How the Fork Did We Get Here?
We took the government's deferred resignation because our morals and our ethics were being pushed to the limit...
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Welcome to Forking Off! We're Jill & Philip Fields. We took the government's deferred resignation because our morals and our ethics were being pushed to the limit by changes in the new administration. Although we had each other, we felt very alone and isolated on our new path outside of the FBI and the federal government.
Soon, we started hearing stories from other federal employees who had left government service. Through these stories, we felt supported and less alone. After many talks on our couch (and one inspiring trip to Barnes and Noble), we decided to start this podcast. We wanted these stories to be heard by everyone. To let people know who the government was losing and what essential programs were being cut. But most importantly, we wanted all of these new former feds to know they are not alone and we are here to support you and to listen to you.
With a couple of new microphones, an Audacity download, and some Google Meet calls, we are starting out on this new journey.
Also – A very huge thanks to Sharon Perrone who created our new logo for the podcast! If you need any graphic design help, we recommend reaching out to Sharon. (She's also a former fed forking off in a new direction.)
Join us for new episodes every Monday!
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"Fork in the Road" was the title and subject line of a memo sent on January 28, 2025, by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to all federal employees.
OPM, Original Email to Employees, dated January 28, 2025
OPM, Fork in the Road
Washington Post article stating about 6.7% of the federal civilian workforce resigned under the program, with more than 154,000 drawing a full salary for more than 6 months.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/07/31/federal-workers-doge-buyout-paid/
Washington Post article detailing the Trump administration's desire to put federal employees in trauma subsequent mental health impacts of federal employees.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2025/05/20/federal-workers-trump-mental-health/
ProPublica clip of Russell Vought at the Center for Renewing America referring to federal employees and stating "We want to put them in trauma."
NPR's Podcast Start Up Guide by Glen Weldon
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The inspiration for Forking Off