The harsh reality of federal government firings is still sinking in across Maryland and here in the County. Maryland is home to about 150,000 federal workers. More than 70,000 work in the County. Reports indicate about 1,000 federal workers in the County have already lost their jobs and many more layoffs could take place in the coming weeks and months.
New County Initiative To Help Workers
On Monday, the County announced a major new initiative to support local businesses and workers impacted by the recent federal budget cuts. This new Public and Private partnership hopes to help federal employees and contractors recently laid off, and in turn, help businesses looking for workers.
As part of the new initiative, the County has created a microsite, www.mobilize-montgomery.com
This site will serve as a centralized resource so businesses, employees, and residents impacted by the federal government layoffs will have access to critical information and support they need during this time.
“Montgomery County has long been home to the thousands of federal workers and businesses that rely on federal contracts, and in this time of cuts and chaos from the federal government, those impacts can ripple through our economy,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.
“Through Mobilize Montgomery, we are collaborating with private and public partners to provide resources and information to our residents. We are working together to help businesses stay open, keep people employed, and strengthen our local economy,” Elrich added.
WorkSource Montgomery
Meantime, WorkSource Montgomery helps connect workers to employers. It also provides job training and employment services to people looking for work.
The organization serves residents and businesses in the County. Similar offices exist in counties across the state and the country. Back in 2014, then President Barack Obama signed into law the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The federal law created offices across the nation to help connect people looking for work with education, training, employment, and support services. The program also helps employers find skilled workers.
MCM spoke with WorkSource Montgomery spokesperson, Laura Moreno-Davis. She said fired federal workers may be able to find new employment in the private sector especially if they have transferable skills. Some of those skills include work in Information Technology (IT), Human Resources, Accounting or Finance. She cautioned people with specialized skills may have a tougher time finding new work.
Upcoming Job Fairs
WorkSource Montgomery holds quarterly job fairs including one this Wednesday, March 26. It will take place from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Doubletree Gaithersburg, 620 Perry Parkway in Gaithersburg. This particular job fair will try to help affected federal government workers.
Moreno-Davis said it is important for recently fired workers to be open to new opportunities and career paths.
“It can be overwhelming but know that there are people and lots of resources available to help during this transition all across the county,” Moreno-Davis said.
“Be open to the possibilities. Consider learning a new skill. It is important to network and have a solid resume. Attend events and job fairs that make sense and have patience with the process,” she added.
Besides WorkSource Montgomery’s job fair this week, Montgomery College will hold a Career and Resource Fair on Saturday, March 29 at 2221 Broadbirch Drive in Silver Spring. The event will run from 10:00 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The Impact of Job Loss on Mental Health
While help and resources are available, getting fired from a job can impact a person’s mental and physical health.
MCM spoke with Denise Dewhurst, a professor in the Psychology Department at Montgomery College. She also has her own private practice. She has worked as a psychologist for decades. Dewhurst said losing a job can be devastating.
“It can have all kinds of impacts such as fear, panic, anxiety, depression, trouble controlling one’s anger, and increased irritability. For people not yet fired, they may be waiting for the other shoe to drop. They are living with uncertainty and the constant worry takes a toll on your physical and mental health. The chronic stress negatively impacts our immune systems. This is a very destabilizing situation-in the blink of an eye you have lost your job, your income, your health benefits, and your retirement benefits are affected. For some, there is a risk of feeling suicidal,” Dewhurst said.
Traumatic Event
Some people experience job loss as if there was a death or other life altering experience in their lives.
“This is a traumatic event. People often will experience five familiar stages of grief. They include denial or disbelief, anger, depression, bargaining, and acceptance. You don’t have to experience them all or in a particular order. You can move back and forth from one to the other, but grieving is happening. Loss of this magnitude is really tough to bounce back from and it will be worse for some than for others. The one thing that is helping a bit is the knowledge that this happened to lots of people, not just one person,” Dewhurst added.
She said some fired federal workers are currently seeking help in her practice. She explained many of them are angry, depressed, and some are not sure what to do next.
“It also is creating anxiety in those affected by the federal layoffs-those whose companies rely on government contracts, for instance; now see their jobs at risk. Those who are part of businesses and services that support the federal work force also are affected. Given the numbers of federal workers in this area, people are worried, and asking how will everyone find a new job,” Dewhurst said.
Come Up With A Plan, Find Support
Dewhurst said it is important for fired federal workers to figure out a plan on how to get through the next month, then the month after that. She said people can always tweak their plan as needed, but having a plan to start with is an important first step. She also recommends fired workers seek help from family and friends. Dewhurst explained it is important for workers to talk to others and acknowledge their feelings. She said it is important to allow individuals to grieve. She recommends people practice self-care and seek professional help if necessary.
