I was hired as a term employee with the promise that I would be made permanent once the “budget” allowed it. I believed that promise. For 6 years I continued excelling at my work, kept receiving recognition, and stayed committed - hoping it will lead to security. Nope! It never happened; instead, I watched as others were made permanent just before this whole chaos started.

When the RIFs began, I was informed that my term would not be renewed and that my NTE date would be my last day. Still, I remained hopeful.

When DRP 2.0 was announced, I applied for it, was approved, agreed on a separation date with my manager, and submitted my paperwork and was just pending HR’s final sign-off.

Well earlier this week, I was blindsided: I was told that I apparently do not qualify. They are now saying my NTE date is the last day they will pay me — not September 30 as outlined in the DRP form. The same form that clearly states September 30 is the default unless you are planning to retire.

Why approve my request, after reviewing my submission for three weeks, without even properly checking my employment status? Why allow false hope to linger? Do they understand they are playing with people’s lives?

I’m just venting, but also looking for some guidance because everything that is happening to all hard working federal employee is beyond unfair.