Job Search Journey of John Berg Highlights Federal Layoff Impact
After submitting nearly 600 job applications, John Berg’s search for employment has become emblematic of a growing crisis. Laid off as a contract employee with the U.S. Agency for International Development in January 2025, Berg’s decades-long career included international assignments in Thailand, Kosovo, and El Salvador. He was one of more than 300,000 federal employees and contractors impacted by the Department of Government Efficiency’s recent job cuts.
Transitioning from Federal Service to Local Work
A year into his job search, which involved organizing an extensive spreadsheet of potential job openings alongside a few interviews, Berg found himself returning to his former role as a carpenter in Takoma Park, Maryland. “A lot of licensed contractors won’t take a job for less than $60 because they lack economies of scale,” he explained. “I cater to individual needs, like changing light bulbs for seniors.” Despite increasing his workload to include larger renovation projects, his current income is only 15% of what he previously earned.
Community Engagement Amid Financial Strain
Berg expressed a mixed sense of fulfillment, stating, “I feel more connected to my local community than ever before, yet I’m also more disconnected from my financial goals.” His situation is not unique; NBC News engaged with 13 former federal employees and contractors who faced job loss during the layoffs or opted for Elon Musk’s proposed acquisition. Among them, seven reported job loss, two found reemployment at lower salaries, and some migrated in search of opportunities.
Widespread Unemployment Among Former Federal Workers
According to Welfed, an organization aiding former federal employees, only 25% of its members have successfully secured new positions. Another organization, formed by former USAID staff, estimates that around 50% of its members remain jobless. Rebecca Ferguson-Ondry, co-founder of Welfed, noted, “Laid-off workers are slipping into long-term unemployment, and many face health care challenges as unemployment benefits are suspended.” Ferguson herself experienced job loss at the Department of Children and Families last year.
Challenges Transitioning Skills to the Private Sector
In the Washington, D.C. area, where nearly 10% of the population is employed by the federal government, the impact of these layoffs has been profound. “Translating the skills and experience from the public to private sector is challenging,” stated Kathryn Baker, former USAID employee and managing director at OneAID. She added that the current job landscape does not have the bandwidth to accommodate displaced workers.
Individual Stories of Job Market Struggles
David Herbert’s experience echoes the sentiment of many; he lost his position as the lead safety and occupational health manager at the Maryland FDA last year. Now working as a consultant in Kansas, he reflects on the challenges of the job market, particularly stating, “There’s a stigma associated with being a former federal employee, which impacts marketability.” Herbert’s spouse currently manages the household responsibilities while he commutes, further complicating their family dynamics.
Emotional Toll of Job Loss
The loss of employment weighs heavily on many, affecting mental health and personal fulfillment. Berg articulated this struggle: “Depression is something I actively try to combat. When I’m working, I have to focus entirely to avoid slipping into despair.” Similarly, Bree Danner, a former CDC employee, faced her own battle when she learned of her job loss while on a personal trip. She noted that her professional self-esteem suffered greatly after being dismissed after just six months as a probationary employee.
Healthcare and Economic Instability for Laid-Off Workers
Many former federal workers are grappling with healthcare access and housing instability. One individual, Becky, who recently relocated to Kentucky after losing her job at the Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Evaluation, expressed the hardships of navigating a lower-cost living environment with reduced salaries. She explained the delay in confirming her health insurance and the tough decisions she had to make regarding her diabetes care. “It’s shocking to be in this position after years of steady work,” she said, capturing the essence of the uncertainty many face as federal job cuts continue to impact lives.
