If you’re a federal employee, you already know how quickly things can shift:
One day you can telework from another state.
The next, you’re getting emails telling you to show up in person.
Or maybe you hear rumblings about “Schedule F” coming back, and you wonder if your job protections might vanish.
All these changes—some real, some proposed—stem from specific executive orders, bills in Congress, and agency memos.
And now, with Trump's recent executive orders, federal employees face uncertainty about job security, promotions, and agency staffing levels. But remember: you're not alone, and there are concrete steps you can take to protect your career and maintain stability.
How We Can Help You Right Now
At ResumeYourWay, we specialize in federal resume writing and civilian resume transformations. In a world where budget cuts and executive orders—like the recent return-to-office mandates—can quickly alter your employment status or trajectory, it’s best to have a backup plan.
We make sure your resume is ready for any scenario.
Here's what ResumeYourWay can do to ensure you're prepared for whatever comes:
Federal Resume Upgrades
We tailor your experience to highlight achievements in a way that resonates with both conservative (strict policy) and progressive (flexible telework) agencies.
Civilian Resume Transformations
If you decide the private sector is your next step, we’ll translate your “government-ese” into metrics-driven, plain-English accomplishments that hiring managers love.
Career Strategy Sessions
Confused about whether to stay or go? We’ll talk you through possible next steps, help you weigh pay scale vs. private-sector salary, and even discuss how to negotiate telework or remote flexibility.
Get in touch with us to learn more about how our services can help you prepare for potential shifts in federal employment.
New Executive Orders That Impact Federal Employees
Immediately following President Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, he issued several executive orders that significantly impact federal employees.
Return-to-Office (RTO) Mandates
What’s happening: Trump’s new executive order, "Return to In-Person Work," requires federal agencies to eliminate or severely restrict telework options, forcing employees to return to physical offices.
Why it matters: Employees who relocated or structured their work-life balance around remote work may face sudden disruptions.
How to Protect Yourself
Check your agency’s telework policy: Some agencies may still allow hybrid arrangements based on job function and performance.
Consider requesting an accommodation: Health or family reasons may qualify for a telework waiver under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Update your resume: If remote work is a deal-breaker, explore private-sector roles that value virtual collaboration.
Schedule F Reinstatement (E.O. 13957 Redux)
What’s happening: A new version of Schedule F is being reinstated via the executive order, "Restoring Accountability to Policy-Influencing Positions Within the Federal Workforce," that may strip career civil servants of key job protections, making it easier to fire federal employees in policy-related positions.
Why it matters: If you hold a role connected to policy, HR, or agency leadership, you could be reclassified as an at-will employee, making your job far less secure.
How to Protect Yourself
Maintain a private-sector-ready resume: If your job security is suddenly upended, you won’t have to scramble.
Keep close tabs on legislation: Watch for new bills that specifically mention civil service reclassification or “excepted service expansion.”
Hiring Freeze & Budget Cuts
What’s happening: A government-wide hiring freeze is now in place restricting new hires and potentially leading to heavier workloads for existing staff. In addition, significant budget cuts to federal agencies may be implemented through the new Department of Government Efficiency, reducing funding for various programs and potentially leading to furloughs, layoffs, or reduced resources for government operations.
Why it matters: Agencies may face staffing shortages, making job stability uncertain, especially for employees on temporary or term-based contracts. Budget reductions could also lead to program cancellations, travel restrictions, and reduced training opportunities, limiting career growth for federal employees. Some departments may experience forced downsizing, eliminating entire offices or teams.
How to Protect Yourself
Stay informed on hiring exceptions: Some agencies may allow hiring or promotions in “critical need” areas (cybersecurity, defense, healthcare).
Expand your skill set: Employees with specialized expertise are less likely to face job instability. Training in high-demand fields can improve job security.
Plan for private-sector transitions: If agency-wide budget cuts affect your job, having a polished civilian resume gives you a head start.
Monitor agency funding allocations: Understanding which programs and departments are most affected can help you anticipate potential risks to your position.
DEI Rollback
What’s happening: President Trump's executive order, "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing," prohibits federal agencies from conducting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This order also affects private organizations holding federal contracts, restricting them from implementing DEI initiatives.
Why it matters: Programs supporting underrepresented employees may be dismantled, impacting career growth and workplace culture.
How to Protect Yourself
Stay informed and document workplace changes: If you experience workplace discrimination or notice abrupt policy shifts, keep records and stay updated on legal challenges to the order. Some agency-specific policies may evolve or be contested in court.
Seek expert guidance externally: Look for professional organizations—like ResumeYourWay—that provide expert insight about the changes and career development resources.
Consider private-sector opportunities: Many corporations continue to prioritize DEI efforts. Seek out private-sector employers with strong diversity initiatives for your career move.
Earlier Policies and Legislative Changes That Continuously Affect Federal Employees
E.O. 13836, 13837, and 13839 (Issued May 25, 2018)
E.O. 13836 — “Developing Efficient, Effective, and Cost-Transparent Approaches to Federal Sector Collective Bargaining”
Key Aim: Shorten the time unions have to negotiate new contracts, potentially limiting union input on matters like telework and performance standards.
