Why did he get laid off?
The Trump administration and Elon Musk, who has been called a “special government employee” in the White House, have pushed to cut tens of thousands of U.S. government employees in an effort to reduce the federal workforce. However, firing federal employees isn’t always easy due to the employment protections in place.
Many employees who were let go, like the man in Utah, were in their probationary period, which, according to the Federal News Network, generally lasts one or two years. Until an employee passes that threshold, they can be terminated without the same legal protections granted to fully vested government workers.
“It’s really a trial period, if you will,” Jenny Mattingley, vice president of governmental affairs at the Partnership for Public Service, told FNN.
“With a private sector lens on, usually the idea of probation means you’re on a trial period, but maybe with a more negative connotation. In the federal sector, it means you’re on a trial period before various employment rights, like appeals rights, kick in.”
The Utah man was told he was being let go due to “performance issues,” but he was never given a chance to defend his work. He shared the termination email with KSL-TV, which read, in part:
“Your subject matter, knowledge, skills and abilities do not meet the department’s current needs,” he read.
The mass layoffs of probationary employees have sparked anger and confusion. Some laid-off employees had reportedly already accepted the administration’s deferred resignation offer, which was supposed to guarantee them pay until Sept. 30. Others had critical roles, including those responsible for guarding the nation's nuclear arsenal.
But for this Utah worker and his family, the reason behind the layoff isn’t the priority — figuring out what comes next is.
"It's all we can think about. It's been all I could think about since I first saw that notice," the worker told reporters.
For now, he's staying home with his kids and searching for a new career.
Kiss your credit card debt goodbye
Millions of Americans are struggling to crawl out of debt in the face of record-high interest rates. A personal loan offers lower interest rates and fixed payments, making it a smart choice to consolidate high-interest credit card debt. It helps save money, simplifies payments, and accelerates debt payoff. Credible is a free online service that shows you the best lending options to pay off your credit card debt fast — and save a ton in interest.
Explore better rates5 steps to take after you get laid off
Losing a job is a major disruption. In addition to the financial impact of losing income, many people suffer emotionally as well. However, there are steps you can take to regain stability and find a path forward.
-
Prepare before it happens. Even if your job feels stable, it's always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected. Build an emergency fund that covers three to six months of expenses so you can weather the financial storm. Take courses, read, or pursue certifications in your field so you remain competitive.
-
Take a few days to process, if you can. A layoff can be stressful and feel personal, but remember: in most cases, it's a business decision, not a reflection of your worth. Give yourself time to process your emotions, if it's possible. Take walks, spend time with friends or family, and allow yourself to rest before jumping into job searches.
-
File for unemployment. If you were laid off, you likely qualify for unemployment benefits. Many states have a short waiting period before benefits kick in, so file as soon as possible. Remember, unemployment insurance is there to help bridge the gap between jobs — it’s money your employer paid into the system on your behalf, so don’t hesitate to use it.
-
Update your resume. Start polishing your resume with recent experience and accomplishments. Ask former colleagues and managers for recommendations, and use LinkedIn to let your connections know you're open to work. Many job openings are filled through referrals, so reaching out is important to finding a new job.
-
Consider retraining or earning certifications. Depending on your industry and your feelings about your previous job, consider additional training or certifications. Some fields, like software, health care, and electrical manufacturing, are experiencing high demand and offer certification programs that can be completed in a matter of months. If you qualify, workforce development programs or grants may help cover the cost.
A layoff is never easy, but taking the right steps can help you navigate the challenges and find a new role. For many federal workers, the search for stability continues — but the right plan can help them weather the storm.
The richest 1% use an advisor. Do you?
Wealthy people know that having money is not the same as being good with money. Advisor.com can help you shape your financial future and connect with expert guidance . A trusted advisor helps you make smart choices about investments, retirement savings, and tax planning.
Try it now
