By Ben Shreves
I lost my job. A position I had been working toward for nearly a decade. Work that kept me outside for long hours, under extreme conditions, with little room for error.
It was tough, but it was meaningful. My work aimed to help restore our public lands, ensuring these spaces remained for future generations. It wasn’t just a job, it was a purpose.
And yet, with the recent federal layoffs under DOGE, I am no longer allowed to assist the public. Just like that. A position that cost the public just 0.0000009 percent of the federal budget in the short term — but saved so much more in the long term — was deemed unnecessary. It was an investment in our future, but the powers that be don’t have time for that.
No matter the dedication, passion, or sacrifices, the decision was made. I was given just a few hours to clean out my desk and say my goodbyes. No exit interview. No real explanation — just a vague justification of “poor performance,” despite nothing but strong reviews from my direct superiors.
I’m still processing what’s next, grieving a career I refuse to leave behind. But if I’ve learned anything from the prairie, it’s that resilience is key. I’ll find my way forward — because the landscapes I love are in greater peril than ever before, and our work is far from over.
For anyone else feeling the weight of unexpected change, I see you. We’ll get through this. Resistance is built on diversity, and solidarity will carry us through.
This was originally posted by Ben Shreves on Feb. 19, 2025.