π¨ Just Fired as a Federal Employee? I Went Live on TikTok β Watch Now for Your Next Steps! π¨
Feb 14, 2025π¨ I Just Went Live to Break This Down—Watch the Full Video Here! π¨
If you’re a probationary federal employee who just got caught up in the mass terminations happening across multiple agencies, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next.
Take a deep breath—you still have options. But you need to move fast to protect your career, finances, and future opportunities.
π I covered this in my latest live session—watch the video now for full details. If you need a quick recap, here are the five essential steps you need to take immediately:
β 1οΈβ£ File for Unemployment ASAP
Even if your agency told you that you don’t qualify, APPLY ANYWAY.
Why? Each state has different unemployment rules, and in many cases, poor performance is NOT considered misconduct—which means you may still be eligible for benefits.
π Pro Tip:
- Use neutral language when applying. Say “released during probationary period” instead of “fired” or “terminated.”
- Avoid words that suggest wrongdoing or cause—this can increase your chances of approval.
- Apply as soon as possible! Unemployment benefits aren’t retroactive to your termination date—you only start getting paid from the date you file.
β 2οΈβ£ Request Your SF-50 & Personnel File
Your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) is one of the most important documents for your next steps.
Why does this matter?
πΉ You need it to apply for other federal jobs in the future.
πΉ It can help verify your eligibility for unemployment benefits.
πΉ If you want to challenge your termination, this document is critical.
π Pro Tip:
Some agencies have altered performance records before termination to justify firings. Request a copy of your last performance review to check for changes.
β‘οΈ How to get your SF-50: Contact your HR department and request a full copy of your personnel file.
β 3οΈβ£ Check for Possible Legal Claims
Most probationary employees do not have appeal rights—but you might have legal grounds to fight back if your firing was unlawful.
Potential Legal Cases:
βοΈ Discrimination: Were you fired because of race, gender, disability, pregnancy, or age? You may have a claim under 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(1).
βοΈ Whistleblower Retaliation: Did you report misconduct, fraud, or violations before being fired? The Whistleblower Protection Act may protect you.
βοΈ Partisan Political Retaliation: If you were fired because of your political affiliation (e.g., supporting or opposing a party or candidate), you may have an appealable case under 5 C.F.R. § 315.806(b).
π Pro Tip:
If you suspect your termination was unlawful, document EVERYTHING. Save emails, messages, and details of conversations with supervisors. This could help if you file an EEOC complaint or an OSC (Office of Special Counsel) claim.
β‘οΈ Need legal guidance? Join my membership for expert insights on your next steps.
β 4οΈβ£ Explore Rehire & Job Options
Getting fired from one federal agency doesn’t mean you’re permanently banned from government work.
πΉ Look for jobs at state & local governments—they often have similar roles.
πΉ Check private-sector jobs that contract with federal agencies.
πΉ Network with former coworkers & supervisors who may help with referrals.
π Pro Tip:
If your SF-50 says "Terminated for Performance," some agencies may hesitate to rehire—but others will still consider you.
β‘οΈ Start applying NOW—don’t wait.
β 5οΈβ£ Take Care of Your Mental Health
Losing a job isn’t just about money—it affects your identity, stability, and future. It’s completely normal to experience:
π Shock & Denial – “Did this really happen?”
π‘ Anger – “This is unfair.”
π¨ Anxiety & Fear – “What do I do now?”
π Guilt or Self-Doubt – “Did I do something wrong?”
π Sadness & Grief – “I lost something important.”
π Pro Tip:
πΉ Take a deep breath. This does NOT define you.
πΉ Limit negative self-talk. You are still valuable, capable, and employable.
πΉ Don’t isolate. Reach out to friends, family, or professional support.
β‘οΈ If you need help navigating the stress, join my membership for expert guidance on both legal rights AND stress management tools.
π₯ BONUS: Watch My Live Q&A Replay & Join Tomorrow's Live Session at 11 AM EST!
I know many of you still have questions about your rights, unemployment, or next steps. That’s why I hosted a LIVE session today—you can watch the replay right now!
πΉ And tomorrow at 11 AM EST, I’ll be hosting another LIVE Q&A inside The Mindful Federal Employee Membership.
π‘ What you’ll get inside the membership:
β
Answers to your legal & career questions in real-time
β
Step-by-step guidance on unemployment, SF-50s, & appeals
β
Mindfulness & stress management tools to help you move forward
π Sign up for a FREE 3-day trial now!