I was fired by DOGE after I moved across the country for a job with the VA. I've been laid off before, and it was nothing like this.

Ben Gibson, a former Navy member, took a job with the US Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, DC, believing in its mission and desiring a stable career. After moving cross-country and planning for his family to join him, he was abruptly terminated via email just five months into his role. This shocking experience ended his hopes for a long-term federal career and presented unforeseen challenges for his family, especially after he had left a private equity job for government work.

I was shocked. It felt completely surreal, and it was an awful experience.

I had some difficult conversations with my family, and I ultimately decided to take the federal job. Its mission felt closer to my heart.

Read at Business Insider