Furloughed
So if you've been watching the news, you know the clowns that run this country couldn't come to an agreement on the federal budget, so the government shutdown.
That means I'm furloughed with no clue when I will be able to work and get a paycheck again.
It's stressful to say the least.
And boring.
What the hell are you supposed to do with all the hours in a day when it is literally illegal for you to work?
Yesterday, I was too upset to be bored. I'm not joking when I say I didn't get out of bed until 8:30 p.m., and that's pretty much only because Emily came over to cheer me up and brought me some "furlough fro yo."
I was just too disappointed to function. I woke up early to do my "shutdown activities" -- making sure our web properties were properly updated and tying up some loose ends -- and then went back to sleep.
I woke up around 2:30 in the afternoon, binge-watched a bunch of "Always Sunny" on Netflix and otherwise just stressed out about not getting paid.
Everyone keeps telling me to not worry, that I'll eventually get backpay. But do you know what needs to happen for me to get backpay? Congress needs to sign a bill authorizing it, and there's about zero chance that happens.
In case you hadn't heard, there's some folks in Congress who think federal employees are entirely to blame for the shitty economy.
I don't need to quote you the stats on all the government services that are currently unavailable and how much a shutdown costs the country each day. You've probably heard it all already.
I don't know when our government started to be run by a bunch of jerks who refuse to compromise with each other, but it's hurting a lot of people and certainly isn't doing anything to make our country stronger.
Drawing lines in the sand and playing games of chicken to see who blinks first is no way to run the greatest country in world. But apparently our elected officials have devolved into a bunch of five year olds who haven't learned how to play nice yet.
And in the meantime, you have a federal workforce left wondering when they will get their next paycheck.
I've said here countless times how much I love my job and how much I truly believe in the work my office does to help people. I wouldn't work for the government if I didn't believe at the end of the day I was doing something that helped someone somewhere. I certainly don't do it to get rich.
I want to work. I want to be able to do my job.
But I can't...at least not until someone blinks.
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10 comments
I'm so sorry. I am still in disbelief about it, and I don't understand what they think they can gain from this. ?? It defies logic. I wonder if some fed. employees will use this time to search for a new job?
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain. You aren't alone and it's very disheartening. And I agree about the boredom. There is only so much tv to watch and internet to surf. And it's not like you can go out and explore, because that costs money! Not so fun times in the life of a government employee.
ReplyDeleteGrrrr. I don't think believe side are trying to negotiate with good intent. They just want to make a point--at the expense of others. What sucks is that CONGRESS still gets paid. How is that fair?!?! Anyway, time to read a good book? Try a new recipe?
ReplyDeleteIt's totally ridiculous. I'm really sorry it's affected you. I think you summed it up perfectly calling it a game of chicken.
ReplyDeleteI know it sucks not knowing when you'll be paid again, and I don't have any huge pearls of wisdom - just hang in there.
I'm furloughed right now too and it is very stressful. Like you, I love my job and I want to go to work! I have a trip planned for Hawaii next week that has been planned for over a year. If the government is still shut down, I won't be able to see Pearl Harbor or Volcanoes National Park which really sucks.
ReplyDeleteIn summary, this is affecting so many people on so many levels and as you said above, it is stupid and completely avoidable.
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ReplyDeleteI'm in DC too and don't directly work for the government, although many in my building do and I work in a federal building so we are not open to the public. It's really sad and stupid. I have no eloquent words but agree with what you wrote!
ReplyDeleteI totally get what you're saying! These jerks really are taking advantage of good people who just want to work. I work for the government to. But at least you seem to have a better source of income and should not be too upset. this is all the Obama's fault! But staying in bed all day? I know people who have just enough to get by and are actually going to have trouble making rent this month, count your blessings that this might only affect your chances to buy new running shoes. God bless!
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