Navigating career transitions as a federal employee

Severe cuts to the federal workforce and to federal services, as well the ongoing government shutdown, are forcing civil servants to navigate extraordinary uncertainty and plan career transitions.  

Below, Nicole Kolt, a senior facilitator and coach at the Partnership for Public Service, offers advice on how federal employees can navigate career shifts as they manage the emotional challenges that often accompany periods of uncertainty and professional change. 

Take time to reflect 

I encourage people to journal, meditate or take walks. Find what works best for you. It is critical to take time to reflect on your current mood or mindset, what got you there and what you want to do about it.  

I am also a big fan of positive talk or what I like to call “speaking it into existence.” Say out loud what you want, feel confident about what you have to offer, and remember that your mind has a lot of power over what happens.   

Take a strengths-based approach 

Think about what people compliment you about or where you get the most energy. What makes you feel engaged or excited about the things you offer? Figure out what you are good at, understand what makes you unique and focus your energy there. Of course, there are always going to be areas where you can improve, but focusing most of your energy on your strengths will help you through this transition with more confidence. 

Translate your skills while focusing on impact

Think about what you do day to day—break it down, write it out and then compare it to the new job description you plan to apply for. Swap out words to match the sector’s jargon and use specific details about tools, populations, goals and metrics. Keep in mind that the topic, issue or population might change, but the skill stays the same.   

To better accomplish this, focus on staying organized and taking breaks. Do not mass apply to everything you come across, and stay rooted in your impact. 

Network—but start small 

Start by figuring out the types of people you want to work with, the issues you care about and the skills you like to use. What are the challenges or problems you want to solve and why? As Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle explains, start with your why, and then move to the how and the what.   

After you identify who you want to work with, reach out for an informational interview. Set small goals for yourself: Can you connect with two people per week? Informational interviews are a lower-pressure way to network because they are a one-on-one meeting with someone in an organization or industry you want to explore. At the end of the conversation, always ask the magic question: Who else should I be speaking with, and can you put me in touch with them?

Stay connected and focus on what you can control

There is so much going on that everyone is concerned about, but what can you control? Only yourself, your thoughts, your feelings and your actions. And even though everyone is busy, take some time each day or week to connect with others. People are craving connection. Finding your community, staying connected to your colleagues and focusing on what you can control will help you stay resilient and motivated during times of uncertainty. 

Nicole Kolt serves as a facilitator and trainer for both custom and open enrollment programs. She designs and delivers sessions for government agencies around various leadership topics such as values-based leadership, active listening and building trust.