The Trump Administration has announced a series of Executive Orders that will impact practically all Federal employees. Many of these orders will likely be litigated, and at this time it's unclear how they will be implemented. If you are a federal employee who might be affected by these orders, now is the time to prepare. These potential next steps fall into three different broad categories: team building, career planning, and personal finance. 

Building Your Team 

One of the benefits of federal employment is its broad set of clear guidelines, protections, and employment resources both inside the government and outside. Here is a list of professionals and organizations to consider adding to your network.

• Your union representative. If you are a member of a union or are eligible to join one, you can contact a union rep and seek to review your current employment contract.  
• The Merit Systems Protection Board. This board is one of many government agencies designed for scenarios you may face. Make sure you know how to contact the board and receive updates.
• Your manager. Your immediate supervisor may not have much detailed guidance at this time, but they should understand proper federal employment procedures and laws and have ideas for possible next steps available to you.  
• Public sector attorney. There are lawyers who specialize in working with public sector employees. Consider starting the process of seeking an attorney who could represent you, if necessary. 
• Career consultant. A “transition to private sector” consultant can help you identify private sector jobs that could be a good fit for your skillset. By identifying these individuals now, you’ll have a head start if you decide to seek private-sector employment. 
• Tax advisor. The personal finance section below lists some financial decisions you may need to consider. If you decide to act, be sure to speak with a tax advisor to understand how your decisions could affect your tax circumstances. 
• Financial advisor. If the future is uncertain, a financial advisor can help you understand all of your available options, including retirement or a job change.

Career Resources

If you're concerned about your current job, or considering a new job, here are some steps you can take to prepare.

• Understand your rights. The professionals mentioned above will likely give you advice and actions you can take. Organize their recommendations into a list and revisit it on a weekly or monthly basis. 
• Follow the news. Focus on news outlets that are relevant to your situation, including those specific to federal workers, your industry, and potential employers in the private sector. 
• Update your resume. It takes time to create a resume that stands out. Regardless of your job situation, it’s always a good idea to have an updated, optimized resume and list of references. It’s better to be prepared in case a perfect opportunity comes along. 
• Manage stress. During times of uncertainty, it’s essential to focus on stress management. Adequate sleep, deep breathing, walking or other exercises, and meditation are more important than ever. By investing in your well-being, you’ll build resilience and prepare yourself for any future challenges.

Personal Finance

You can build confidence by gaining better clarity around your finances. Perhaps you’ll find that options like retirement or part-time work are more realistic than you previously thought. Here are some steps to get started. 

• Pension. Contact the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and your Human Resources representative to learn what your pension and your leave check would be if you ceased employment today. You can also ask, “what is the minimum amount of time I would need to work to reach some sort of acceptable level for my pension?” (like being able to retire on an immediate pension as opposed to deferred). These representatives can also help you understand the financial impacts of taking an early retirement if you are offered one. Learn more here. 
• Budget. Analyze your current budget and identify areas where you can realistically cut back. When you’re no longer receiving a steady income, it’s essential to plan out everyday expenses to ensure you can take care of the basic needs for yourself and your family. This might also mean reducing lifestyle expenses. You can make budget cuts now to avoid digging into your retirement accounts later. 
• Emergency fund. If you don’t already have one, make sure you set up an emergency fund. It’s generally recommended to set aside enough to cover 3 to 6 months’ worth of expenses. 
• Social Security. For Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) employees, Social Security will likely be a helpful supplement to your pension income. Even if you are not yet eligible for Social Security, you can check your estimated future benefits and educate yourself on the process of filing for disability if needed.  
• Real estate. Consider what it might take to put your house on the market, either to create liquidity or due to relocating with your agency. 

For customized guidance for your specific situation, reach out to a financial advisor today. 

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.  

2025-6535