Summary:

For many readers, the concept of a career transition might be strange. Within the federal government, it is not unheard of for an individual to spend an entire career with one federal agency. Although it is becoming less and less common, many of the readers of this book may have spent all or most of their careers in the federal service.

This book will serve as a guide for federal employees who are faced with the uncertainty that is part and parcel of a job/career transition.

Whether this is the first time you have faced a major work change or not, you will find answers to your questions, hints that can help you negotiate the transition, and sources for more information. We will cover:

• The different types of transition and the stages we go through during the transition process.
• The positive and negative aspects of transitions.
• The differing aspects of leaving a job voluntarily versus leaving involuntarily.
• Financial issues, such as retirement and other benefits.
• Family issues that may arise.
• Preparations that you can make for the changes you will face.
• The decision as to whether you should try to remain in federal service or look elsewhere for employment.
• Self-employment options and how they might fit in.
• Retirement expectations – if you are eligible for retirement.
• How to successfully locate and compete for positions in the federal and private sectors.
• Adjustments to strategy due to the fact that you are a former federal employee.
• Special information for the mature job seeker.
• Action steps for all of the above.
 

Author John Grobe, a retired federal employee with over 25 years of experience in federal human resources, has designed and managed career centers for federal agencies. He is the author of our publication, Understanding the Federal Retirement Systems and is the contributing editor of the FEDweek books, The Federal Employee’s Career Transition Handbook and The Complete Guide to Writing a Federal Resume.