Leaving 18F: A Designer's Exit Amidst Political Turmoil
2025-02-18
A designer recounts their departure from 18F, a US digital services agency, due to the increasingly hostile political climate and restructuring under the new administration. The author details the positive work culture and collaborative spirit at 18F, contrasting it with the new leadership's thinly veiled attempts to downsize the workforce under the guise of evaluating 'technical wins'. Facing potential dismissal as a probationary employee, the author chose to resign. The narrative transcends a personal account, highlighting the political infighting within the US government, its impact on public services, and the implicit threat to federal employees.