As the deadline of February 6 approaches, federal workers are facing a decision regarding a buyout offer that allows them to resign if they do not wish to return to the office. The offer, detailed in a memo on the US Office of Personnel Management's website, stipulates that employees who accept the buyout will receive severance pay until September 30.
The memo, which was sent to federal employees on January 28, 2025, introduced a deferred resignation offer. The communication was distributed via email from [email protected] using the new mass email system implemented during the Trump administration.
Referred to as 'Fork in the Road,' the subject line of the email echoes a similar ultimatum message sent by Elon Musk to Twitter employees in 2022. Musk, known for advocating government downsizing, has reportedly played a role in the federal government buyout initiative through his involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency during the Trump administration.
With the deadline fast approaching, federal workers are urged to carefully consider their options and make an informed decision regarding the buyout offer. Those who choose to accept the offer must resign by February 6 to be eligible for the severance pay provided until the end of September.