Any federal employees facing a furlough?

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

I am over this entire thing. This elected to do the people's bidding is gone in my opinion. I don't know one person that wants the gov't to shut down whether directly impacted or not.

I think most American want a real functioning semi normal government working for the people. Right now it's just all grandstanding and pushing and shoving for future political prospects and gains. There is no thought to the people that they supposedly represent.

Every single person elected in DC should be fired as of today. We as everyday average working people would be fired for not doing our job. We would not be allowed to give constant excuses and then continue with the bad behavior. I hope as Americans we take our country back and show that we want real representation and a functioning government.

I am so sorry for my fellow civilian workers. I almost feel guilty that my husband did get paid but then I feel that it's the right thing to do. However most people don't seem to know that there are thousands of civilians deployed working alongside the military who will not be paid but still stuck in the warzone. What a disservice all the way around.

Yep. Sucky situation. Hopefully it will be resolved soon.

Today is DH's first day back to being Active. (National Gaurd is state funded.)

 

[smitch425]

Other than the military and those associated directly with it - I'm ok with it. I also don't believe that those non-essential employees should be given back pay. Let them take unemployment (if out long enough) like the rest of the common folk.

The private sector has been struggling for many years now. Maybe the insulated govt employees will see what it's like to live with job uncertainty. Lots of folks downsized years ago are underemployed and working more than one job to make ends meet all the while supporting plum government jobs.

It's time to figure out what the real role of government is and only fund it to that extent - we have far overreached what's necessary to run the country and in fact have stretched government to the detriment of the private sector.

There are families in this thread who will be financially crippled by this shutdown. We do not deserve these comments. This is a support thread, not a political thread. Please take your thoughts elsewhere. This is not the time or place for these statements.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Other than the military and those associated directly with it - I'm ok with it. I also don't believe that those non-essential employees should be given back pay. Let them take unemployment (if out long enough) like the rest of the common folk.

The private sector has been struggling for many years now. Maybe the insulated govt employees will see what it's like to live with job uncertainty. Lots of folks downsized years ago are underemployed and working more than one job to make ends meet all the while supporting plum government jobs.

It's time to figure out what the real role of government is and only fund it to that extent - we have far overreached what's necessary to run the country and in fact have stretched government to the detriment of the private sector.

What?!!? Your beef needs to be with your elected representatives and not with your fellow Americans who are now hurting.

We have been working without a real and true budget for years which has caused impact that most don't even know. I have lost a job, worked on a frozen staff doing double the work with half the resources. No OT pay but HAVE to get the mission done. People have taken pay cuts, forced days off with no pay and thousands of government people have lost their job.

To say people deserve to have this done to them is just plain ugly. No one deserves this whether public or private sector. I have worked both sides and each sides directly impacts the other side.

This is more than just people working up on Capital Hill or the White House. This is the towns that need tourists at Grand Canyon. This is the families that will not be able to have their WIC filled, or even go to the doctor on a military installation(I waited almost 2 months to see a specialist and my appointment was canxled today) and the direct impact of a gov't shut down or no budget can cause a military town to almost fold up inside itself.

You want government to be smaller tell it to the people in DC. Don't smirk at those trying to figure out how to pay the mortgage and feed their families like anyone else in this country.

 

[Metsfan520]

What?!!? Your beef needs to be with your elected representatives and not with your fellow Americans who are now hurting.

We have been working without a real and true budget for years which has caused impact that most don't even know. I have lost a job, worked on a frozen staff doing double the work with half the resources. No OT pay but HAVE to get the mission done. People have taken pay cuts, forced days off with no pay and thousands of government people have lost their job.

To say people deserve to have this done to them is just plain ugly. No one deserves this whether public or private sector. I have worked both sides and each sides directly impacts the other side.

This is more than just people working up on Capital Hill or the White House. This is the towns that need tourists at Grand Canyon. This is the families that will not be able to have their WIC filled, or even go to the doctor on a military installation(I waited almost 2 months to see a specialist and my appointment was canxled today) and the direct impact of a gov't shut down or no budget can cause a military town to almost fold up inside itself.

You want government to be smaller tell it to the people in DC. Don't smirk at those trying to figure out how to pay the mortgage and feed their families like anyone else in this country.

Great post as usual. Tell it like it is.

 

[MaxsDad]

I will keep working but have no idea if I will be paid. My wife, Sister and BIL have all been furloughed. We have a disney trip scheduled for the end of october, I have no idea if we will still be able to go or if we will even have money to go. My wife had just enough vacation time accrued for the trip after almost burning it all over the summer for knee surgery, so now she will have to use her remaining vacation for this and take leave without pay for our disney trip, if she is even allowed to now. I have no idea what the situation with my sister and BIL are or if they will still be able to go on our trip in 24 days, especially if it drags on till the 17th which is the rumor now.

simply said: this sucks.

