Red, blue, green, or purple… when a job disappears, the impact doesn’t care about party lines.
With the recent DHS budget cuts and related shakeups, I’ve heard from professionals across the federal landscape — not just government employees, but the countless contractors, firms, and support staff who keep these agencies running behind the scenes. Sudden job loss, especially in public service, hits hard.
If you’ve recently been affected, or know someone who has, here’s something I need you to hear first:
You are not your job title.
You are your skills.
You are your relationships.
You are your reputation.
And all of those things go with you — no matter what got cut.
I’ve seen this before. Here’s what I’m seeing now.
As a career coach and personal branding advisor, I’ve worked with people across healthcare and government sectors — from med techs and nurses to chief nursing officers and senior leaders.
Right now, I’m hearing the same themes again and again:
- “I don’t know how to talk about what I’ve done.”
Federal work often flies under the radar. It’s complex, collaborative, and hard to explain. But learning how to translate that work into clear, results-driven language is critical. - “I haven’t needed a resume in 10+ years.”
Totally understandable. But today’s job search moves fast. Hiring managers want clarity. Your resume needs to highlight results, not just roles. - “I didn’t realize my job was that vulnerable.”
If you’re in a support role, this moment can feel especially jarring. You might not have seen it coming — but you’re not alone.
What you can do right now
Here are five real steps I share in my workshops, keynotes, and coaching sessions — and that I want you to take right now if you’ve been impacted:
1. Reframe your mindset.
You’re not starting over — you’re starting from experience. Your work mattered. It still does.
2. Rework your résumé — but start with your story.
Strip away the jargon. Focus on problems you solved, people you collaborated with, and the impact you made. This isn’t about formatting. It’s about telling the truth in a way that resonates.
3. Update your LinkedIn profile — it’s your landing page.
Forget copying and pasting your resume. Your LinkedIn should speak in your voice. Use the headline to communicate who you help and how. Use the “About” section to share your mission and make it personal.
4. Don’t ghost your network.
Layoffs can feel isolating, but your network is your #1 asset. Tell people you’re open. Be specific about the kinds of roles you’re exploring. Ask for intros. Most job leads still come from personal connections.
5. Look beyond traditional paths.
Public-sector professionals bring incredible value to nonprofits, startups, universities, health systems, and more. You’ve managed complexity, made things happen with limited resources, and kept things moving during chaos. That’s not niche — that’s an edge.
Final word:
You didn’t fail.
You’re not behind.
You’re not stuck.
With the right story, the right tools, and the right support — you can write your next chapter. And it might be your best one yet.
Need help repositioning your experience or refreshing your brand? I’m here to help. Reach out anytime.
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