DOGE’s downsizing upended federal workers’ lives and sparked nationwide relocations
TL;DR
The DOGE-driven downsizing purged hundreds of thousands of federal workers and contractors, shrinking the federal workforce by about 10% since January 2025 and leaving many with financial hardship, health challenges, and emotional strain. OthersPivoted to new careers, moved across the country (with significant cross‑state moves), joined local or state government roles, started volunteer work, or pursued advocacy, signaling a sweeping talent redistribution even as public service persists in new forms.
- New careers, relocations and medical problems: How ex-federal workers’ lives have been upended since DOGE CNN
- Former feds turn to tailored job search resources to continue service-oriented work Government Executive
- Former federal workers follow their 'calling' to state and city jobs USA Today
- Former federal workers are taking up local government jobs Inquirer.com
- One year after DOGE cuts, former federal workers find new roles CNBC
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on CNN