Is This Deferred Resignation Option Real?
This week, over two million federal employees checked their inboxes and found an unusual email from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The message offered a deferred resignation option—essentially, a chance to resign while still receiving up to eight months of pay and benefits.
For many, it was a shocking proposal. And for some, the first reaction was skepticism. I started getting emails from federal employees immediately asking if this was a scam—maybe the work of a clever hacker trying to steal their personal information.
It’s easy to understand the confusion. The email didn’t sound like the usual OPM memos. It was shorter, lacked the usual detailed explanations, and left employees with more questions than answers.
At FedSmith, our article about the offer (What’s the Catch? Too Good to Be True?) sparked nearly 400 comments in a short time. A video on the deferred resignation quickly racked up over 50,000 views and more than 800 comments. And the general reaction? Skepticism, to say the least.
Many federal employees found the whole thing hard to believe, with some even joking it was part of an elaborate scheme—or blaming Elon Musk for trying to take over the government!
Unions’ Response to OPM Offer
While the offer was very generous in offering up to eight months of pay and benefits after a federal employee resigned, it may have been too good to be true in the eyes of many employees.
Unions started what appeared to be a coordinated response and questioned the wisdom of accepting the offer, piling on the insecurity of federal employees who were afraid they would resign and find out it was a trick.
AFGE sent out an email stating, “Employees should not take the program at face value….OPM-issued FAQs are riddled with inconsistencies and uncertainties…It is also unclear whether OPM has the legal authority to support the program or its alleged benefits….”
Any political appointees now working at OPM from the Trump administration and who may have wondered if there was a “Deep State” as alleged by President Trump probably concluded there is one, it is alive and well in the federal workforce, and it is very effective. The response was quick, effective, and generated significant resistance and negative publicity to the OPM offer within 24 hours.
OPM Clarifies, Expands its Frequently Asked Questions on Deferred Resignation
OPM has clarified and probably eliminated much of the confusion with an updated version of its frequently asked questions. These are some of the FAQs as of January 31, 2025:
Am I expected to work at my government job during the deferred resignation period?
No.
Am I allowed to get a second job during the deferred resignation period?
Absolutely! We encourage you to find a job in the private sector as soon as you would like to do so. The way to greater American prosperity is by encouraging people to move from lower-productivity jobs in the public sector to higher-productivity jobs in the private sector.
Will I really get my full pay and benefits during the entire period through September 30, even if I get a second job?
Yes. You will also accrue further personal leave days, vacation days, etc. and be paid out for unused leave at your final resignation date.
Can I take an extended vacation while on administrative leave?
You are most welcome stay at home and relax or to travel to your dream destination. Whatever you would like.
If I am eligible for early/normal retirement during the deferred resignation period (i.e., before September 30, 2025), will I be able to accept deferred resignation and still accept retirement during the deferred resignation period?
Yes. You will continue to accrue retirement benefits during the deferred resignation period. Should you elect to retire (either early retirement or normal retirement) before your final resignation date, your retirement election will override the deferred resignation.
Still Skeptical? Will You Take the Offer? Do You Trust OPM?
Should federal employees seriously consider OPM’s deferred resignation offer? That’s a personal decision.
We don’t have inside information on OPM’s true motivations, and opinions will vary. Some employees trust the government to follow through, while others are skeptical—especially those who don’t support the new administration.
The key challenge? The deadline to accept is February 6th, 2025. Waiting beyond that may not be an option.
Employees must weigh their own circumstances. Some see it as an incredible opportunity:
“I just retired—wish I had this! I’d take a paid vacation, keep my benefits, and still retire with full perks.”
Others are more doubtful:
“I don’t trust OPM to uphold this. Once I leave, I’m out of a job. I’m staying put.”
If you’re too skeptical to even consider it, you may already be unhappy working for the government. Distrust in an employer can make for a frustrating work environment.
As with OPM, FedSmith does not have inside information on the motivation behind the reaction of federal employee unions. They are also pushing back, questioning the legality and intent of the offer. Some employees might wonder if union resistance is driven by political opposition to the Trump administration or concern over losing dues-paying members. Ultimately, the real motives—on all sides—are hard to pin down.
The Bottom Line
The offer is generous—eight months of paid administrative leave. But is it real?
You’ll likely reject it if you believe it’s a trick or that your agency will block your ability to take full advantage.
If you trust OPM, this could be an unexpected opportunity—to get paid, explore new career options, or even take that dream vacation.
Whatever you decide, we hope it’s the right choice for you!
Please take our short survey about the offer to share your feedback about it and whether you plan to accept it.