[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Andrea-scaled.jpg” custom_margin=”||91px|||” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0|0px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” alt=”A man sits at a desk holding his glasses and pinching the bridge of his nose, appearing tired or stressed, with a computer screen displaying performance data and warm lighting in the background.” title_text=”A man sits at a desk holding his glasses and pinching the bridge of his nose, appearing tired or stressed, with a computer screen displaying performance data and warm lighting in the background.” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”223px|0px|118px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”PT Sans||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”72″ text_line_height=”1.1em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”620px” custom_margin=”45px||24px|-69px” custom_padding=”0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”52″ text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Remember: You\u2019re Between Stories, Not at the End of One<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-88px|||||” custom_padding=”3px|0px|24.6719px|0px||” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”1200px” custom_padding=”0||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” custom_padding_phone=”” use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”1200px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/andrea-dewitt-38.jpeg” title_text=”andrea-dewitt-38″ show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ custom_margin=”||5px|||” animation=”off” sticky=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ text_font=”PT Sans|on|||” text_text_color=”#02b875″ text_font_size=”20″ text_line_height=”1.2em” header_text_color=”#000000″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”140px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n ANDREA DEWITT<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ text_font=”PT Serif||on||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”16″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”140px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”10px||60px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Author and Certified Leadership Coach Andrea Mein DeWitt inspires leaders to step into their power, their potential, and their truth. Her book, Name, Claim & Reframe-Your Path to a Well-Lived Life, was selected as the Best Motivational Read for 2023 by the TODAY Show. A practical approach to navigating life’s challenges, her new companion guide, Name, Claim & Reframe Workbook, can help you take your next leap toward the future you want to create.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”24″ text_line_height=”1.5em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”720px” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”||14px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n If you’re facing potential or actual job loss, here’s how to navigate this transition while staying grounded in what matters most.<\/p>\n One of the most disorienting aspects of job loss is the loss of identity. When you’ve spent years\u2014or decades\u2014identifying as a public servant, suddenly losing that role can feel like losing yourself.<\/p>\n 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\u2014they’re part of who you are.<\/p>\n 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.” <\/em>These thoughts feel true in the moment, but they’re stories, not facts.<\/p>\n Here’s the reframe: Job loss provides information about external circumstances\u2014budget cuts, reorganizations, political shifts\u2014but it tells you nothing essential about your capabilities or worth.<\/p>\n 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.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n During career transitions, you’ll receive plenty of advice\u2014some helpful, some not. Develop a filter for what you “call in” versus what you “cast off.”<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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?”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Don’t minimize these capabilities. They’re exactly what many organizations desperately need.<\/p>\n 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#f7f7f4″ min_height=”721px” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” column_padding_mobile=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px|” make_fullwidth=”on” custom_width_px=”680px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2-4-scaled.jpg” alt=”A man and a woman sit across from each other at an office desk, smiling and engaged in conversation as they learn from one another. The desk holds a tablet, papers, and a glass of water, set against a bright, modern office space.” title_text=”If,You,Don’t,Like,Your,Job,Quit.,Upset,Man,In” show_bottom_space=”off” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”-39px|||||” hover_enabled=”0″ animation=”off” sticky=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#efefe9″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/3-4-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Depressed,Black,Guy,With,Personal,Belongings,Sitting,On,Stairs,After” show_bottom_space=”off” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”-40px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” hover_enabled=”0″ animation=”off” sticky=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#818178″ text_font_size=”24″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20%|10%||10%” custom_margin_tablet=”0.7%|10%||10%||” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n If you’re facing potential or actual job loss, here’s how to navigate this transition while staying grounded in what matters most.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ text_font=”PT Sans|on|||” text_text_color=”#888888″ text_font_size=”12″ text_letter_spacing=”2px” text_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20px||20%|” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|||” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n ANDREA DEWITT<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”4″ column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”1200px” custom_padding=”20px||0px|” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” custom_padding_phone=”” use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”1200px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”20″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”9px||0px|||” custom_margin_tablet=”-142px||0px|||” custom_margin_phone=”-75px||0px|||” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”0px|||||” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Job loss triggers stress responses that can derail clear thinking. Your most important tool right now? Taking care of yourself with the same commitment you’ve shown in serving others.<\/p>\n This isn’t selfish\u2014it’s strategic. You make better decisions, present better in interviews, and maintain resilience when you’re operating from a foundation of wellbeing.<\/p>\n Action Step: Identify three non-negotiable self-care practices and protect them fiercely. This might be morning exercise, connection time with loved ones, or maintaining your sleep schedule.<\/strong><\/p>\n Even in difficult circumstances, maintain professional relationships and leave with grace. Government circles are interconnected, and today’s colleague could be tomorrow’s reference or connection.<\/p>\n Action Step: Send thoughtful closure messages to key colleagues. Express gratitude for specific experiences or mentorship. These connections often become valuable parts of your professional network.<\/strong><\/p>\n Job loss feels like an ending, but it’s actually a transition point between chapters. The next chapter hasn’t been written yet\u2014which means you have agency in shaping it.<\/p>\n Your years of public service have equipped you with resilience, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to making a difference. These qualities don’t expire when a job ends. They’re the foundation for what comes next.<\/p>\n The question isn’t whether you’ll find your way forward\u2014it’s what kind of future you want to create and how your unique gifts will serve it.<\/p>\n Access practical tools to guide your next steps:<\/p>\nAnchor in Your Core Values, Not Your Job Title<\/h4>\n
Reframe the Narrative: This is Information, Not Identity<\/h4>\n
Call-In What Serves You, Cast-Off What Doesn’t<\/h4>\n
Lean Into Your Transferable Leadership Skills<\/h4>\n
Practice Strategic Self-Care, Not Just Survival Mode<\/h4>\n
Build Your Bridge, Don’t Burn It<\/h4>\n
Remember: You’re Between Stories, not at the End of One<\/h4>\n
Free Resources to Support Your Career Transition<\/a><\/h4>\n