Uncertainty Looms for Federal Workers as Trump Administration Offers Deferred Resignation
The Trump administration has sent an email to over 2 million federal workers, offering them the option to resign and receive pay and benefits until September 30. However, experts are advising workers to exercise caution before making a decision.
Understanding the Offer
The offer comes on the heels of President Trump’s executive order to end DEI programs and his recent statement that federal workers must return to the office five days a week or face termination. The administration claims that this move will lead to a smaller and more efficient government. However, lawmakers are questioning whether the president has the authority to make such an offer without Congressional approval.
What’s at Stake for Federal Employees
Tenured federal employees who accept the offer may lose certain rights they currently hold. According to Michael L. Vogelsang, Jr., a principal of The Employment Law Group, P.C., “If you resign, it’s deemed voluntary. If you are a permanent, tenured employee in the government and the administration wants you out, laws still exist that federal employees cannot just be fired on a whim.”
Factors to Consider
When weighing the government’s deferred resignation offer, federal employees should consider several factors, including:
- Job Security: Are you a permanent employee or is your position at risk?
- Skills and Marketability: Can you easily find another job with your current skills?
- Career Implications: What will the work environment be like if you stay, and will you have opportunities for growth?
Preparing for the Future
Career experts recommend that federal employees start preparing for a potential job search now. Update your LinkedIn profile, identify your accomplishments, and reflect on your professional achievements to increase your chances of success.
Making an Informed Decision
In the face of uncertainty, it’s essential to make a decision based on what you know and value. Take the time to consider your options carefully, and don’t rush into a decision. As Connie Whittaker Dunlop, principal of Monarch Consulting Group, advises, “I would caution people against making decisions when they’re in the panic zone.”
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