Laid Off from the Federal Government? Here’s How to Land on Your Feet
If you’ve spent years working for the federal government, whether in maintenance, security, transportation, administrative support, or any of the hundreds of blue-collar jobs that keep things running, it probably felt like a stable career. Until now. With layoffs hitting federal workers hard, you might be wondering: What’s next?
Good news: There are tons of opportunities out there, and you don’t have to start over from scratch. Whether you want to stay local, go remote, or even switch industries, here’s how to make your next move.
1. Your Skills Are in Demand, You Just Have to Market Them
You might not realize it, but private companies need workers with your experience. The trick is learning how to translate your government job into terms they understand.
✅ Worked in security? Look at private security firms, logistics companies, and corporate safety positions.
✅ Did maintenance or facility work? Schools, hospitals, and property management companies need those skills.
✅ Drove trucks or did transportation? Warehouses, delivery services (FedEx, Amazon), and construction firms are hiring.
✅ Handled admin work? Offices everywhere need operations and office managers, especially if you have experience with budgets or HR.
Pro Tip: Many private-sector jobs don’t require a fancy resume, but having one can help. If you need a quick and easy resume builder, check out MyPerfectResume or Resume.com.
2. Get Into Fields That Pay Well (Without More School)
If you’re open to trying something new, there are high-paying blue-collar jobs with little to no extra training needed. Some even offer paid apprenticeships or fast-track training programs.
🚜 Heavy Equipment Operator – Construction companies and city governments are looking for trained operators. Many will train you on the job.
🔧 HVAC Tech / Electrician / Plumber – Skilled trades are in huge demand. If you’ve done mechanical work before, check out Apprenticeship.gov to find training programs near you.
🚚 CDL Truck Driving – If you drove for the government, private trucking companies may take you without extra certification. Check out DriveForWalmart or Indeed’s CDL jobs.
📦 Warehouse and Logistics Jobs – Amazon, UPS, and other logistics companies are hiring like crazy, especially for forklift operators and warehouse supervisors.
3. Use Federal & State Resources to Get Back to Work
You’re not alone in this, and there are programs designed specifically to help laid-off federal workers find new jobs.
🔹 CareerOneStop – Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this site helps you find training, unemployment benefits, and local job openings.
🔹 Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) – If your layoff was part of a government downsizing or outsourcing move, you might qualify for paid job training, relocation assistance, or even extra unemployment benefits.
🔹 Local Workforce Centers – Almost every state has free job training and placement programs for laid-off workers. Just Google your state + “workforce development” to find help near you.
4. Remote Work Is an Option (Even for Hands-On Jobs!)
If you’re in a small town with few job options, remote work could be a lifesaver. And no, it’s not just for office workers!
Remote-friendly jobs for blue-collar workers:
💻 Customer Service & Tech Support – Many companies, including Amazon, Apple, and U-Haul, hire remote support reps. Check Work From Home Jobs for listings.
🔨 Virtual Handyman Consultation – Believe it or not, some companies pay experts to help customers troubleshoot home repairs over video calls. Check out Fixer.com or handyman consultant roles on Upwork.
📦 Dispatching & Logistics Coordination – If you have experience in transportation or supply chain management, companies like Uber Freight and logistics firms hire remote coordinators.
5. Consider Government Contractors (Same Skills, Different Badge)
Many companies contract with the government to do the same jobs that federal employees did. That means they might be looking to hire people with your exact experience.
Top federal contractors hiring right now:
🔹 Boeing – Maintenance, manufacturing, and logistics roles.
🔹 Lockheed Martin – Security, facility maintenance, and transport positions.
🔹 Fluor – A big contractor for infrastructure and engineering projects.
Pro Tip: Check USAJobs.gov for federal contractor positions that require similar experience to your old job.
6. Keep Moving Forward—Even Small Steps Count
Losing a job is tough, especially when it feels like your whole industry is shrinking. But there’s work out there, and you already have the skills to get hired.
💪 Set small goals – Apply for 2-3 jobs a day, reach out to people in your network, and stay consistent.
👀 Look outside your comfort zone – You might not have considered trucking, HVAC, or logistics before, but they can pay really well.
🎉 Take wins where you can – Even getting an interview is progress! Keep pushing forward.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Yeah, this situation isn’t ideal, but you have options. Whether you want to stay in your field, switch things up, or go remote, there’s a job out there for you.