Workers at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have been offered $50,000 in return for resigning or retiring within the next 30 days, according to reports. The package offer is part of Elon Musk’s initiatives to cut government spending and payrolls, via the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). An email sent from agency COO, Ken Johnson, offered workers the payout in return for voluntary separation or retirement. Employees who are eligible for the offer have until March 21 to apply, and need to leave by April 4th. According to reports in Politico, the SEC has a workforce of 5,000 employees.
Workers who have been on payroll before January 24th have to quit, retire, or transfer to another agency. If the employee takes the package and returns to the SEC within five years, they have to pay back the package in full. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News that the government cost-cutting effort had found $50 billion in savings as of mid-February, and could ultimately lead to “several percent of GDP that we are saving.”
Planned Resignations Part of SEC Restructuring Under DOGE
The Trump administration is restructuring a federal government workforce that is seen as bloated and wasteful. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by billionaire senior government adviser, Elon Musk, has already removed more than 100,000 workers from the 2.6 million person payroll for the U.S. government. Plans are also in place to terminate lease agreements in Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles for a sister agency, the General Services Administration – all part of the DOGE budget reduction measures.
Back in April of 2024, the SEC directed all employees (including unionized staff) to return to office five days a week.
To Resign or Not to Resign, That is the SEC Question
So, from a career standpoint: is it a good idea to take the package?
The offer is a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea – an ancient metaphor that represents a path where options don’t exist. For staffers who don’t bite on the $50,000 bait, they risk being fired in the future – without a similar package. While each person’s situation is different, the writing on the wall seems to say, “Take the deal, and move on.” At least, that’s what DOGE is hoping for, at the SEC.
When your employer offers options that aren’t really options, it’s time to seek out other options. For employees at the SEC, other opportunities may be available elsewhere – places where transferrable skills can create new opportunities – but the employment market is contracting, especially for white collar and executive-level roles. Finding jobs in the private sector, or turning to entrepreneurship, are possibilities. But, given the current economic climate, and the tightening of the job market, those possibilities may be limited.
Depending on personal budgets, savings and spending, a $50,000 package might give someone a long (or short) runway. That financial runway gives the ability to launch a career search, or the time to evaluate investment opportunities for entrepreneurship. Keep an eye on franchise companies, as displaced workers may turn to proven systems as a means of replacing lost income.
Seeking New Revenue Streams After SEC Layoff: Franchise Options
For displaced workers with a payout package, franchise opportunities represent a potential new career pathway. Via entrepreneurship, inside the structure of the franchise model, SEC workers (and others who have been let go) can find opportunities for personal and professional growth. In 2023, there were over 805,000 franchises in the U.S., impacting about 3% of GDP. What are the transferrable skills needed, to identify franchise possibilities?
In 2025, food franchises continue to be at the top of the list for transitioning entrepreneurs. Six of the top ten franchise opportunities are in food services. However, other opportunities, such as children’s tutoring, business coaching, real estate, home services, printing, pet services and home healthcare are also attractive. The appeal of the franchise model is: you don’t have to be an expert at mobile pet grooming or senior care in order to succeed. The franchise provides a model for you to follow, and your “job” is running the business – applying the skills from a corporate career to a proven and detailed model, where you have a built-in support system for your success. The career skill you need isn’t hairdressing, cleaning or painting: it’s the ability to run a business, follow a model, and commit to building your future.
Look for franchises to expand and grow in 2025. Displaced workers will need new ways to make a living, and the jobs outlook will point some towards new franchise possibilities. A payout is nice, but how long will it last? True wealth isn’t about how much money you have, it’s about your ability to make more. After a resignation and a buyout package, from the SEC or elsewhere, it’s time to invest in a new future – and maybe a new franchise.