 

[PlutoPony]

It's time to figure out what the real role of government is and only fund it to that extent - we have far overreached what's necessary to run the country and in fact have stretched government to the detriment of the private sector.

This would be easier to understand if the above were the basis for the shutdown. At least it would be the basis for an ongoing discussion or negotiation. BUT IT"S NOT. This is strictly about the Affordable Healthcare Act period. Single Issue. There has been no/minimal talk about reducing the size of the government in general since sequestration.

I can tell you from experience that federal employees are paid less than their counterparts in the private sector, sometimes by a lot. And the ones being hurt are not just the govt employees but also the American population who is not able to receive the services they need.....like the Gulf War vet with PTSD who can't get counseling now.

Now if Congress and their staffers were furloughed maybe we'd see some movement on this whole debacle.

 

[bdcp]

Other than the military and those associated directly with it - I'm ok with it. I also don't believe that those non-essential employees should be given back pay. Let them take unemployment (if out long enough) like the rest of the common folk.

The private sector has been struggling for many years now. Maybe the insulated govt employees will see what it's like to live with job uncertainty. Lots of folks downsized years ago are underemployed and working more than one job to make ends meet all the while supporting plum government jobs.

It's time to figure out what the real role of government is and only fund it to that extent - we have far overreached what's necessary to run the country and in fact have stretched government to the detriment of the private sector.

Wow! First, we cannot draw unemployement as we are not "unemployed".

Second, you sound like revenge is your weapon of choice. We are just as innocent in this as the private sector employees are.

Third, do not lump every government employee and senior officialsand Congress/leadership into the same category. There are some jobs that probably aren't necessary, but there are many that are to keep everyone safe. Yes, safe. Even people working in jobs that ultimately protect the nation are being furloughed.

Government hasn't been stretched to the detriment of the private sector. Government, however, is involved in some things it shouldn't be. The Governement is still made up of people, individuals, human beings.

Your issues should be with who is elected, not who is merely an employee. Most government employees are hardworking and trying to do what is right and good and will benefit everyone.

Your anger is misdirected.

 

[LukenDC]

What?!!? Your beef needs to be with your elected representatives and not with your fellow Americans who are now hurting.

Agreed. I earned a Master of Public Administration with the intention of getting a job with the feds. My motivation was patriotism and the desire to work in a compelling work environment. After seeing how federal workers are kicked around by Congress and reading many snide comments from members of the public who take government workers for granted, I decided to work in the private sector instead. I now make A LOT more money than my peers who work for the feds and I have a much higher quality of life. Those government jobs are not quite as "plum" as some would believe.

Many people who work for the government are motivated by patriotism and a sense of civic duty. Many are veterans who were willing to give their lives for this country and still have a desire to serve in some capacity. They deserve our respect. If you are angry with the government, take that anger out on Congress and the White House.

 

[penn19]

No matter which political party you belong to, this whole thing sucks. My heart hurts for all of you affected by this. I cannot image having the unknown hanging over my household.

I hope this all gets resolved quickly and with the least amount of impact possible.

 

[wvjules]

Wow! First, we cannot draw unemployement as we are not "unemployed".

Every single person furloughed here today got a SF-8 form to use for filing for unemployment benefits.

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

There are families in this thread who will be financially crippled by this shutdown. We do not deserve these comments. This is a support thread, not a political thread. Please take your thoughts elsewhere. This is not the time or place for these statements.

What?!!? Your beef needs to be with your elected representatives and not with your fellow Americans who are now hurting.

We have been working without a real and true budget for years which has caused impact that most don't even know. I have lost a job, worked on a frozen staff doing double the work with half the resources. No OT pay but HAVE to get the mission done. People have taken pay cuts, forced days off with no pay and thousands of government people have lost their job.

To say people deserve to have this done to them is just plain ugly. No one deserves this whether public or private sector. I have worked both sides and each sides directly impacts the other side.

This is more than just people working up on Capital Hill or the White House. This is the towns that need tourists at Grand Canyon. This is the families that will not be able to have their WIC filled, or even go to the doctor on a military installation(I waited almost 2 months to see a specialist and my appointment was canxled today) and the direct impact of a gov't shut down or no budget can cause a military town to almost fold up inside itself.

You want government to be smaller tell it to the people in DC. Don't smirk at those trying to figure out how to pay the mortgage and feed their families like anyone else in this country.

