Welcome to a movement for those rebuilding after the unthinkable.
This is a space for people to be seen, heard, supported, celebrated, and inspired as they reimagine what comes next.
This is a space for people to be seen, heard, supported, celebrated, and inspired as they reimagine what comes next.
In 2025, the U.S. federal government underwent an unprecedented wave of workforce reductions. According to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), approximately 317,000 civilian federal employees left government service this year — a number well beyond prior estimates.
That figure represents far more than a personnel shift: it reflects thousands of lives disrupted, careers ended or paused, and a massive rethinking of what federal service — and personal livelihood — look like in a rapidly changing landscape. Many who left did not simply step away; they were forced to pivot and reimagine their next chapter.
At RIF2RISE, we believe those stories matter. We exist to restore visibility for those impacted, to champion the courage it takes to rebuild, and to forge pathways forward. Whether your journey involved grief, reinvention, resilience — or a bold new beginning — your story can help ignite hope for others in the same boat.
Join us. Share your experience. Help us build a community of resilience, reinvention, and renewal.


RIF2RISE is a non-partisan, action-oriented organization created in 2025 by federal employees and contractors impacted by the reductions in force and furloughs. We come together to transform this shared experience into a movement of resilience and renewal.
Our primary purpose is to educate, empower, and support individuals affected by workforce reductions by helping them rebuild their professional and personal lives through community engagement, educational programming, and entrepreneurship promotion.

RIF2RISE is led by individuals with extensive federal service backgrounds — from public health to education. We’ve all been touched by the 2025 RIFs and related disruptions, and we’re working collaboratively to support resilience, reinvention, and community.
Your journey matters — and someone needs to hear it.
RIF2RISE is building a living archive of resilience, renewal, and reinvention. If you’ve faced a federal RIF, furlough, or sudden job loss, your story can help inspire thousands navigating the same path.
We especially invite you to share your pivot-venture — a new entrepreneurial pursuit, revived passion, or income pathway sparked by disruption. A pivot-venture is any idea you launched or dusted off and finally brought to life as part of rebuilding your purpose, livelihood, or identity after workforce change. By sharing yours, you help others see what’s possible and allow us to promote and spotlight your work.
Whether you’re still finding your footing or already building what’s next, your voice is part of our collective rise. Add your story and let your journey inspire a new season of hope, connection, and forward motion.
RIF2RISE is evolving in real time. We’ll be rolling out fresh content (including content specific to those in the DMV), spotlighting pivot-ventures, and sharing resources designed to help you rise through workforce change. Stay close — there’s more on the way!

There are many ways to get involved with RIF2RISE, from sharing resources and attending upcoming events to simply spreading the word. Join our community today to make a difference.

Have a question or a suggestion? Contact us today, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Copyright © 2025 RIF2RISE - All Rights Reserved. RIF2RISE exists to lift up real stories of resilience and reinvention. While we aim to create a supportive and empowering space, the information provided here is not legal, financial, or employment advice. All personal stories and pivot-venture submissions reflect the experiences and perspectives of the individuals who share them. RIF2RISE may lightly edit submissions for clarity while preserving the contributor’s voice.
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