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milestogo

(20,441 posts)
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 11:58 AM Monday

I just lost my federal government job.

I was a contractor and I work from home. I thought the project had 2 more months. Apparently they got some pressure to reduce the payroll so they told me this was my last day.

When you're at home they can't walk you out of the building.

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I just lost my federal government job. (Original Post) milestogo Monday OP
Damn. underpants Monday #1
Sorry to hear that newdeal2 Monday #2
Judiciary. milestogo Monday #5
Figures newdeal2 Monday #33
I am so sorry jmbar2 Monday #3
Sad... Clouds Passing Monday #4
So sorry to hear that. yellow dahlia Monday #6
Dammit milestogo Nittersing Monday #7
I'm so sorry. There are no words to adequately express how much I hate what Trump and Musk highplainsdem Monday #8
sorry ..... peacebuzzard Monday #9
I'm sorry SARose Monday #10
That sucks. Can we help? Nevilledog Monday #11
I'm so sorry. nt Phoenix61 Monday #12
Damn, so sorry Traildogbob Monday #13
Thank you. milestogo Monday #21
I sincerely Traildogbob Monday #28
I am sorry to hear that. It would not surprise me if they call you back shortly. LoisB Monday #14
I really doubt it. milestogo Monday #20
Sorry. Sucks. Solly Mack Monday #15
Maybe it is time to create employee owned businesses to compete with capitalism-can you imagine that crap the capitalist Stargazer99 Monday #16
Sorry this happened to you Bettie Monday #17
Thanks. I hope so too. milestogo Monday #18
I'm so sorry MustLoveBeagles Monday #19
Apply for unemployment. multigraincracker Monday #22
Sorry to hear that... Shambala Monday #23
Usually not as a contractor MichMan Monday #31
None. milestogo Monday #35
Sorry to hear that IronLionZion Monday #24
Sorry to hear that relayerbob Monday #25
Those bastards. 1WorldHope Monday #26
What were you planning to do when it ended in a couple months as originally thought? MichMan Monday #27
I'm sorry. I'm SO SICK of this destructive, senseless, penny-wise, pound-foolish bullshit! CousinIT Monday #29
That's sad to hear. dchill Monday #30
Yikes! Sorry to hear this. Hopefully you'll have some unemployment $ for a while! nt Exp Monday #32
Dang MissB Monday #34
More time to post on DU JoseBalow Monday #36
So sorry 😢 Meowmee Monday #37
I'm sorry, milestogo. Aristus Monday #38
I'm sorry milestogo. JMCKUSICK Monday #39
I am so sorry. ☹️ chia Monday #40
I am so sorry Deep State Witch Monday #41
So sorry to hear this. barbtries Monday #42
Sorry! That just sucks PortTack Monday #43
I am so sorry, also. Jay25 Monday #44
I am so sorry blogslug Monday #45
Doesn't seem right lindalou65 Monday #46
So sorry this happened to you, milestogo. democrank Monday #47
This message was self-deleted by its author Submariner Monday #48
We really need to be careful Sub DENVERPOPS Monday #51
You make a good point Submariner Monday #53
I am sick to my stomach constantly DENVERPOPS Monday #57
Damn malaise Monday #49
Sorry to hear this, Miles! SheltieLover Monday #50
I'm so sorry. How awful. yardwork Monday #52
If you want, one of us could come and perp walk you out of your house. allegorical oracle Monday #54
That is just so wrong Mountain Mule Monday #55
I'm so sorry to hear this. greatauntoftriplets Monday #56
Best of luck going forward. Joinfortmill Monday #58
Thanks everyone. milestogo Monday #59
Make sure someone there has your contact information More_Cowbell Monday #60
Thank you. milestogo Monday #61
What's worst is justaprogressive Monday #62
The illusion of 2 more months employment and the possiility milestogo Monday #64
Damn miles that's awful Docreed2003 Monday #63
Ugh BumRushDaShow Monday #65
Had a conversation with one of my also-laid off coworkers this afternoon. milestogo Monday #69
That Wasn't My Experience DET Monday #80
I was a contractor, not a subcontractor milestogo Monday #81
Thanks for the explanation DET Monday #83
My manager and the HR person were both kind and empathetic. milestogo Monday #84
I know what you mean. Haggard Celine Tuesday #85
Sorry this shit has affected you Demobrat Monday #66
I am so sorry milestogo. debm55 Monday #67
Thanks deb milestogo Monday #68
I am so sorry to hear this Ruby the Liberal Monday #70
I'm infuriated UTUSN Monday #71
I'm so sorry. *hugs* GPV Monday #72
I'm so sorry this is happened to you. HeartsCanHope Monday #73
Why zero notice on top of everything MadameButterfly Monday #74
apparently it makes doge look good milestogo Monday #76
I worked in a manufacturing plant support role as a temp contract employee for a few months in 2010. MichMan Monday #82
Sending you all the best wishes and thoughts for the next phase of life you are embarking on. MLAA Monday #75
How long had you worked there? Violet_Crumble Monday #77
Damn, so sorry! electric_blue68 Monday #78
That sucks cate94 Monday #79
Bad break, milestogo! True Dough Tuesday #86
Ugh! So sorry. Oopsie Daisy Tuesday #87
No I was a remote worker. milestogo Tuesday #88
Sudden unemployment is a destabilizing force Farmer-Rick Tuesday #89
I'm so sorry this has happened to you. Ilsa Tuesday #90
Thank you. milestogo Tuesday #91
A day later Wild blueberry Tuesday #92
thank you milestogo Tuesday #94
Sorry to see that... IthinkThereforeIAM Tuesday #93

