Mar 3, 2025
Gregory House was six weeks shy of completing his job probation at Veterans Affairs in Salt Lake City when he got unexpected news — he’d been terminated for “performance” issues.
The disabled veteran, who served four years in the U.S. Navy before returning to Utah, learned about his layoff via email, not long after his manager gave him five out five on a performance review.
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"I felt numb,” House told CBS Channel 2 KUTV. “It felt like a betrayal."
House thought he'd found his dream job in public affairs at the VA office when he was hired in March 2024. Now, he’s one of 30,000 federal workers let go as part of Elon Musk and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cost-cutting measures.
No job protection during probation
DOGE has targeted federal workers like House still in their probationary periods precisely because they have no job protections and can easily be let go.
On Feb. 13, a VA press release announced the dismissal of more than 1,000 employees on probation, a period that can last up to two years. The next day, House saw an email from Veterans Affairs’ HR announcing his own layoff.
"After skimming through the email to see if it was joke, I noticed a line in there that said due to my performance, the agency has decided my employment was no longer in the public's interest,” House recounted.
It's not just federal workers at risk. TechCrunch reports that more than 6,000 tech workers were laid off in January. Corporations including Chevron, Starbucks, Kohl's, and JPMorgan Chase, have also announced layoffs.
No wonder nearly one in three Americans has "layoff anxiety,” as a Clarify Capital survey reveals. Being prepared can help you navigate the uncertainty and help you get back on your feet faster.
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Laid off? 5 steps to bounce back faster
If you're still employed, work on saving an emergency fund that covers three to six months of living expenses. If you do get laid off, follow these steps:
1. Negotiate your severance or ask for extended benefits.
Even if your employer doesn't offer severance, it doesn't hurt to ask. If they do offer severance, ask to negotiate the amount — just be prepared to back up your ask with proof of the value you provided. Some companies will also extend health coverage, offer a payout of unused personal time off or sick leave or provide job placement assistance.
2. Review your non-compete and employment contracts.
Before jumping into your job search, review rules in your employment contract around severance, communication with previous clients as well as non-compete and other restrictive clauses in your contract. A new Federal Trade Commission rule makes most non-competes unenforceable, but it's important to know what’s in your contract.
3. Take a hard look at your finances.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average worker is out of work 20 weeks. If you find yourself suddenly without an income, take a hard look at your budget and savings to make sure you can get by that long. Reduce non-essential expenses, pause large purchases, and contact creditors like your mortgage company to see if they offer hardship programs. If you have an emergency fund, calculate how long it can sustain you and adjust spending accordingly.
4. Update your resumé.
As soon as possible, start updating your resumé. It's easy to forget what you did even after just a few weeks. Add responsibilities, projects and anything else that will make you attractive to potential employers. Use active words like "led" or "directed" rather than "achieved" or "helped." Ask former bosses or colleagues for referrals.
5. Start networking strategically.
Update your LinkedIn profile to let your network know you're looking for a new role. Don't go overboard networking: Be strategic and reach out to people who are in your field or actively hiring. Reach out to former colleagues and attend industry events to stay connected to your field and meet new people. Many jobs are filled through referrals, so making connections can open doors faster than sending out cold applications.
It's natural to feel a mix of emotions after being laid off: anger, frustration, and even shame. Give yourself time to grieve. When you're ready, these steps can serve as a plan to help you land your next opportunity.
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Danielle is a personal finance writer whose work has appeared in publications including Motley Fool and Business Insider. She believes financial literacy key to helping people build a life they love. She’s especially passionate about helping families and kids learn smart money habits early.