Agreed. I earned a Master of Public Administration with the intention of getting a job with the feds. My motivation was patriotism and the desire to work in a compelling work environment. After seeing how federal workers are kicked around by Congress and reading many snide comments from members of the public who take government workers for granted, I decided to work in the private sector instead. I now make A LOT more money than my peers who work for the feds and I have a much higher quality of life. Those government jobs are not quite as "plum" as some would believe.

Many people who work for the government are motivated by patriotism and a sense of civic duty. Many are veterans who were willing to give their lives for this country and still have a desire to serve in some capacity. They deserve our respect. If you are angry with the government, take that anger out on Congress and the White House.

Well said. I agree wholeheartedly with all of the above comments. I'm a county employee (no plum bennies here either,) so the shutdown doesn't affect my employment, but we've had mandatory furloughs in the past as well. I can only send my best wishes to all who are faced with no pay during this shutdown and hopes for a quick resolution.

 

[Chernabog#1fan]

To the poster who is okay with the shut down due to being like the private sector jobs, this is going to have a major impact on private sector jobs as well if people can not put money into the economy. I would be careful to say that you are okay with it as you might be next.

I hope for our whole country and everyone affected by this that it will end very soon. And hopefully we will get a budget that does not keep us going for a few months at a time.

 

[worm761]

Other than the military and those associated directly with it - I'm ok with it. I also don't believe that those non-essential employees should be given back pay. Let them take unemployment (if out long enough) like the rest of the common folk.

The private sector has been struggling for many years now. Maybe the insulated govt employees will see what it's like to live with job uncertainty. Lots of folks downsized years ago are underemployed and working more than one job to make ends meet all the while supporting plum government jobs.

It's time to figure out what the real role of government is and only fund it to that extent - we have far overreached what's necessary to run the country and in fact have stretched government to the detriment of the private sector.

Let me put this in perspective for you. While we are not being paid, we cannot shop at the stores you work at. Therefore your hours will drop and possibly be laid off.

And let me tell you WHO is being effected. My father served 2 tours in Vietnam. He served in the Marine Corps for 19 YEARS before being medically discharged. Not only will he NOT get his VA check that he survives on but he also won't get the MEDICATION HE NEEDS TO SURVIVE. And he can't go to the doctor when the effects of his current meds wear off because the VA is considered non essential.

But hey, It's OK because it doesn't effect you.

 

[kimj88]

Other than the military and those associated directly with it - I'm ok with it. I also don't believe that those non-essential employees should be given back pay. Let them take unemployment (if out long enough) like the rest of the common folk.

The private sector has been struggling for many years now. Maybe the insulated govt employees will see what it's like to live with job uncertainty. Lots of folks downsized years ago are underemployed and working more than one job to make ends meet all the while supporting plum government jobs.

It's time to figure out what the real role of government is and only fund it to that extent - we have far overreached what's necessary to run the country and in fact have stretched government to the detriment of the private sector.

You are very uninformed, this is obvious by your inaccurate views on federal employees. Your comments are crass and frankly ludicrous as you are speaking of government employees who have families to take care of.....regular people making regular salaries

 

[Christine]

Hey everyone--regarding *that* poster: this is what I was speaking about upthread. There is a sentiment, at least across many internet message boards, that it's time to stick it to the federal worker.

A lot of it is sour grapes in that these people either have always coveted a federal job and couldn't get one, or they work for a private sector company that treats their employees like crap so, therefore, they feel you should be treated like crap, or they listen to talking points that are very biased and they really have NO clue what the mission is for most government agencies and their employees. I find it very disheartening.

A point I'd like to make to anyone feeling this way: a large employer sets the standard for many other employers. It's GOOD for everyone if the government treats their employees with dignity, compassion, and respect. If that happens, government jobs are coveted--they create competition--and private companies will eventually step up as employees realize they deserve better treatment.

Another point is that for all the wastefulness and jokes made about the federal service, most of the employees working there have extreme dedication to their jobs and take a lot of pride in what they do. I am a DoD employee and many of my fellow coworkers are ex-military. They have carried that professionalism from the service into their civilian jobs.

I used to be a private sector employee for 23 years. I worked side by side with civil service counterparts. Except for a few bad apples over the years, I was amazed at their dedication and the level of responsibility they had with such meager pay.

In 2008, at age 44, I decided to make that leap to the federal service. Why? It wasn't for stability. I had worked on the same contract for 15 years, was a senior analyst, and had no fears of losing work. I was paid well and I didn't have to work like a dog. I did it because, at that point in my career, I really wanted to be more involved with how the policies were made, the decisions that were made, I wanted to make a difference in the programs I worked on. I couldn't do that as a contractor. I took a lateral position in the government. I love my job. I work hard, but I make a difference. A real one that I can see. I haven't gotten a raise in 3 years, my organzation was furloughed for 6 days this summer, and I experienced horrific workplace violence a few weeks ago. But I still love my job and I work really hard not to let these bitter folks who haven't a clue get the best of me.

