Perspectives: The path from federal service to private sector success
Perspectives: The path from federal service to private sector success
The biggest barrier is inertia
This week’s Perspectives comes from
. We met here on Substack and write about similar topics of career transitions. You can check out . You can also check out the guest post for their publication here.
The benefits of government service are well known: serving the nation, job security, and a guaranteed pension. For some, these are enough to build a fulfilling career. But for me, these perks began to feel less like advantages and more like chains.
Time-in-grade promotions start to feel less meaningful, and the weight of mediocre management becomes harder to bear. What I eventually realized is that advancing in the federal government often requires more patience than talent—a willingness to stay rather than a drive to excel.
Still, the decision to leave was daunting. The benefits that once seemed so appealing now served as a cautionary tale against venturing out. The thought of starting over in a new field felt overwhelming, and I struggled with an inner voice telling me it would never work. I also lacked support from my soon-to-be former colleagues.
This, I learned, was the beginning of imposter syndrome—a self-protection mechanism designed to keep me from facing potential pain. It whispered that the transition would be too hard, that it would never work, and that I was better off staying where I was. But I knew deep down that this wasn’t true. I could either accept the status quo or push back and push through.
The first step: confronting self-doubt
Taking the first step was the hardest part. Figuring out which direction to head in felt like navigating a dark, uncharted ocean. That foreboding feeling, however, was not a monster lurking in the depths, but rather my own unrealized potential.
I recognized that the fear I was experiencing was simply my mind’s way of protecting me from the unknown. But I also knew that if I didn’t face it, I would never discover what I was truly capable of.
I chose to confront this fear by committing to start my transition. I took consistent action by reaching out to those who had blazed the trail before me, and learned from their experiences. Ultimately, a strong network was more impactful than any resume.
The middle of the journey: persistence and networking
As I began my job search, the process felt endless. It was a routine of introductory calls and refining my pitch to quickly convince recruiters and hiring managers of my competitiveness. I got a lot of no’s. Rejection came in many forms. From ghosting to proforma no-thank-you’s, I received them all.
While persistence was crucial, I realized it alone wouldn’t be enough. I had to pair grit and determination with strategic networking. I needed to connect with people who could open doors for me and help articulate the unique value of my experience. This was particularly challenging because, coming from a government background, I wasn’t naturally embedded in the private sector’s networks.
Building this network was a process of both intention and patience. I started by reaching out to former colleagues and acquaintances who had successfully made similar career changes. These trailblazers were invaluable. They showed me what was possible and which steps to take. I also learned what mistakes to avoid. Each conversation helped refine my narrative and better position my approach.
But it wasn’t just about making connections—it was about cultivating them. I invested time in maintaining these relationships, whether through follow-up meetings or simply checking in. This ongoing engagement helped me stay top-of-mind for opportunities and ensured my network was not just a list of contacts, but a group of allies who were invested in my success.
A significant outcome of these efforts was improved articulation of my unique experience. Initially, I struggled to translate my government background into terms that resonated with private-sector recruiters and hiring managers.
Through conversations with my network, I learned how to reframe my skills in ways that highlighted their relevance. They helped me see that my experience in government—whether it was managing large-scale projects or navigating complex regulatory environments—was not relevant, valuable and transferable.
Ultimately, the combination of persistence and a well-cultivated network propelled me forward. Each new connection was a step closer to landing the role I wanted, and each conversation strengthened my ability to articulate my value. Persistence is crucial, but having the right people in your corner makes all the difference.
Beyond the first role: continuous growth and giving back
After securing my first role in the private sector, I knew the journey wasn’t over. I continued to ask myself important questions: How well were my skills translating? What feedback was I receiving? Was I on a path that would lead to greater responsibility and compensation?
One of the most rewarding aspects of this transition has been helping others who are earlier in their process. By relating my experiences, I not only realized how far I had come but also gained more awareness of my own progress. This “protégé effect” has kept me motivated and focused on my goals.
The end is just another beginning
Every chapter in this journey, like all others, will eventually end—including the chapter on my career itself. As I move forward, I keep asking myself: What am I working towards? More money, a higher title or something else entirely? These answers guide my steps -.
If you’re considering a similar career transition, remember the biggest barrier is inertia. You must start now. And once you do, the next challenge is learning how to measure your progress. I’m here to share what I’ve learned and help you turn an impossible job search into a reality.
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