Just Fired as a Federal Employee? Here’s Exactly What You Need to Do Next
Feb 14, 2025
If you’re a probationary federal employee who just got caught up in the mass terminations happening across agencies, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and uncertain about your next steps.
Take a deep breath—you still have options. But you need to move fast.
Here are five essential steps to take right now to protect your career, your finances, and your future.
✅ 1️⃣ File for Unemployment ASAP
Even if your agency told you that you don’t qualify, APPLY ANYWAY.
Each state has different unemployment rules, and in many cases, poor performance is NOT considered misconduct. That means you may still be eligible for benefits.
📌 Pro Tip:
When applying for unemployment, be careful how you describe your termination.
- Use neutral language like “released during probationary period” instead of “fired” or “terminated.”
- Avoid words that suggest wrongdoing or cause—this can increase your chances of approval.
➡️ Check your state’s unemployment eligibility rules and apply as soon as possible.
✅ 2️⃣ Request Your SF-50 & Personnel File
Your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) is one of the most important documents you’ll need moving forward.
🔹 Why is this document so important?
- To challenge your termination (if applicable)
- To apply for another federal job in the future
- To verify your eligibility for unemployment benefits
📌 Pro Tip:
Some agencies have altered performance records before termination to justify firing employees. Request a copy of your last performance review to check for changes.
➡️ To get your SF-50: Contact your HR department and request a full copy of your personnel file.
✅ 3️⃣ Check for Possible Legal Claims
While most probationary employees cannot appeal termination, you might have legal grounds to fight back if your firing was unlawful.
Do you have a potential case?
✔️ Discrimination: If you were terminated because of race, gender, disability, pregnancy, age, or other protected factors under 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(1)
✔️ Whistleblower Retaliation: If you reported misconduct, fraud, or violations and were fired soon after—this may be protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act
✔️ Partisan Political Retaliation: If you were terminated because of your support for or opposition to a specific political party or candidate—this could be an appealable case under 5 C.F.R. § 315.806(b)
📌 Pro Tip:
If you suspect your termination was unlawful, document EVERYTHING. Keep emails, messages, and records of conversations with supervisors. You may need this if you file an EEOC complaint or an OSC (Office of Special Counsel) claim.
➡️ Need legal guidance? Join my Mindful Federal Employee Membership for expert insights on your next steps.
✅ 4️⃣ Explore Rehire & Job Options
Getting fired from one federal agency does not mean you’re banned from government work forever. Some agencies will still hire you, depending on the circumstances of your termination.
🔹 What to do next?
✔️ Look for jobs at state & local governments—they often have similar roles to federal positions.
✔️ Check private-sector jobs that contract with federal agencies—your experience still counts!
✔️ Network with former coworkers & supervisors who might help with referrals for other opportunities.
📌 Pro Tip:
If your SF-50 says “Terminated for Performance”, some agencies may hesitate to rehire you—but not all. Certain agencies will still consider your application.
➡️ Stay proactive and start networking immediately.
✅ 5️⃣ Take Care of Your Mental Health
Losing your job isn’t just about your paycheck—it’s about your identity, stability, and future. It’s completely normal to experience:
- Shock & Denial – “Did this really happen?”
- Anger – “This is so unfair.”
- Anxiety & Fear – “What am I going to do now?”
- Guilt or Self-Doubt – “Did I do something wrong?”
- Sadness & Grief – “I lost something important.”
📌 Pro Tip:
🔹 Take a breath. This situation does not define you.
🔹 Limit negative self-talk. You are still valuable, capable, and employable.
🔹 Don’t isolate. Reach out to friends, family, or professional support.
➡️ If you need help navigating the stress, join my membership for expert guidance on both legal rights AND stress management tools.
🔥 BONUS: Join My Live Q&A Tomorrow @ 11 AM EST!
I know many of you still have questions about your rights, unemployment, or next steps. That’s why I’m hosting a LIVE Q&A inside The Mindful Federal Employee Membership.
💡 What you’ll get:
✅ Answers to your legal & career questions in real-time
✅ Step-by-step guidance on unemployment, SF-50s, & appeals
✅ Mindfulness & stress management tools to help you move forward
🚀 Sign up for a FREE 3-day trial now! Click here ➡️ www.themindfulfederalemployee.com
🔁 Share this with any federal employee who just got fired!