Anonymous wrote: Lots have Feds have no network — at my agency stay until retirement and one foot in grave!

How is it even possible? I work as a Fed from 1990 to 1997, left for the private sector after that. I developed a network that in 2000 during the dot com crash, and I got layoff, I reached out to my "fed" network and was hired back as a GS-14. Left again in 2004 to join the private sector. Came back to the government in 2010, and left again for private sector in 2017. A few of my former "Fed" was riffed last month, and they reached out to me. I was able to get four of five hired by my current employer. "network" is the most important you can do in your career if and/or when you need it. Your network is your net worth.

Anonymous wrote:This whole thing feels like a false “choice”. Scrambling around to decide in about 7-10 days without really knowing what the impacts will be. This is so hard.

That is because it is. But RIFs are unlikely to happen (generally speaking; however, you may be in an agency or position where they are likely to happen; you know better than me) - they aren’t going to make a list of who to re-hire. Consider what vulnerabilities you have in your position (relocation; potential Sch F). If you have few vulnerabilities and if the job is not miserable, maybe don’t be bullied and hold the line.

But if you are miserable or your health is taking a hit or you are vulnerable, then do what makes sense.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone eligible for VERA should take it unless they really can’t afford to give up their salary.

Most federal people in their early 50s need their salary. They are supporting their kids, finally building wealth. Your statement is ridiculous. And most GS 15s, ses, or finreg salaries are good salaries.

I think the PP pushing VERA is likely DOGE or MAGA. They do not want to RIF anyone because they want to have the freedom to hire their own people under Sch C at a salary of $190K. They are shaking people out - I do not blame anyone for leaving with whatever they can if they are suffering. But for those not suffering, the scare tactics are only that - scare tactics. They may try a different approach, Sch F or relocation, but there will be as few RIFs as possible and most likely only for offices they want to shutter. They gotta free up spaces for their $190K minions.

For those people already looking, what is a reasonable amount of time to expect that it will take to look for a senior level position in the private sector?