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Afraid Your Federal Job is Ending? Side Hustles You Can Start Today

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Hello, my beautiful sisters

I see you.

You’ve worked hard to get where you are, and now there’s uncertainty hanging in the air.

Maybe you’ve heard the rumors—budget cuts, hiring freezes, government shutdowns. Maybe you’ve already seen colleagues let go, and now you’re wondering, “Am I next?”

Sister, I want you to take a deep breath because today, we’re not going to focus on the fear. We’re going to focus on power—your power to create opportunities for yourself.

If your job security feels shaky, this is your sign to start building something of your own. Even if your paycheck is still coming in, waiting until things fall apart to take action is not an option.

Today, we’re talking about side hustles you can start immediately—no fancy business degree, no huge startup costs, just a determination to take control of your financial future.


You’re Worried Your Federal Job is Going Away

I know this is scary.

Your federal job might have been your stability, your foundation, and now it feels like you’re standing on shifting ground. You might be thinking:

  • I don’t have time to start something new.
  • I don’t even know what I would do.
  • What if I fail?

Sis, I hear you.

But here’s the truth: security doesn’t come from a paycheck, it comes from skills you can use anywhere. If this job disappears, you will still be YOU—resourceful, capable, and resilient.

Now, let’s talk about side hustles that can help you create extra income right now.


5 Side Hustles You Can Start Today

1. Virtual Assistance (VA Work)

If you’re organized and good at responding to emails, scheduling, or data entry, you can offer admin services online.

Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour let you set up a profile and start earning. Federal employees are already skilled in administration and compliance, making this a perfect fit.

➡️ Start with: Listing what tasks you’re good at and setting up a free profile on VA job sites.


2. Government Contract Consulting

If you’ve been working in the federal sector, you already understand how government contracts work.

Did you know small businesses will pay consultants to help them navigate federal contracting? Even if you’re not ready to leave your job, you can start advising companies on compliance, grant writing, or procurement.

➡️ Start with: Reaching out to small business owners or nonprofit organizations to see if they need help with government-related processes.


3. Resume Writing & Career Coaching

You’ve seen federal resumes. They’re long, they’re complex, and people get them wrong all the time.

If you’ve learned how to navigate USAJOBS or write strong cover letters, you can help job seekers optimize their resumes and even coach them through interviews.

➡️ Start with: Offering resume reviews to friends and colleagues for free, then charging for detailed rewrites. Use LinkedIn to promote your services.


4. Selling Digital Products

If you have specialized knowledge, turn it into printables, templates, or e-books. You can sell things like:
✔️ Federal resume templates
✔️ E-books on “How to Get a Government Job”
✔️ Budgeting spreadsheets for government employees

You can sell on Etsy, Gumroad, or your own website.

➡️ Start with: Creating one simple digital product and listing it on Etsy.


5. Freelance Writing & Blogging

If you can write, you can get paid.

Government blogs, business websites, and online magazines need articles on policy, career advice, or industry trends. If you have expertise, they will pay you to write about it.

➡️ Start with: Searching “write for us” in your industry or pitching an article to Medium.


Image from Black Girl Heal website article: Afraid Your Federal Job is Ending? Side Hustles You Can Start Today
Credit: Canva

Your Job Title is Not Your Identity

Sis, you have options.

Your job title is not your identity, and if your federal job disappears, that doesn’t mean you do. Your skills, your experience, and your value don’t go away just because an agency decides to cut jobs.

Every single woman who has built wealth started by making one small move.

Don’t let fear keep you stuck—let it push you forward.


Uplifting Call to Action

So here’s what I want you to do: Pick one of these side hustles and commit to taking the first step today. Whether that’s setting up a LinkedIn profile, listing a service on Fiverr, or brainstorming your first digital product—just start.

Because you are powerful. You are resourceful. And no matter what happens with your job, you will always land on your feet.

Let me know in the comments: Which of these side hustles are you considering?

Let’s talk about it!


Author

  • Shelia Huggins Photo for Black Girl Heal Blog

    Shelia Huggins is a 20+ year attorney who has helped clients with their business and personal legal challenges. She blogs at Black Girl Heal to provide insight and practical strategies for those seeking to heal the struggles of their wallets, mindsets, and lives. Known as "Ms Legalista" on YouTube, she is passionate about helping people find their path and achieve the personal success they've been looking for.

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