Federal Layoffs Surge Amid 'Deferred Resignation' Proposal: How EXFED.co is Helping Former Government Workers Rebuild Their Careers
Washington, D.C. – The federal workforce is undergoing one of the most dramatic shakeups in decades, following a controversial “deferred resignation” proposal from the White House. Designed to encourage voluntary departures in exchange for paid leave incentives, the plan was quickly met with legal challenges — but not before tens of thousands of federal employees began making their exit.
As of February 12, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) reported that approximately 75,000 federal workers had accepted the deferred resignation offer. Meanwhile, sweeping layoffs of probationary employees—those with less than a year of service—have left potentially hundreds of thousands without work.
If you’re a former federal employee navigating this turbulent landscape, EXFED.co is here to help. As a niche job board dedicated exclusively to former federal workers, EXFED.co connects talent from government roles with private-sector employers who value their unique skill sets, security clearances, and institutional knowledge.
Layoffs Hitting Federal Agencies Across the Board
The job losses are extensive and widespread, impacting nearly every major federal department:
Department of Veterans Affairs: Over 1,000 staff were dismissed, including researchers in cancer treatment, opioid addiction, and prosthetics.
Department of Defense: 5,400 probationary workers cut; the agency anticipates a 5–8% reduction in its civilian workforce.
Department of Education: 39 employees terminated; nearly $900 million in education research cuts.
Department of Energy: Hundreds laid off at the National Nuclear Security Administration before some were reinstated.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): 5,000+ jobs at risk, with 700+ layoffs at the CDC alone.
Department of Homeland Security: 405 probationary staffers cut, including 200+ from FEMA and 130 from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
IRS: Layoffs planned in the middle of tax season, affecting thousands.
National Park Service: 1,000 seasonal employees fired, though some positions have since been reinstated.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Agency work largely halted.
Department of Agriculture: Up to 2,000 cuts planned under new leadership. Layoffs hit forest management and bird flu response teams.
USAID & State Department: Foreign aid frozen, prompting mass layoffs and operational shutdowns globally.
A Job Market Flooded with Federal Talent
With a surge of high-skilled, recently laid-off federal employees entering the job market, platforms like EXFED.co are becoming essential tools. From cybersecurity analysts and public health experts to nuclear engineers and policy advisors, thousands of displaced professionals are looking to transition into private sector roles.
EXFED.co is designed specifically for this moment — offering a centralized, trusted hub where former government workers can:
Find curated job listings from employers actively seeking federal experience.
Highlight federal service and security clearances on tailored resumes.
Access career coaching and transition guidance from former government insiders.
Network with employers who value integrity, mission-focused work, and government expertise.
Political and Legal Ramifications
Legal questions still loom. A federal judge recently blocked further implementation of the deferred resignation plan, citing concerns raised by labor unions over the legality of the initiative. Despite the legal pushback, layoffs of non-protected probationary employees continue across departments.
Additionally, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has frozen federal grants and loans, placing trillions in funding on hold — disrupting healthcare, education, and environmental programs. Inspectors general have been purged, career prosecutors ousted, and diplomatic posts vacated.
The Path Forward
As uncertainty reigns in Washington, displaced federal workers are urged to act quickly in securing new career opportunities. Whether you’re a cybersecurity expert from CISA, a biologist from HHS, or a foreign aid officer from USAID, the private sector needs your skills — and EXFED.co is here to help you land your next mission.
🔍 Looking to transition from federal service to the private sector?
👉 Visit EXFED.co to explore job openings and resources tailored just for former government employees.
