Liz Goggin, a licensed clinical social worker at the Veterans Health Administration, faced a pivotal decision when the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s email offered federal employees the choice to resign by a certain date or risk being laid off. Goggin, like many others, opted to resign for financial security amidst uncertainties surrounding her husband’s job due to the Trump administration’s freeze on foreign aid.

Initially hesitant, Goggin eventually saw the resignation offer as a potential financial lifeline for her family. However, after accepting the offer and informing her supervisor, she discovered her position was exempt from the resignation program, leaving her uncertain about her job status.

Goggin’s work at the VA involves serving a diverse group of veterans, and she has concerns about the impact of Trump’s executive actions on social justice initiatives within the agency. With uncertainties looming, she questions the future of support groups and the ability of social workers to uphold ethical standards in the face of changing government directives.

As Goggin navigates this uncertain terrain, she reflects on the challenges faced by federal employees caught in the midst of political shifts and the implications for their work and values. The evolving circumstances underscore the broader tensions within the federal government and the personal dilemmas individuals like Goggin face in balancing professional commitments with changing political landscapes.