Part 6/7:
This sudden job loss has left Freres feeling vulnerable. She fears that the way her termination was handled could have long-lasting implications, including the possibility of being denied unemployment benefits. “We have a fear that I might be denied unemployment, and this could possibly be on my record forever,” she expressed, revealing her anxiety about the future.
The Broader Impact on Colleagues
Freres is not alone in this situation, as several of her colleagues also faced layoffs. This collective experience raises concerns regarding the potential disruption within the agency and the impact on federal services. As she contemplates her next steps, Freres remains determined to continue her environmental work, expressing intentions to apply for jobs outside the state of Iowa.