My Journey from Federal Employee to Entrepreneur: They Tried to Push Me Out. So I Became My Own Boss!

For years, I believed the common narrative: a federal job is secure, stable, and the ultimate career move. I thought I had made it. A good salary, solid benefits, and a career path that seemed to promise longevity. But what happens when that stability turns into suffocation? What do you do when the same workplace that once felt secure now feels like a trap?

Let me take you on my journey, from being a federal employee to an entrepreneur, and how I took back control of my career after my job tried to push me out.

The Illusion of Job Security in the Federal Government

For many Black women, working in the federal government seems like the safest option. And for a while, it was for me too. I played by the rules, showed up, did my job, and went above and beyond. But as I moved up the ranks, I started noticing the cracks in the system, especially when it came to career advancement for Black women.

• Getting promoted felt like an uphill battle while less qualified colleagues moved ahead.
• Microaggressions were constant from my ideas being ignored in meetings to having to “prove” my expertise repeatedly.
• Office politics were exhausting, and no matter how well I performed, it was never “enough.”
• Sabotaging and jealous coworkers, and the stress of trying to do the work two to three better. All the while watching your back for the knives that come out as soon as you walk through the door as a Black woman.?

Then came the moment that changed everything: the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Moment I Knew My Federal Job Was Pushing Me Out

When the pandemic hit, like many professionals, I transitioned to remote work. And let me tell you, I thrived working from home! Because it wasn’t the first time I had worked from home.

But as things started to shift, I could feel my boss began pressuring me to return to the office. “You can just phase yourself into the office. You don’t have to wait for the policy to change to come in”. Excuse me, I was at high risk for covid. And not willing to risk my already challenged lungs with getting covid.?

At first, the pressure was subtle: ???? “We really need people to start coming back in.”

Then it turned into guilt-tripping: ???? “Other people are returning. Why can’t you?”

And then, outright hostility: ???? “Your life is about to get miserable.”

That’s when I knew—the “managing out” process had begun.

If you’ve never heard of managing out, let me explain. It’s a quiet but effective way employers push people out of their jobs without outright firing them. Suddenly, you’re scrutinized more. Your workload increases. You’re left out of meetings. You’re micromanaged into frustration.

I saw the writing on the wall. My time as a federal employee was coming to an end.

But here’s the thing: I wasn’t going to wait for them to decide my future.

The Mindset Shift: From Employee to Entrepreneur

I could have fought back. I could have tried to stick it out, play the game, and hope for better treatment. But after years of being undervalued, I was done waiting for permission to succeed. My health was more important than any job.

Instead of looking for another federal job, I made a bold decision: ?? I was going to be my own boss.

Now, let’s be real—this wasn’t an easy decision. The fear was real:

• How will I make enough money?
• What if I fail?
• What if I regret leaving?

But then I asked myself a more important question: What if I succeed? After all, I had been a part time entrepreneur for over 10 years. In fact, I was running two businesses.

That one shift in perspective changed everything.

How to Transition from Government to Private Sector (Or Entrepreneurship!)

If you’re a federal employee thinking about making a move, whether it’s to the private sector or starting your own business, here’s what I learned in my transition.

Step 1: Assess Your Transferable Skills

One of the biggest concerns I hear from women looking to leave their federal jobs is: “Will my skills even translate outside of government work?”

The answer? Absolutely!!

? If you’ve worked in project management, budgeting, HR, communications, IT, policy analysis, or leadership, then you already have highly marketable skills.

? If you’ve led teams, negotiated contracts, or worked with stakeholders, you have business-ready expertise.

? If you’ve navigated bureaucracy (and who hasn’t in the government), managed crises, or handled complex compliance issues. private companies and entrepreneurs NEED those skills.

?? Action Step: Make a list of everything you do in your current role. Look up job descriptions in the private sector and identify where your skills overlap.

Step 2: Overcome the Fear of Leaving a “Safe” Job

I totally get it, leaving a federal job has always felt risky. The benefits, the pension, the stability, it’s hard to walk away from that. But here’s the truth:

?? Your mental health is more valuable than a paycheck.

?? Staying in a toxic job is riskier than betting on yourself.

?? Job security is an illusion if you’re being pushed out.

I had to rewire my thinking and realize that my experience, expertise, and leadership were valuable outside of the government too.

?? Action Step: Write down all the reasons you’re afraid to leave. Then write down all the opportunities that could come from stepping out on your own.

Step 3: Create Your Exit Strategy

I didn’t just walk away overnight. I planned my exit. I have had a plan A (current job at the time), B, C, and D for over 15 years. I know, I'm a little extra????♀?. My experiences after leaving the military and being grossly underprepared for a career transition taught me some lessons I have never forgotten. In creating my exit strategy, I...

?? Saved money — I cut unnecessary expenses.

?? Researched my options — I explored consulting, coaching, and entrepreneurship. I also researched insurance options for me and my college age kids.

???? Extended my network — I continued to connect with professionals in the industries for both of my businesses ( Twanna Carter Professional & Personal Coaching, LLC and JBC Counseling & Consulting, LLC)

?? Action Step: Set a realistic timeline for leaving and start making moves before you resign.?You can get started by downloading a copy of my free guide, "The #1 Mistake Federal Employees Make When Transitioning. And How to Avoid It!"

Step 4: Build Your Brand and Market Yourself

When I left, I had to go from “government employee” to “business owner.” That meant:

?? Updating my LinkedIn and online presence to reflect my new career path.

?? Talking about my expertise online and sharing valuable content.

?? Networking with people who could open doors in my new career path.

?? Action Step: If you’re transitioning to the private sector, start engaging with industry professionals on LinkedIn now.

If you’re starting a business, connect with those who are already doing what you want, get clear on your niche and how you can help others now.

Also become intimately familiar with the Small Business Administration and SCORE.

And, do be sure to start researching business coaches. You will travel a lot faster with a business coach, than you will without one. You don’t have to wait to do any of these things.

The Freedom of Being My Own Boss

Since leaving my federal job, I’ve:

?? Built a coaching business helping Black women reclaim their careers.

?? Traveled 3 weeks in Asia.?

?? And worked virtually from Costa Rica while running both of my businesses.

?? Gained full control over my time, mental health, and energy.

I never have to worry about being “managed out” again.

I don’t have to beg for a seat at the table, I built my own table.

And you can too. If that’s your dream.?

You have what it takes to excel in the corporate arena as well, if that’s your dream. The nonprofit world can use your skills as well. You’ll definitely want to do your research about where they get their funding. No since in leaping from the pot to land in the frying pan at another agency depending on government funds.????♀?

Thinking About Leaving Your Federal Job? Let’s Talk.

If you’re feeling stuck, undervalued, or ready for something new, you don’t have to figure this out alone.

?? I help professional women like you transition from government to the private sector or to entrepreneurship with clarity and confidence.

?? Let’s strategize your next move. Click here to book a V.I.P. Roadmap session with me to get started.

Because you don’t have to wait for someone to push you out. You can take control and walk out on your own terms. ???

I'm an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and a certified executive coach for Twanna Carter Professional & Personal Coaching, LLC. I flubbed my first career transition from the military so badly, it took me the next 10+ years to build my confidence and?recover. I know what it feels like to struggle with imposter syndrome and uncertainty about my leadership skills in the workplace. It's why I am dedicated to empowering Black women. Helping them navigate career challenges and uncertainty by providing them with the tools and strategies they need to be successful. Schedule a V.I.P. Roadmap session today.

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