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You Are More Than Your Federal Job

federal employment federal job loss mindfulness at work rif workplace trauma Sep 12, 2025

For many federal employees, service to the government isn’t just a career—it’s an identity. The badge, the clearance, the GS level—these markers can begin to feel like the full measure of your worth. But as both an employment attorney and a mindfulness practitioner, I want to remind you: your role in government is important, but it is not the totality of who you are.

The Mindfulness Concept of “Non-Identification”

In mindfulness, we often use the term non-identification. Jon Kabat-Zinn calls it “Full Catastrophe Living,” while Tara Brach speaks of “Radical Acceptance.” The teaching is simple but profound: see your thoughts, your stress, and even your job responsibilities—but don’t confuse them with who you are. You are more than the meetings, the deadlines, or the performance reviews. For federal employees, this matters deeply because the system can make you feel like your only value is tied to your job title.

A Simple Practice for Boundaries

Here’s a practical exercise you can use today: when you log off, pause and take one conscious breath. Say to yourself, “That was my work identity. Now I’m coming home to myself.” That small act creates a clear boundary—not just for your weekend, but for your mental health. It allows you to reconnect with the parts of yourself that are parent, neighbor, friend, artist, or community builder.

Reframing Job Loss and Trauma

If you’ve been through a Reduction in Force (RIF) or had to walk away after workplace trauma, this practice can help reframe the pain. Losing a federal job is not the same as losing yourself. It is a difficult transition, yes, but mindfulness creates space to remember: what I do is important, but it is not the entirety of who I am. That perspective can lessen the sting of displacement and help you move toward renewal.

Coming Back to Wholeness

Federal service is demanding, and it can take more than it gives at times. But stepping back—putting down the phone, leaving the email for Monday, and nourishing other aspects of your life—is not neglect. It’s balance. It’s a recognition that your wellbeing is as worthy of attention as the work you’ve given to the federal government.

If you’d like deeper strategies for protecting both your career and your peace of mind, our Power Hub offers practical tools and resources tailored for federal employees navigating change.

Wishing you rest and renewal this weekend.

Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While I am a federal employment attorney, this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.

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