 

[clutter]

It's time to figure out what the real role of government is and only fund it to that extent - we have far overreached what's necessary to run the country and in fact have stretched government to the detriment of the private sector.

Others have so eloquently answered the rest of your post. Let me address this.

We have had 237 years of the people figuring out "the real role of government," and this is where we are. Generally, when I hear someone saying this, what they mean is that they only want the government to function as they, personally, believe it should. And they don't want their own benefits cut. But you don't think that maybe other's people's ideas about government need to also be considered. (And I'm not just talking about the people I assume you think shouldn't have a voice. I mean even like minded people. Get a few thousand of you together and add up your 'except for' lists of where you think government should be cut. Suddenly, it won't be as small as you envision. And while you're at it, figure out how much of your livelihoods rely on the government. It's more than you think.)

While I don't think any federal worker deserves to be furloughed, I think there are enough 'essential' services continuing that people like you still won't realize just how much the federal government provides to you. Maybe not directly, but in many many indirect ways.

 

[Uncle Remus]

Other than the military and those associated directly with it - I'm ok with it. I also don't believe that those non-essential employees should be given back pay. Let them take unemployment (if out long enough) like the rest of the common folk.

The private sector has been struggling for many years now. Maybe the insulated govt employees will see what it's like to live with job uncertainty. Lots of folks downsized years ago are underemployed and working more than one job to make ends meet all the while supporting plum government jobs.

It's time to figure out what the real role of government is and only fund it to that extent - we have far overreached what's necessary to run the country and in fact have stretched government to the detriment of the private sector.

There are families in this thread who will be financially crippled by this shutdown. We do not deserve these comments. This is a support thread, not a political thread. Please take your thoughts elsewhere. This is not the time or place for these statements.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

And to the PP, you really don't know what you're talking about.

 

[mhsjax]

Others have so eloquently answered the rest of your post. Let me address this.

We have had 237 years of the people figuring out "the real role of government," and this is where we are. Generally, when I hear someone saying this, what they mean is that they only want the government to function as they, personally, believe it should. And they don't want their own benefits cut. These people don't see that there are millions of other voices that have different beliefs as to what the government should do.

While I don't think any federal worker deserves to be furloughed, I think there are enough 'essential' services continuing that people like you still won't realize just how much the federal government provides to you. Maybe not directly, but in many many indirect ways.

Well, if she flies, better hope she or her loved ones gets on a plane that was inspected recently. I understand that they furloughed around 3000 safely inspectors.

 

[stargazer2892]

Dh and I are not however my Brother in law and my best friend are, they are civilian contractors working at a Navy Base. Poor DB-In-Law, he's getting married on Saturday and has 4 year old twins. Since everythings already paid for there's no real way of canceling things and getting their money back since the venue is free, and the food has already been paid for. Thankfully, he is very smart about his money and has plenty in savings to get him through a couple of months. Now my bestfriend, not so much. He has enough to pay his rent this month and electricity and that is it, no savings and his Credit Cards are maxed. I know it's it own darn fault he sucks at money management but it is still a position he shouldn't HAVE to be in. They where told to keep coming into work in hope of getting backpay, since they still have deadlines they need to meet once the government opens back up. The Shipyard employs probably 70% of the town I grew up *(the surrounding towns even more) this is going to kill economy.


It's embarrassing that this actually happened and neither "side" is correct. People need to grow up and work together to fix something that is badly broken. The American people are just stuck between two stubborn children who refuse to compromise and we are the ones that are getting hurt.

 

[Jaime4004]

Let me put this in perspective for you. While we are not being paid, we cannot shop at the stores you work at. Therefore your hours will drop and possibly be laid off.

And let me tell you WHO is being effected. My father served 2 tours in Vietnam. He served in the Marine Corps for 19 YEARS before being medically discharged. Not only will he NOT get his VA check that he survives on but he also won't get the MEDICATION HE NEEDS TO SURVIVE. And he can't go to the doctor when the effects of his current meds wear off because the VA is considered non essential.

But hey, It's OK because it doesn't effect you.

No plans to get involved in this conversation, but hopefully your dad will be okay, this is from several websites on what services are affected:

"Most services offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue because lawmakers approve money one year in advance for the VA's health programs. Veterans will still be able to visit hospitals for inpatient care, get mental health counseling at vet centers or get prescriptions filled at VA health clinics. Operators will still staff the crisis hotline and claims workers will still process payments to cover disability and pension benefits.

But those veterans appealing the denial of disability benefits to the Board of Veterans Appeals will have to wait longer for a decision because the board will not issue any decisions during a shutdown."