Ugh the dreaded word, “RIF”…For most federal employees, job security has always been a given. A steady paycheck, reliable benefits, and a structured career path made it easy to believe that downsizing wouldn’t happen to you.
Until now.
With talks of budget cuts, hiring freezes, and reductions in force (RIFs) looming, it’s time to ask yourself:
- If a RIF happens, am I prepared?
- Do I have a plan in place to land on my feet?
- Am I waiting for a decision to be made for me—or am I making my own?
If your answer is “I don’t know” or “not really,” then it’s time to get proactive. Just like any good emergency plan, having a Bug-Out Plan for your career transition ensures that if the worst happens, you’re prepared—not panicked.
A career Bug-Out Plan is your strategy for quickly and confidently transitioning to your next job—whether that’s in the private sector, another federal agency, or a new career path entirely. The Bug-Out Plan boils down to: (1) Secure yourself, (2) Define your path, (3) Activate your network.
Let’s break it down into three clear, actionable steps so you can stay ahead of uncertainty.
Step 1: Secure Your Financial Stability
Before making any career moves, get a clear picture of your financial situation. Ask yourself:
- How long could I cover expenses if I lost my job today?
- What severance, unemployment, and benefits am I entitled to?
- What expenses can I cut right now to stretch my financial runway?
Action Steps:
- Calculate your “burn rate”, which is how much money you need per month to survive.
- Review severance and unemployment benefits to know what safety nets you have.
- Reduce unnecessary expenses now so you have more flexibility later.
Pro Tip: Prepare a financial “go-bag”—a backup plan for emergency income (side gigs, part-time work, or savings strategies).
Why This Matters: The less financial pressure you feel, the more strategic you can be in your job search. If you’re scrambling for a paycheck, you may rush into the wrong role.
Step 2: Define & Prepare for Your Next Career Move
If you had to leave your federal job tomorrow, where would you go next?
Most federal employees don’t think about this until they have to. By then, it’s too late.
Consider your options:
- Jumping to the private sector (Are your skills transferable?)
- Moving to another federal agency (Do you qualify for priority hiring?)
- Exploring consulting, contracting, or self-employment
Action Steps:
- Identify 3–5 career paths based on your skills and interests.
- Find job descriptions that interest you and analyze required qualifications.
- Rewrite your resume to focus on impact, not duties, and ensure you translate your federal experience into business-friendly language.
Pro Tip: If your resume reads like a USAJOBS posting, it won’t get you hired. Hiring managers in the private sector care about problem-solving and results—not job titles or GS levels.
Why This Matters: The sooner you define your next step, the faster you can pivot if your position is cut.
Step 3: Build & Leverage Your Network
Over 70% of jobs are not posted online. They’re filled through networking. If you’ve spent years in federal service, you might not have built an external network. Now’s the time.
Action Steps:
- Reconnect with former colleagues who have transitioned and ask how they did it.
- Join LinkedIn groups for veterans, career transitioners, and industry professionals.
- Attend networking events related to your target industry.
- Set up informational interviews and do not wait until you need a job to start asking questions.
- Let your network know what you’re looking for because referrals are the fastest way to get hired.
Pro Tip: Networking isn’t about asking for jobs. It’s about building relationships.
Why This Matters: If your network knows you’re open to new opportunities, doors open faster. Otherwise, you’re stuck applying blindly and waiting in line. Blindly applying for jobs is a surefire way to not get hired and only make yourself more frustrated. So, take my mom’s advice and go out and make new friends e.g. build your network now.
Final Thought: Take Control of Your Career
A RIF doesn’t have to be the end—it can be the beginning of something better. The key? Don’t wait until the decision is made for you. You got this! So:
- Start preparing today.
- Own your career transition.
- Make your next move on YOUR terms.
Need help getting started? Check out my Federal Employee Job Transitions Guide HERE
Let’s help each other navigate what’s next. Drop a comment or share your best career transition tip below!
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