newdeal2

(2,413 posts)
2. Sorry to hear that
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 12:01 PM
Monday

Can you share what department you were working in without doxing yourself? I'm curious what areas they are cutting now.

milestogo

(20,441 posts)
5. Judiciary.
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 12:02 PM
Monday

So not really under the executive branch, shouldn't be subject to DOGE. But I worked for them through an agency.

jmbar2

(6,839 posts)
3. I am so sorry
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 12:02 PM
Monday

Getting laid off is like getting punched in the gut. If affects everything in your life. I hope that you have a cushion that will give you time to process this loss. Hang in there.

highplainsdem

(55,682 posts)
8. I'm so sorry. There are no words to adequately express how much I hate what Trump and Musk
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 12:03 PM
Monday

are doing. How unfair it is, to both the workers and everyone their work helped.

SARose

(1,398 posts)
10. I'm sorry
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 12:03 PM
Monday

My husband and I both worked in the oil business when it went south in the 80’s.

I shut down 3 seismic crews in one day. Worst thing I ever had to do.

Black April 15 - all Gulf exploration cancelled. My husband was riding a seismic boat at the time.

I feel for you. It’s a helluva jolt.

Traildogbob

(11,079 posts)
13. Damn, so sorry
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 12:15 PM
Monday

It may mean nothing but know lots of us out here do care about your situation.
I taught Forest Management at college and most of my students had jobs as Fire Fighters and every Ranger position in multiple federal jobs. So many are getting fired with 10+ years at the job, now also losing pensions, they pay into.
I hate this shit show so bad, we are hurting that you have had this brought on you by these billionaires.

Traildogbob

(11,079 posts)
28. I sincerely
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 12:46 PM
Monday

Wish you much better. As I do my students that are Certainly as devastated as you. I wish I could help in some way. Damn this regime. I am On SS with a state pension, still considered poverty level income, but I know how to live on it.
It could all be gone at the stroke of a DOGE pen.
The country I served, volunteered during Nam, has gotten here.

Stargazer99

(3,187 posts)
16. Maybe it is time to create employee owned businesses to compete with capitalism-can you imagine that crap the capitalist
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 12:21 PM
Monday

would try to keep that from happening?
Bernie Sanders can explain employee owned businesses and how successful they are in Spain

multigraincracker

(35,556 posts)
22. Apply for unemployment.
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 12:37 PM
Monday

Never know, might get some cash while looking for the next job.
Hope this turns into a better job for you
Best of luck.

MichMan

(15,044 posts)
31. Usually not as a contractor
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 12:46 PM
Monday

May not be eligible for unemployment either if you were self employed depending on the state.

IronLionZion

(48,661 posts)
24. Sorry to hear that
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 12:41 PM
Monday

I would think eventually Congress will decide somebody needs to do the work to fix what DOGE broke. Then they would hire more contractors. It's taking longer than I expected.

If you're in an area with private sector jobs, it might be a good time to apply and interview for those. Some parts of the US are already in recession like the border areas and DC area.

relayerbob

(7,160 posts)
25. Sorry to hear that
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 12:42 PM
Monday

and hope you were already well on your way to finding the next job, since this couldn't have come as much as much of a surprise.

1WorldHope

(1,166 posts)
26. Those bastards.
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 12:42 PM
Monday

It already feels like everything is falling apart around us. That's just the icing you needed on your cake.
Wait. No cake for you. 🤮

CousinIT

(11,298 posts)
29. I'm sorry. I'm SO SICK of this destructive, senseless, penny-wise, pound-foolish bullshit!
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 12:46 PM
Monday

I hope you'll be OK.

