Liz Goggin, a licensed clinical social worker with the Veterans Health Administration (VA), found herself at a crossroads when she received an email from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) late on January 28. The email, which affected nearly 2.3 million federal employees, presented a stark choice: resign by February 6 to receive pay and benefits through the end of September, or stay in the position with the risk of potential layoffs.
Goggin was among approximately 75,000 federal workers who initially agreed to resign under this offer. However, shortly after sending her resignation, she learned that her position was exempt from the deal, leaving her in a state of confusion and regret about her decision.
The "Fork in the Road" email offered federal employees a chance for a financial cushion during uncertain times, especially as many faced job insecurity amid the Trump administration’s policies. Goggin, whose household was already under strain due to her husband’s job instability linked to the administration’s freeze on foreign aid, initially reacted with fear to the offer. She worried about the implications for services at the VA and other agencies if many employees opted to resign.
Despite her initial skepticism, clarifications from OPM indicated that resigning employees would not be required to work during the deferred resignation period and could seek other employment. This information led Goggin and her husband to consider the offer more seriously, as it could potentially double their household income for six months, allowing her husband time to find a new job.
After some deliberation, Goggin sent her resignation email, but soon after, the VA informed her that many positions, including hers, were exempt from the resignation offer. This left her feeling uncertain about her future at the VA, where she works with veterans of various ages and backgrounds, including those affected by the ongoing changes in federal policy.
Goggin’s concerns extend beyond her job security. The current political climate has led to a chilling effect on discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion within her workplace, raising questions about the ability of social workers to uphold their ethical responsibilities. With the Trump administration’s executive actions aimed at limiting DEI initiatives, Goggin fears that support for her clients, particularly those from marginalized communities, may be compromised.
As the situation continues to unfold, Goggin remains uncertain about the implications for her role and the broader impact on the VA’s mission. She reflects on the tension and ambiguity surrounding the administration’s policies, expressing a desire for clarity in a time of upheaval.