Drop the gov politics they don't control the UPRR business. UPRR is a gov all in it's own. I called them a communist government for a long time.
I expected to be a lifer like others in my family. Probably never would I have quit on my own. They controlled me and everyone else with virtual chain$ and everyone followed them around and did what they said. I was laid off in 1986ish, recalled for full time in 1989ish,
HR wouldn't guarantee in writing or verbally anything, not full time, not permanent, just said if you want to go back to work here show up on Monday at .... I chose to resign since I had other ventures I was involved in.
IT WAS THE BEST THING I EVER DID! No regrets, there is life after UPRR. It may be a blessing in disguise. It was hard but in the long run what a stress reliever. Keep your options open and don't hang on to the past. If you have a passion (hopefully not the UPRR) follow it chase it. It may lead you to being a new reclaimed person.
Best of luck in the future and God Bless.