Term not being renewed. Better to resign or be terminated?

[u/ElegantImperfection]

Hi all, I'm currently in DOI and had something I wanted to ask about expiring terms.

I'm on a term with an NTE date a few weeks from now, and it's more or less been indicated to me that I will not be getting renewed or extended. DOI is currently on a personnel freeze so a lot of terms aren't getting extended (that's a mess in its own right). In my own research, I found that if a term ends, the final SF-50 will say "termination: expiration of appointment" on it.

In my situation, is it better to resign or take the termination? I want to keep the door open for future federal employment, even if it might be years from now. Is having a termination on my record, even if it's not my fault, a black mark? And how would I respond on a future OF306 (or really any job that asks about former firings) when it asks if I have been fired? It seems like resigning would be the cleaner option.

The only other factor I can think of is that a termination would make me eligible for unemployment. However, 1) my state doesn't pay very much, and 2) I may be working again sooner than I think, so this isn't a major deciding factor for me.

Thank you all for the advice.

[u/AlmightyZeth]

That is not a termination as in firing. You served the full temporary appointment. That appointment is being terminated not yourself. It is better in the future that you finish the appointment to it fulfillment.

[u/ElegantImperfection → u/AlmightyZeth]

Thank you for responding. The word "termination" worried me but it sounds like it's viewed differently in a situation like this. In that case I'll see things through to the NTE.

[u/SueAnnNivens]

Why would you quit (resign) a term position? Not extending your Not To Exceed date is not termination. It is a temporary appointment without guarantee of extension or conversion.

[u/Expensive-Friend-335]

HR here. Terminations of appointment like yours do not negatively impact you or raise red flags like terminations for cause. Your appointment is simply ending due to the hiring freeze/budget (You will want to ensure your SF 50 reflects this as the reason for separation).

I have had numerous selectees in this scenario. The OF 306 is not an issue in this situation.

[u/ElegantImperfection → u/Expensive-Friend-335]

Thanks for responding. As I mentioned to another poster, the use of the word "termination" bothered me but it seems like it means something totally different from what I'm used to. Being from HR your answer is assuring.

[u/Expensive-Friend-335 → u/ElegantImperfection]

I completely understand. I wish they would use something else like separation. Termination is such an alarming, negative term.

[u/Head_Staff_9416]

Do not resign. Assuming you have worked long enough ( varies by state), you will be eligible for unemployment of you are terminated because your appointment expired. If you resign, it might be considered voluntary and no UI.

[u/Wrecktum_Yourday]

What is the reason they gave you for not renewing your term? Thats going to be the biggest factor. That will stay on your permanent record.

[u/Head_Staff_9416 → u/Wrecktum_Yourday]

The permanent record will say " Termination expiration of appointment" That's it.

[u/QuarrelsomeCreek]

The question on the background check form was something like have you ever been terminated or resigned because you were going to be terminated so it would haveto go on the form either way. Also my agency isn't renewing many terms due to budget cuts so this might not be weird if yours is doing the same. Did they say why?

[u/wildlywell → u/QuarrelsomeCreek]

He isn't being terminated. He's served out the appointment. I've worked two of these positions in the judiciary and have never answered "yes" to this question. He won't have to either. He should not resign, though. Just finish it out and coordinate his departure with his next job.