Joy Wasted with KB Dickey

Losing a government job due to an administration change is a tough pill to swallow, especially after years—maybe even decades—of dedicated service. It’s not just a career shift; it’s an identity shift. But here’s the truth: starting over doesn’t mean starting from scratch. You’ve built skills, experience, and resilience that can carry you into your next opportunity. Here’s how to navigate this transition:

1. Allow Yourself to Process

Losing a job—especially one you’ve had for a long time—hits hard. It’s okay to feel frustrated, disappointed, or even lost. Give yourself space to process it, but don’t stay in that space too long. The key is to acknowledge your emotions without letting them paralyze you.

2. Assess Your Skills and Strengths

Government work comes with a ton of transferable skills:
✔ Project management
✔ Policy analysis
✔ Compliance and regulatory knowledge
✔ Leadership and teamwork
✔ Communication and problem-solving

Think about what you really enjoy and what you’re great at. This will help guide your next steps.

3. Explore Your Options

• Look for similar roles in the private sector. Many companies love hiring former government employees because of their expertise and work ethic.
• Check state and local government opportunities. If federal isn’t an option, state agencies or city departments may have openings.
• Consider consulting. If you have niche knowledge, companies may pay for your expertise as an independent consultant.
• Think about pivoting. Maybe this is the push you needed to try something new—entrepreneurship, a passion project, or an industry shift.

4. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn

Government resumes are long, but in the private sector, concise and results-driven is the way to go.

• Focus on impact—not just duties.
• Quantify results (e.g., “Managed a $10M budget” or “Improved efficiency by 30%”).
• Use LinkedIn to network and showcase your expertise.

5. Tap Into Your Network

Your former colleagues, professional associations, and even LinkedIn connections can be game-changers. Don’t hesitate to reach out and say, “Hey, I’m looking for new opportunities—do you know of anything?”

6. Consider Training or Certifications

If you’re eyeing a new industry, a short-term certification might bridge the gap. Fields like project management, cybersecurity, and data analysis are hot right now and often align with government experience.

7. Manage Your Finances Wisely

If you got severance or savings, stretch it strategically. If needed, look into unemployment benefits while you job hunt. The goal is to buy yourself time without unnecessary stress.

8. Shift Your Mindset—This is a New Beginning

Yes, it’s scary. Yes, it’s frustrating. But it’s also an opportunity. You’re not starting over with nothing—you’re starting over with experience, wisdom, and resilience. Some of the greatest career transformations come from unexpected transitions.

This isn’t the end of your career—it’s just the next chapter. And the best part? You get to write it.