The uncertainty of job loss in government service carries unique challenges. Unlike private sector transitions, government employees often face complex emotions around public service identity, pension considerations, and the deep sense of purpose that drew them to serve in the first place.

If you’re facing potential or actual job loss, here’s how to navigate this transition while staying grounded in what matters most.

Anchor in Your Core Values, Not Your Job Title

One of the most disorienting aspects of job loss is the loss of identity. When you’ve spent years—or decades—identifying as a public servant, suddenly losing that role can feel like losing yourself.

The antidote? Reconnect with the values that drew you to government service in the first place. Was it serving your community? Ensuring fairness? Creating systemic change? These values don’t disappear when a job does—they’re part of who you are.

Action Step: Identify your top three core values. Ask yourself: “What makes me angry when it’s violated? What brings me deep satisfaction?” These answers reveal what truly matters to you and will guide your next chapter.

Reframe the Narrative: This is Information, Not Identity

Job loss often triggers a cascade of limiting beliefs: “I’m not valuable,” “I failed,” or “I’m too old/specialized/stuck to start over.” These thoughts feel true in the moment, but they’re stories, not facts.

Here’s the reframe: Job loss provides information about external circumstances—budget cuts, reorganizations, political shifts—but it tells you nothing essential about your capabilities or worth.

Action Step: When negative thoughts arise, separate facts from feelings. The fact might be “My position was eliminated due to restructuring.” The feeling might be “I’m not good enough.” Acknowledge the feeling, but don’t mistake it for truth.

Call-In What Serves You, Cast-Off What Doesn’t

During career transitions, you’ll receive plenty of advice—some helpful, some not. Develop a filter for what you “call in” versus what you “cast off.”

Call in advice and opportunities that align with your values and career goals. Cast off suggestions that don’t serve your vision, even if well-intentioned. Not every opportunity is your opportunity.

Action Step: Before accepting any advice or pursuing any lead, ask: “Does this move me toward the future I want to create, or am I acting out of fear?”

Lean Into Your Transferable Leadership Skills

Government service develops sophisticated skills that translate powerfully to other sectors: navigating complex systems, managing diverse stakeholders, operating within constraints, and maintaining integrity under pressure.

Don’t minimize these capabilities. They’re exactly what many organizations desperately need.

Action Step: List five challenging situations you’ve successfully navigated in government service. For each, identify the specific skills you used. These are your transferable superpowers.