Navigating Professional Disruptions: What I Learned From My First Federal Furlough
By Faye McCray Executive Leader in Strategic Comms, Advocacy & Social Impact
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I was raised to believe in the stability of federal employment. Government jobs were supposed to be safe, predictable, and recession-proof. So when I experienced my first federal furlough after nearly a decade as a federal attorney, it rocked me. It forced me to confront a truth I hadn’t considered before: even the most carefully curated path is vulnerable to disruption.
That reality feels more pressing now than ever. The federal government is in turmoil, and private industry is reeling from layoffs. Entire industries are being reshaped in real time, and the sense of security so many of us built our careers around is slipping away.
At first, I panicked. Then I adapted. And eventually, I realized that the discomfort of that moment prepared me for the biggest leap of my career—entrepreneurship. Comfort with a certain amount of discomfort isn’t just useful, it is necessary.
Before I start preaching the power of a plan B, let’s start with something even more important.
Trust in Your Ability to Rebound
I once had a therapist force me to catastrophize and work through my worst-case scenario. Because I grew up humbly, my worst fears almost always involved a financial crisis. No income. No way to make it up. But as I walked through that exercise, I realized something.
For my worst-case scenario to come true, an entire series of things would have to go horribly wrong. It was unlikely. More than that, I had options. I had skills, resilience, and a work ethic that I could always rely on. Even if it wasn’t okay, it would still be okay.
When disruption hits, the first thing to do is remind yourself that you have already survived hard things. You will figure this out too.
Be Open About What You Need
I love a good "I've been laid off" or "business is struggling" post. Not because I enjoy seeing people in difficult situations, but because those moments activate networks in powerful ways.
You might not realize it, but you have hundreds of connectors in your circle who are just waiting for the chance to make an introduction, offer advice, or send an opportunity your way. As the saying goes, closed mouths don’t get fed.
If you’re going through a professional disruption, don’t isolate yourself. Let people know what you need, whether it is guidance, referrals, or just a supportive ear. You never know what doors could open.
Use This Moment to Get Creative
There is a great quote from a well-known CEO that says, "Be stubborn in vision and flexible in details."
When disruption happens, it is easy to hold onto what was. Instead, ask yourself: What am I clinging to that is keeping me stuck?
Maybe you always dreamed of leading a beauty publishing house, but the industry is in turmoil. Instead of banging on the same doors, how can you stay true to the vision but find another way to execute it? Maybe you have a product line in you. Maybe there is a nonprofit you have been waiting to start.
Let the disruption be an opportunity. Explore the quiet. Get reflective. See where it leads you.
Develop Multiple Streams of Income
If you have been relying on a single paycheck, now is the time to rethink that. One of the biggest lessons I learned from my furlough was that security does not come from a single employer, it comes from income diversity.
You don’t need to launch a full-fledged business overnight, but consider this: what is something you know, do, or create that people would pay for? Start with one small stream. A consulting service. A digital product. A side hustle that excites you.
Even if you go back to a full-time job, having multiple income streams gives you more freedom, stability, and confidence the next time uncertainty hits.
Take Control of Your Narrative
A professional disruption can feel like something that happens to you, but one of the best things you can do is reshape the story.
Instead of seeing it as a setback, frame it as a transition. A pivot. A necessary redirection. What you tell yourself, and what you tell others, matters.
If someone asks, "What happened?" don’t default to, "I lost my job" or "I got laid off." Try:
"I'm taking this as an opportunity to transition into work that is more aligned with my long-term vision."
"I'm using this time to explore new industries and skill sets I have always been curious about."
"This shift gave me the push I needed to finally start my own thing."
Your words shape your mindset. Your mindset shapes your actions. And your actions shape what happens next.
Final Thoughts: This Is a Season, Not a Sentence
Disruptions are inevitable, but they are not permanent. They are moments, often painful and sometimes terrifying, but always an opportunity to evolve.
If you are navigating one right now, trust yourself. You have already adapted, rebuilt, and redefined yourself in ways you probably never thought possible. This will be no different.
And if you need support, say so. There are more people in your corner than you realize.
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