- Lucy, a pregnant former federal worker fired under the Trump administration, struggled to find stable employment despite a PhD and experience, reflecting broader job market difficulties for laid-off federal employees.
- A survey by fired workers revealed widespread financial and mental health struggles: about 40% searched for jobs for over six months, 17% remained unemployed after a year, and over two-thirds took pay cuts in new roles.
- Many probationary employees, though often experienced, faced financial losses, delayed major life events, and depleted savings, with nearly a third reporting housing instability or moving-related costs.
- Mental health impacts were severe: 95% of surveyed fired workers reported new symptoms like anxiety and insomnia, and therapists noted trauma comparable to a natural disaster due to the abrupt firings.