Federal workers seek internet support amid job losses

Federal workers in the U.S. are turning to the internet for support as job cuts impact their livelihoods. Many have lost their jobs entirely, while others face uncertainty about their future. A popular subreddit called "fednews" has become a key platform for these employees to share advice and experiences. It ranks among the most active groups on Reddit, with around 550,000 followers. Employees post questions and seek guidance, often using anonymous usernames for privacy. One user mentioned a meeting with a lawyer about federal worker rights and invited others to submit questions. Another employee expressed despair after being fired. Some workers are using social media to raise awareness. One employee, identified only as Helen, runs an Instagram account with 16,000 followers. She shares articles and information about protests related to federal job cuts. She feels that public figures like Trump and Elon Musk occupy prominent platforms, while federal workers lack a voice. John, a ten-year civil servant, started a podcast on YouTube to help people understand the experiences of federal employees. He values the anonymity social media provides, saying, "I'm scared, right? Like, you know, they find out who I am." Online, federal employees have also adopted various symbols of protest. A song titled "Hostile Government Takeover" gained popularity on TikTok and is now available on streaming services. The spoon emoji has emerged as a symbol of their struggle, linked to a controversial email from Musk's team about job offers for federal workers. Helen emphasized the need for better communication to inform the public about federal workers' roles, stating, "I think a lot of people don't know what we do, and it's an easy target."