JMCKUSICK

(2,123 posts)
39. I'm sorry milestogo.
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 01:27 PM
Monday

It sure would be nice if you had the opportunity to chase a dream right now. My prayers are with you that what is best for you becomes quickly visible to you.
God Speed.

barbtries

(30,368 posts)
42. So sorry to hear this.
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 01:50 PM
Monday

they never think about the investment that's already been made. I feel quite certain that doge is wasting way more money than it's saving.

Response to milestogo (Original post)

DENVERPOPS

(11,974 posts)
51. We really need to be careful Sub
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 02:31 PM
Monday

with what we joke about......... with all that is going on...............Soon Elon/Trump will be looking for any one that Disses them in any manner......

DENVERPOPS

(11,974 posts)
57. I am sick to my stomach constantly
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 03:09 PM
Monday

about all the shit that is happening and their shit that only is getting worse EVERY DAY.

Computers, emails, texts, etc, with Elon running around, is scary beyond belief........

Look at what Trump is threatening to Media journalists for even voicing their opinion, as a violation of "Freedom of Speech" which he ignores, that is guaranteed in the Constitution.......

There was a movie years ago that the plot was based on......"No More Secrets" and we have gone into Warp Speed to that becoming a reality....

allegorical oracle

(4,767 posts)
54. If you want, one of us could come and perp walk you out of your house.
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 02:43 PM
Monday

You're smart and you'll find a new gig -- maybe a better one. (Yeah, the hunt is a pain.)

greatauntoftriplets

(177,564 posts)
56. I'm so sorry to hear this.
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 03:05 PM
Monday

The assholes running the country to ruin will one day have a lot to answer for. Best of luck on your search.

milestogo

(20,441 posts)
59. Thanks everyone.
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 03:37 PM
Monday

About half the team was cut. Just a skeleton crew left to finish the project.

They had reassured us over and over that our jobs were secure through June 30. Then we were cut off with no notice. Nobody is close to getting another job.

More_Cowbell

(2,219 posts)
60. Make sure someone there has your contact information
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 03:41 PM
Monday

In case they realize that they really do need you.

I'm sorry, and I'm sending you good thoughts.

milestogo

(20,441 posts)
64. The illusion of 2 more months employment and the possiility
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 04:22 PM
Monday

of another project after that. All flushed down the toilet.

IT Security is not a government priority, not for this administration.

Docreed2003

(18,140 posts)
63. Damn miles that's awful
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 04:20 PM
Monday

I know you have the experience to land on your feet but it doesn't help in the moment when the rug has been pulled out from under you.

BumRushDaShow

(151,719 posts)
65. Ugh
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 05:13 PM
Monday


What a friggin PITA.

I had found out a couple weeks ago that at least 8 of my former coworkers who were still at my office either put in for retirment, took the (illegal) buyout, or were (illegally) RIF'd.

Hoping you can maybe get something in a state/local office.

milestogo

(20,441 posts)
69. Had a conversation with one of my also-laid off coworkers this afternoon.
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 05:37 PM
Monday

He has done several government contracts and said they always give you adequate notice when they need to let you go. The difference here is Trump.

I won't look at government jobs - too unstable.

DET

(1,974 posts)
80. That Wasn't My Experience
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 08:54 PM
Monday

I’ve seen an entire floor of people laid off in an afternoon with no warning. I’ve seen several contracts cancelled abruptly and all staff immediately laid off. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it sounds like you’re subcontracting to a contractor who has the Government contract on which you were working. That’s about as precarious as it gets. In my experience, a Government contractor will sometimes cut you some slack if you are an employee of the company, but not if you are an independent contractor.

Having said that, getting laid off abruptly is a real shock, and I’m very sorry that you’re going through this. I can only imagine the shock that Government employees - especially long-timers - are going through after being fired by DOGE. One of the greatest benefits of working for the Government used to be rock solid job security (except during the occasional RIF). Being fired - especially without cause - is just not in their life experience. There’s a lot of trauma out there under this administration.

milestogo

(20,441 posts)
81. I was a contractor, not a subcontractor
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 09:22 PM
Monday

And the contracting company has had many contracts with the Federal Government. So I was an employee of the Contract company and the position was supposedly funded through June. I don't really know what happened - it was a shock to me and they didn't give much of an explanation.

DET

(1,974 posts)
83. Thanks for the explanation
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 10:25 PM
Monday

The biggest downside of being a Government contractor is that there really is no job security - even when you think there is. In my experience (admittedly, some time ago - DC area) a big Government contractor will generally try to find a place for an employee on another contract before letting you go. Unfortunately, with the unconscionable slash and burn tactics of DOGE, your company may have had multiple contracts cut abruptly at pretty much the same time, leaving them with a surplus of employees and nowhere to put them. Corporate management is probably just as shocked as you are. Under normal circumstances, they might give you something like two weeks notice or severance, but they’re probably taking a huge financial hit and can’t afford it.

