Insight from other feds regarding the fork

I’m a distant remote employee who is unable to move for a variety of reasons. I applied for a job in early December, and found out last week I got the job. Outside of the ideal timing given all that’s going on, the position is also in a field I’ve been wanting to work in for a long time. I’ve accepted the job and plan to start mid-March.

Now here’s where I’m stuck. I’m obviously going to have to resign, but do I resign through the “fork” offer? If I don’t, it’s likely I’ll be unpaid for a few weeks since the RTO deadline is before my start date. The fork implies I could get paid during that interim time.

Given I don’t have much to lose, do I take the fork???

I’d like to also add that I absolutely loved being a federal employee. I had hoped this RTO wouldn’t happen, but had been applying to jobs since November as a back up since the odds seemed more and more likely. Had RTO not happened, and if I were in a position to move or work in person, I absolutely would. I wish I could hold the line. I truly cannot afford to move, and am fearful that the move wouldn’t guarantee my job security either.

I also understand the fork is gamble and at the end of the day I will have to make the call. I’ve been speaking with other feds for their insight, but all have been at my agency. Outside perspectives given this situation would be helpful. Thank you!