OP here and not a fed employee. I updated my resume today and will send to some similar positions first.

Interesting that six sigma is a stain now. What are people doing for performance improvement now? I do use some AI now but mostly for infographics and help with some coding.

I am not sure what my low stress, purposeful position would be as yet. It is fun to think about though.

Anonymous wrote:What agency is reorg with RIF in 2026???

? why do you assume OP is a fed?

OP, I'm 56. I'm going to retire probably this or next year. I'm going to travel, go visit friends who are spread all over the world, spend more time with my sibling and parents who live far from me, fix up my house to get it ready to sell.

I may take short term contracts -- like < 6 months. I want a lot more free time now that the kids are out of the house.

I would do the least stressful, most time for yourself thing that you can find

What agency is reorg with RIF in 2026???

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have some skills that will transfer-performance improvement (Lean and six sigma certificates), project management (PMP), and data visualizations.

six sigma?

black stain

I wouldn't say it's a black stain, but it is dated.
Perhaps take a graduate course on AI in project management.

AI is the answer

Could you start a consulting company helping small businesses?

Anonymous wrote:I have some skills that will transfer-performance improvement (Lean and six sigma certificates), project management (PMP), and data visualizations.

six sigma?

black stain

I’m turning 50. Wish I could have had VERA but missed the cutoff, so am planning to quit and change career paths to do what I really want to do. You only live once! I’m going to make the most of the rest of my life!

I'm in the same space with a limited set of skills. While I'm not likely to be RIFed, I'm just done. I would love to continue working somehow but I'm at a loss. Following this thread.

Upwork you could make decent money and still engage your mind without the stress

Start looking around to see what is available in your field. I would start with that then see what you are interested in with what is currently available. Send out resumes to see how marketable your skills actually are in this current job market.

I have some skills that will transfer-performance improvement (Lean and six sigma certificates), project management (PMP), and data visualizations.

What exactly do you do? What is "more meaningful" to you?

In your 50s you're probably locked into a certain kind of skill set and that will dictate your ability to shift into a different kind of role.

Reorganization at work will likely lead to RIF for quite a few employees. Thinking about what to do if I find myself in need of a new job later in the summer.
I don’t need to make any specific salary. While house is not paid off we are close. Kids are launched. Savings is good. DH is retired military so we have Tricare. I need to work but I don’t need a high salary. I am hoping to remain in a hybrid or move to remote job.

Would try to stay in the same field and maintain management position for 7-10 years or would you take a step back/down and do something more meaningful?