I don’t know that there’s any point in looking for answers right now since there aren’t any good answers. None of this makes any sense. Eventually, we’ll probably get back to something resembling normal, but we’re all Alice in Wonderland right now.

milestogo

(20,441 posts)
84. My manager and the HR person were both kind and empathetic.
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 10:52 PM
Monday

I don't think I've ever been laid off by nicer people. I knew that it was not my fault, and it was not their choice to do this. It still hurts, but there really is nobody to blame except the powers that want to cut government spending. Somehow the administration will keep going with that mission until nothing functions as it should, and then they'll act surprised.

They hate the judiciary. I'm sure they would love to fire federal judges if they could. Instead they will make it more difficult for them to do their jobs.

Haggard Celine

(17,174 posts)
85. I know what you mean.
Tue Apr 29, 2025, 04:01 AM
Tuesday

Getting fired or let go is a horrible feeling. Even if others are being fired too, it still feels deeply personal, like a sign that the cosmos hates you. I hope you're employed again very soon. The sooner you get another job the better. Employers don't like hiring people who have been out of work for too long. Good luck!d

MadameButterfly

(2,919 posts)
74. Why zero notice on top of everything
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 07:24 PM
Monday

Who does that? What happened to giving someone this month's rent and time to begin looking for a job?
Yeah, I know these guys aren't human and never had to live off of a paycheck. But man, what difference would it make to them if they gave you 2 weeks notice?

milestogo

(20,441 posts)
76. apparently it makes doge look good
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 07:57 PM
Monday

I'm told the Federal Govt does not usually treat people like this. But under TSF, the cruelty is the point.

MichMan

(15,044 posts)
82. I worked in a manufacturing plant support role as a temp contract employee for a few months in 2010.
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 09:45 PM
Monday

When the contract is ended, so is the employment. I was in the middle of a project and was told I could finish out the day, or leave immediately. No hard feelings or anything as I knew it was never intended to be permanent.

MLAA

(19,169 posts)
75. Sending you all the best wishes and thoughts for the next phase of life you are embarking on.
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 07:25 PM
Monday

Violet_Crumble

(36,241 posts)
77. How long had you worked there?
Mon Apr 28, 2025, 08:02 PM
Monday

I'm guessing contracting is similar to how it is here in Australia. I retired last July as a permanent employee in a large agency, and there were contractors who'd been working there for over 20 years.

Sorry they pulled the plug on you and hope you can find another role quickly.

True Dough

(22,868 posts)
86. Bad break, milestogo!
Tue Apr 29, 2025, 06:04 AM
Tuesday

So many axes falling federally under this shitty admin.

Someone else will benefit from hiring you. In the meantime, you have plenty of moral support here on the DU. Take care.

Oopsie Daisy

(5,672 posts)
87. Ugh! So sorry.
Tue Apr 29, 2025, 08:52 AM
Tuesday

Are you in the DC/MD/VA area? It's an expensive place to be unemployed, but hopefully you'll find something soon.

Farmer-Rick

(11,741 posts)
89. Sudden unemployment is a destabilizing force
Tue Apr 29, 2025, 10:20 AM
Tuesday

To the economy, especially to a capitalist economy.

That's why economic crashes and recessions always include huge amounts of job losses. But hay, a drug monkey, pedophile and very short despot are happy about it. So, Musk, Trump and Putin can make a tiny little economy all of their own.

Ilsa

(62,737 posts)
90. I'm so sorry this has happened to you.
Tue Apr 29, 2025, 10:25 AM
Tuesday

And I hate that they take advantage of your remote work situation to make the firing easier.

I hope you can find some quickly, maybe by stealing the project from the bosses.

Wild blueberry

(7,607 posts)
92. A day later
Tue Apr 29, 2025, 10:44 AM
Tuesday

Yesterday all I could say was (expletives deleted) What a rotten thing!
Today sending best wishes for you to find something even better than you could have imagined.
And that the universe is is helping.

Please take care of yourself post-shock.
Let us here know if we can help.

IthinkThereforeIAM

(3,177 posts)
93. Sorry to see that...
Tue Apr 29, 2025, 11:05 AM
Tuesday

... obviously they pulled the rug out from under you as just got to the "fringe end". I am retired USPS, my dad is retired USDA and my kid brother is a USDA inspector in charge, as was my dad. He had been inspecting eggs... but they moved him back to checking the federally inspected local butcher houses/wild game processing places. He has lots of experience from Arizona to Kansas to Wyoming. Hopefully that will keep him employed.

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