Career Advice, from A.I. researched

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To survive the new civil service environment, 

focus on building strong internal networks, staying informed on policy changes, practicing self-care for resilience, documenting everything, and strategically managing your reputation while embracing continuous learning and adapting your mindset to navigate uncertainty and drive genuine impact. 

1. Navigate Change & Build Resilience:

• Find Your "Squad": Connect with supportive colleagues and mentors across levels to understand internal dynamics and share experiences.
• Manage Your Mindset: Recognize external changes and the internal emotional transition; focus on positive action and find motivation in your work's impact.
• Stay Informed: Follow updates from OPM and agency guidance, especially concerning new policies, and understand the legal context of changes. 

2. Enhance Your Professional Practice:

• Document Everything: Keep records of emails, instructions, and problematic interactions to protect yourself.
• Be Authentic & Collaborative: Build genuine connections and ask questions to understand needs and processes better.
• Get Out & Learn: See the work firsthand, talk to citizens, read widely, and network across government for broader perspective.
• Focus on Value: Understand the "why" behind processes and show how new ideas can bring tangible benefits, avoiding conflict with long-term staff. 

3. Prioritize Self-Care & Security:

• Protect Yourself: Maintain strict boundaries between personal and work devices, use strong passwords, and secure personal information online.
• Recharge: Take short breaks, exercise, eat well, and ensure you're getting enough sleep.
• Seek Support: Connect with friends, family, or support groups to relieve stress and combat isolation. 

4. Strategic Positioning:

• Don't Rock the Boat (Too Much): Balance being a problem-solver with understanding existing dynamics to avoid creating unnecessary roadblocks.
• Be Your Best Self: Be authentically brilliant and focus on building collaborations, but also be aware of colleagues who might take credit for your work.
• Utilize Resources: Join your union if applicable, especially if it's a strong one, for added support.   AI GENERATED