The Federal Employee Survival Blog

Cut through the jargon and get the clarity you need to stay a step ahead of agency politics. Each article unpacks new policy shifts, court rulings, and workplace trends, then turns them into actionable tactics—so you can head off discipline, invoke EEO or whistleblower protections with confidence, and keep your documentation airtight. We also archive our most popular social-media explainer threads here, giving you the same insights followed by more than 150,000 people online even if you never scroll on those sites. Read, prepare, and keep your federal career firmly in your control.

 
Supreme Court Fight Over CPSC Firings Could Gut Federal Job Protections cpsc federal employment for-cause removal independent agencies supreme court Jul 14, 2025

If you're a federal employee—especially one with for-cause removal protections—there's a case flying under the radar that deserves your full attention. On July 2, the Biden administration asked the Su...

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What to Do If You're Hit by a RIF at State or Any Federal Agency federal employment mindfulness at work mspb appeals rif appeals state department layoffs Jul 14, 2025

Last Friday, over 1,300 employees at the State Department received notice of a Reduction in Force (RIF). Most were career civil servants; some were Foreign Service officers. For many, the 60-day separ...

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Supreme Court RIF Ruling: What Judge Illston’s New Order Means federal employment federal layoffs judge illston rulings mspb appeals rif updates Jul 11, 2025

Federal employees nationwide have been bracing for mass reductions in force (RIFs) after the Supreme Court lifted Judge Illston’s previous block on agency layoffs. But a late Wednesday night ruling ha...

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State Department RIFs: Key Steps for Federal Employees eopf audit federal employment mindfulness at work reduction in force state department rif Jul 11, 2025

The State Department has confirmed reductions in force (RIFs) targeting roughly 3,400 positions, with around 2,000 notices expected to arrive imminently—possibly today. Roles tied to passports, visas,...

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Southworth PC Hiring Remote Attorneys for Federal Practice attorney hiring eeoc claims federal employment mspb appeals whistleblower retaliation Jul 10, 2025

If you’re an attorney with courtroom fire and a heart for public service, Southworth PC invites you to consider joining our team. We are expanding to hire two, possibly three, remote attorneys to stre...

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How to Support a Federal Colleague or Loved One Facing RIF Anxiety federal employment federal layoffs mindfulness at work rif guidance workplace leadership Jul 10, 2025

When the Supreme Court green-lit broader Reduction in Force (RIF) measures, many federal employees began doom-scrolling in fear. If your teammate or loved one is among them, here’s how to show up mean...

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What Happens After a Federal RIF Notice federal employment federal layoffs mspb appeals reduction in force rif notices Jul 10, 2025

If you’ve received a Reduction in Force (RIF) notice or fear one is coming, understanding what triggers a fresh 60-day notice—and what doesn’t—can protect your job, retirement timeline, and peace of m...

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Mindful Tools for Federal Employees Facing RIF Anxiety federal employee rights federal employment mindfulness at work rif anxiety stress reduction Jul 09, 2025

If recent Reduction in Force (RIF) discussions have you feeling exhausted, you’re not alone. Many federal employees are riding an emotional rollercoaster this year—navigating shifting budgets, mission...

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Supreme Court Ruling on RIFs: What Federal Employees Need to Know executive orders federal employment mspb appeals rifs supreme court ruling Jul 08, 2025

The Supreme Court issued a ruling in Trump v. AFGE that left many federal employees feeling anxious and confused. Let’s unpack what this decision actually means for you so you can respond with clarity...

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No Department-Wide RIF at VA – But Don’t Let Your Guard Down federal employee rights federal employment mindfulness at work reduction in force va rif Jul 07, 2025

VA Secretary Doug Collins announced that a department-wide reduction in force (RIF) is officially “off the table.” For many federal employees, this lifts the heavy fear of 70,000–80,000 rumored cuts t...

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EPA Admin Leave Fallout: What Federal Employees Need to Know administrative leave epa discipline federal employment first amendment retaliation mindfulness at work Jul 07, 2025

Last week, 139 Environmental Protection Agency employees were abruptly placed on temporary, non-duty paid status—administrative leave—after signing a four-page declaration criticizing Administrator Le...

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The Supreme Court’s Silence on RIF: What Federal Employees Should Know federal employment mspb appeals rif injunction shadow docket supreme court Jul 07, 2025

Federal employees across agencies are anxiously refreshing for news on the Supreme Court’s ruling on the nationwide RIF (Reduction in Force) injunction. As of today, no decision has been issued. The b...

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