E.O. 13837 — “Ensuring Transparency, Accountability, and Efficiency in Taxpayer-Funded Union Time Use”
Key Aim: Reduce “official time” (the hours union reps can spend representing employees), which in turn limits how much they can fight for telework policies or fair discipline processes.
E.O. 13839 — “Promoting Accountability and Streamlining Removal Procedures”
Key Aim: Speed up the process of firing or disciplining employees. This means shorter Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) and potentially less due process.
Why This Still Matters
Union negotiations: Union contracts that were negotiated during or shortly after these EOs might still contain stricter clauses around telework and discipline.
Job security: The streamlined removal processes (e.g., shorter PIPs and limited due process) can affect job security, making it harder to challenge unfair discipline or dismissal.
Workplace flexibility: These EOs may also influence flexible work hours or other aspects of work-life balance (aside from telework), depending on how they were incorporated into union agreements.
How to Protect Yourself
Monitor Union Communications: Stay up-to-date on when your contract is being renegotiated—telework terms might be on the table.
Document Your Performance: If agencies retain streamlined discipline procedures, robust proof of your contributions (metrics, awards, annual reviews) is your safety net.
Budget Showdowns, Pay Raises, and Retirement Changes
Budget Appropriations & Shutdown Risks
Current environment: With partisan divides in Congress, government shutdowns remain a looming threat. If Congress doesn’t pass appropriations, you could face furloughs or delayed paychecks.
Why It Matters
Financial instability: Even short shutdowns can wreak havoc on your finances, especially if you’ve settled into an area with a higher cost of living.
Project delays: If you’re mid-project (often the case for remote teams), it could stall, affecting performance reviews or job satisfaction.
Pay Raises & Retirement Contributions
Annual pay raise proposals: For 2024, the White House suggested around a 5.2% increase. Congress can modify that.
Retirement changes: Proposals occasionally pop up to increase the employee share of retirement contributions or alter how pensions are calculated.
Why It Matters
Take-home pay: A smaller raise (or increased retirement contributions) effectively shrinks your paycheck.
Long-term planning: If you rely on a certain pension formula or a set budget for your lifestyle, you’ll need to adjust if changes pass.
How to Protect Yourself
Stay updated on appropriations: Know when continuing resolutions expire. If a shutdown is imminent, have savings or a side gig in mind.
Diversify your skills: During uncertain times, employees with the broadest skill sets or specialized expertise are less likely to face layoffs.
Consider private sector opportunities: Moving to the private sector could provide more financial stability and professional growth, particularly if federal pay freezes or pension changes impact your long-term financial outlook.
Detailed Scenarios & Action Plans for Federal Employees
Scenario A: You’re Forced Back to the Office
Outcome: You can either comply, request an accommodation, or leave.
Action steps:
Check your agency’s telework policy & union contract: Some agencies still allow partial remote work if you meet performance metrics.
Document hardships: If you moved far away, gather evidence of why relocating back is not feasible (family commitments, financial burden) to strengthen any waiver or exemption request.
Scenario B: Your Position is Reclassified or Eliminated Under Schedule F or DEI Rollback
Outcome: You lose civil service protections and/or your job may be subject to reassignment or elimination.
Action steps:
Review your job classification: If your role is policy-related, check with HR on whether it’s being reclassified. If it's DEI-related, check with HR about the status of your role.
Start networking discreetly: If you anticipate instability, build connections in the private sector before it’s too late.
Update your professional brand: Get your LinkedIn, resume, and cover letter perfected and ready for a potential job shift.
Scenario C: You Want to Leave Federal Service for a Civilian Job
Outcome: You trade the GS scale and federal benefits for private-sector opportunities—often with flexible work arrangements.
Action steps:
Translate “federal-speak”: Terms like “GS-13/Step 5,” “FG-9,” or “SF-50” mean nothing to most private HR managers. Convert your achievements into metrics and plain language.
Showcase transferable skills: Emphasize skills and experiences that are valuable in the private sector—leadership, project management, strategic thinking, and adaptability.
Highlight telework experience (if applicable): Private employers often love proven remote collaboration skills—show them you excel in virtual settings.
Maintain or transfer your clearance (if applicable): A clearance is valuable in certain industries (defense contractors, cybersecurity, etc.).
ResumeYourWay Will Help To Make Sure You're Ready, No Matter What
Federal employment isn’t a static environment—it’s deeply influenced by executive orders, legislative battles, and changing agency directives. Whether it’s Schedule F reappearing, a forced return to office under an executive order, or a government shutdown threat, you want to be ready to pivot.
To recap, here's how ResumeYourWay will ensure you're prepared for whatever comes:
Stronger federal resumes: We tailor your experience to fit different agency priorities.
Private-sector readiness: We turn government experience into clear, results-driven language aligned with civilian roles.
Career guidance: We help you weigh options for a potential career move, discuss salary considerations, prepare you to negotiate remote work options, and more.
Ready to protect your career against sudden shifts? Schedule a free consultation now.
Comments