Introduction
Recent shifts in federal funding and agency restructuring have led to a wave of job losses in the DC Metro area, especially among government employees and contractors. These professionals are highly skilled and mission-driven, but many are suddenly navigating uncertainty and career disruption.
Even in communities filled with talent and experience, the emotional and financial toll of unexpected job loss can leave people feeling isolated and discouraged. The systems designed to support transitions—like job boards and career centers—often lack the human connection and practical support people really need.
This moment requires more than referrals. It requires relationships, empathy, and action from those of us still standing.
Solution
At SOAR, we recognized this challenge within our own community and took action. We began offering free coaching and advisory sessions to peers in our small network who had lost jobs due to these changes. These one-on-one check-ins created space to reconnect with purpose, explore new paths, and reframe uncertainty into opportunity.
While we’re not offering a formal service, we are extending kindness, presence, and perspective. And we’re encouraging other professionals and business owners to do the same.
You don’t need to launch a program or build an infrastructure. Sometimes all it takes is reaching out, listening deeply, and offering what you already know—how to navigate transitions, reframe goals, or connect to new opportunities.
Action
If you’re looking for ways to help your peers during this time, here are a few small but meaningful steps:
- Reach Out Personally – If someone in your circle has been laid off or is in transition, send a direct message or schedule a coffee chat. A few minutes of presence can go a long way in helping someone feel seen and supported.
- Offer Your Strengths – Whether you’re a coach, strategist, resume reviewer, or simply a great listener, offer a short session or a conversation to help someone clarify their next step. Focus on empathy and encouragement over solutions.
- Share Your Network Generously – Make introductions with intention. If you know someone hiring or someone who can open a door, offer to connect them. Warm introductions make the difference between being ignored and being considered.
- Encourage Peers to Pay It Forward – Ask those you support to do the same when they’re able. This creates a ripple effect of mutual support and resilience within your professional community.
Conclusion
The job market will recover, but in the meantime, our humanity matters most. Helping others navigate professional loss doesn’t require a formal program. It requires compassion, generosity, and a willingness to stand in community.
We’ve seen firsthand how simple support can help someone reimagine their next chapter. We invite you to do the same in your corner of the world.