NEW YORK — Job postings for positions such as park ranger, nuclear submarine engineer, and sled dog musher may seem out of place, but for many federal workers recently let go due to budget cuts, these postings represent a type of hopeful dreaming. Following significant layoffs instigated by President Donald Trump’s cost-reduction initiatives, many of these employees are now navigating an uncertain job market.
Eric Anderson, 48, a former biological science technician at Indiana Dunes National Park, highlights the challenges facing those with specialized roles. “If your expertise lies in tasks such as vegetation sampling or prescribed fire, opportunities can be scarce,” he explains. Following his termination on February 14, the years of experience and education he accrued—such as obtaining a master’s degree and engaging in wildfire deployments—suddenly felt invalidated by a single notification. Despite his hopes of being reinstated, he is grappling with uncertainty about his next steps, a situation that has also led to physical stress, like breaking a tooth from grinding his teeth. “It feels like someone has thrown a hand grenade into the system and we’re merely waiting to see the aftermath,” he contemplates.
The federal cutbacks are attributed to initiatives by the Department of Government Efficiency, which is under the leadership of billionaire Elon Musk. This department is aggressively scrutinizing federal agencies for potential waste. While no official figures on the number of layoffs have been provided, estimates suggest the cuts are affecting thousands across the country. It’s noteworthy that more than 80% of the federal workforce of 2.4 million civilians operates outside the Washington, D.C. region.
One of those impacted is Cathy Nguyen, 51, who lost her position at USAID last month while managing the critical PEPFAR program aimed at curbing HIV/AIDS. The fallout from her layoff has not only introduced the pressure of seeking new health insurance but has also necessitated a reassessment of her career aspirations, including halting savings for her children’s education. “I find myself needing to rethink my professional priorities,” she stated, noting that PEPFAR’s impact—believed to have saved approximately 26 million lives—represents a singular achievement, making her transition to other roles especially challenging.
Mitch Flanigan, 40, had been working in the sled dog kennels at Denali National Park in Alaska until his termination on the same day as Anderson. Although the job was not immensely lucrative, the unique experience of dog mushing against a stunning landscape was rewarding. Flanigan has since filed an appeal regarding his job loss with the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board. “I want to advocate for the position I enjoyed,” he shares, emphasizing that while the financial benefits were limited, the experience was genuinely fulfilling.
According to a report from the Federal Salary Council, federal employees typically earn 25% less than their private-sector counterparts. The Congressional Budget Office recently released information detailing pay discrepancies which noted that while federal workers with lower education levels tend to earn slightly more than their private-sector equivalents, this advantage dissipates for those with higher degrees. In fact, those holding bachelor’s degrees earn about 10% less than their private-sector peers, with a stark 29% pay deficit for professionals possessing advanced degrees. Benefits comparisons reveal that federal packages are generally superior for less-educated workers, leveling off for those more educated.
The layoffs have prompted a diverse group of former federal employees—from diplomats to public health officials—to enter a competitive job market. Gracie Lynne, a 32-year-old past fellow at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) from Eugene, Oregon, faced a significant life change after being let go. Having witnessed the financial struggles of her family during the Great Recession, she was passionate about financial regulation and had dedicated her career to the CFPB. Now, as she navigates pregnancy and joblessness, she faces the challenge of securing new insurance before the arrival of her child. Determined to continue her mission, she declares, “This experience has only intensified my dedication to the public sector and protecting consumers.”
Meanwhile, 24-year-old Luke Tobin, who worked as a forestry technician in Idaho’s Nez Perce National Forest until his firing on February 14, finds Musk’s accusations of waste ironic. He claims that underfunding and sparse staffing were significant issues. Earning approximately $19 an hour while facing furloughs, he relished the adventures that came with backpacking through remote wilderness for his job. Now amid a frantic job search that has yielded minimal success, he remarks, “I need a job, any job.”
With many skilled workers now seeking employment outside the federal agencies they once served, the impact of these layoffs is expected to resonate throughout various sectors as individuals adapt to an evolving job landscape marked by change and uncertainty.
