Today, like many others, I am on the front lines of the job search, navigating a market that is evolving quickly and asking more of us than ever before. Like so many others who have worked with the federal government in various capacities, I now find myself navigating uncharted territory, caught between what was and what comes next.
For those of us who spent years working in international development, global education, and public service, the recent shifts in political will and funding priorities have been deeply personal. The landscape has transformed: organizations have closed, opportunities have diminished, and networks have dissolved. In such uncertain times, it’s only natural to feel unmoored, questioning where we fit, how to articulate our journey, and what path lies ahead.
This moment is challenging, yes—but it’s also full of possibilities. We are not starting over; we are building forward, equipped with everything we've learned and everything we’ve become. The skills, experiences, and resilience we gained along the way are still ours to carry.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of working across sectors, borders, and budgets, it’s this: our ability to adapt is our most valuable asset. We know how to lead through change, build across differences, and stay grounded even when the path ahead is unclear.
In that spirit, I want to share five practices that have helped me stay steady, resilient, and hopeful during this transition. These aren’t magic fixes but they’ve been powerful anchors. If you’re walking a similar path right now, I hope these ideas offer encouragement, energy, and a reminder that you’re not alone.
1. Stay Consistent, Even When Motivation Wavers
Motivation can be unpredictable—some days, it feels limitless; other days, even small tasks can feel overwhelming. What I’ve realized is that what matters most isn’t feeling inspired every day—it’s showing up consistently.
I’ve found that establishing a simple, sustainable routine has made all the difference: applying to a set number of jobs each day, dedicating a few minutes to updating my resume or networking. The key is focusing on small, manageable actions done regularly. Progress isn’t about massive leaps; it’s about steady steps taken day after day.
I’ve learned to treat my job search like a job. I block off specific times of day for job searching, and once that time is up, I step away guilt-free. I also make it a point to keep weekends sacred—no applications, no endless scrolling—just time to recharge. A refreshed mind is far more powerful and creative than an exhausted one.
Consistency builds momentum, even when motivation dips. And making a point to celebrate the small wins—whether it’s submitting an application, making a new connection, or simply showing up. Sometimes, a small reward (like taking a walk outside with a fun podcast, calling a friend to chat, reading a book or novel—not a career guide—or just taking a nap!) is what is needed to keep moving forward.
2. Take an Asset-Based Approach
In times of transition, it’s easy to focus on what we’ve lost—opportunities, networks, communities, even long-standing personal connections with colleagues. But I’ve learned that the skills, knowledge, and experience we’ve built along the way are still ours. They are portable, enduring, and highly valuable.
I know I am a strategist. A bridge-builder. A leader who’s worked across borders and budgets, delivered results under pressure, and built coalitions across cultures. I know how to lead, adapt, design, and deliver. Those capabilities don’t disappear simply because a contract ends or a program closes.
By focusing on the assets I carry forward, rather than what has been left behind, I’m able to better translate my experiences into new industries and roles and show future employers not just what I’ve done, but the value I’m ready to deliver next.
3. You’re Not Starting Over—You’re Building Forward
While it may feel like the familiar scaffolding has been stripped away, the foundation I’ve built remains strong. I bring deep expertise in systems thinking, strategic planning, and navigating complexity. I’ve delivered programs under tight deadlines and adapted in real time to shifting priorities and changing landscapes. These aren’t just "soft skills"—they’re power tools!
As I pursue new opportunities, I’ve found it helpful to position these experiences as core strengths. I’m not starting from scratch. I’m building on a powerful track record of impact, ready to meet the moment.
4. Sharpen Your Tools (Because the Competition Is Real)
Let’s be honest: the job market right now is tough. With more federal layoffs on the horizon, competition is rising not just within international development, but across sectors.
This isn’t a reason to panic; it’s a reason to prepare. I’ve decided to take advantage of this moment to up-skill.
Platforms like Coursera and EdX offer affordable (and sometimes free) courses on leadership, data analysis, strategic communication, and more. Learning something new or updating my certifications feels like giving myself fresh armor for the journey ahead. It’s not just about staying competitive—it’s about being ready for whatever comes next.
5. Find Your People (Community Still Matters)
Even when institutions shift or disappear, the community remains. During this transition, I’ve been deeply moved by the encouragement and guidance offered by former colleagues, friends, and even neighbors. Just as uplifting has been the generosity of individuals—both familiar and new—who’ve shared their time for informational interviews or simply to connect. While these conversations don’t always lead directly to job opportunities, they consistently offer invaluable insights and reaffirm the power of genuine connection.
I’m learning to lean into my existing network while staying open to building new ones. One resource I’ve found especially helpful is the Society for International Development - United States (SID-US), which offers webinars, events, and job postings tailored to professionals in global development. Their session, A Practical Guide to Finding Your Next Job in the New Social Sector is just one example of the kind of actionable, encouraging support they provide to job seekers. Additionally, co-working spaces that are welcoming and help connect communities (Shout out to OpenHub.gov and The Festival Center in Washington, D.C. who offer -at times free- or flexible membership options for former federal workers and contractors).
Transitions like these aren’t easy. They force us to sit with uncertainty, to rethink our stories, and to build new paths without a clear map. But I’ve learned—and continue to learn—that resilience doesn’t mean waiting for things to get easier. It means moving forward even when the next step isn't obvious.
It’s about showing up anyway. It’s about trusting that the skills, experiences, and relationships we’ve built over years of meaningful work don’t disappear overnight. They remain, even as the landscape shifts.
This chapter might require more patience, more recalibration, and more creativity than we expected—but it also holds room for growth we might not have pursued otherwise.
The road ahead may be different than the one we planned for, but it’s still ours to walk—with intention, with clarity, and with everything we've earned along the way.
About the Author
Linda Wafi is an international development professional with over 15 years of managerial and technical expertise in education, positive youth development, and capacity building. Linda is the current Co-Chair for the SID-US Education for Development Workgroup.