
Gayle (pronounced: Gay-lä) Jennings-O'Bryne began her career at Sun Microsystems. She later served as a mergers and acquisitions banker at JPMorgan.
Last year, she was named one of the "Top Black Venture Capitalists" by Business Insider and was one of Forbes’ 50 over 50: Investing in 2024.
In 2021, Gayle was listed as one of "10 Women Changing the Landscape of Leadership" by the New York Times, and was one of the "Top 10 Women of Influence in Venture Capital" listed by the Venture Capital Journal in 2022. Gayle has over 30 years of Wall Street and tech experience and is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business and the University of Michigan.