Stressing Hard

I am a Federal Government employee. So, we probably are going to be furloughed. My unit had funding for three weeks after funding lapsed but that will end next Friday. Now in 2013 we had this happen and it never went anyplace. We ended up getting it resolved before we lost any funds but as you probably saw on the news... doesn't look like that is going to happen.

(also guys please don't post any politics - I am not looking for that)

More frustrating is it is looking likely that I am "essential" (they are making the final decision next week -- but I was last time) and that means I have to work without pay.

I am actually in ok shape. The credit union will give us 0% loans and I have money saved for a lot longer than most... however, this is obviously stressful. My co workers are about to lose their minds.

Finally, I am on a board and man this thing is so stressful. But as usual, today one of the *men* took a shot at me. I am getting so freaking SICK of it. He is such a moron -- as usual he knows nothing but wants to be the Treasurer. But then he can't even handle that job. So I basically make sure the budget gets done and tell him how to do it... but let him have the credit. So today I said I didn't want to pay for something. And he responds with "Really?"

That word, right there, is SOOOO PATRONIZING. It says right off the top that whatever you said was not legit. That somehow your thoughts are small and wrong.

Look if you disagree fine, but I don't need your patronizing bull***.

Done with him.

Grrrrrrrrr.

I think women can be patronizing too. Not to say it isn't what's modern day referred to as learned patriarchal whatever whatever ..thinking on it a moment as I hear what you are saying. I have my fair share of moments these past several weeks.
Similar patronizing crud. Different environments so I'm going to grrr right alongside with you.

Of course... not to get into a generalized men vrs. women argument.. but I have to call out sexism here in this particular thing. All the men in this governing board just stupidly spew without looking at anything, knowing anything, and are always wrong.

While all the women just wait around for the guys to speak and then say their opinion is what they said.

All but me. And I guess I found out they just really don't like it.

The truth is I can run circles around this dolt and he just doesn't like it. He never has an argument that has any merit and can't think worth a lick. I have done nothing but try to support him for months and I have just had it. He is a MORON. And I am done shining my light under a barrel for him.

Sorry I had to spew.

Spew away I say it's better to let it spew out outside the workplace than allow it to fester inside the workplace. Plus in spewing it gets the rough edges off or out so that you can focus on how you want to handle it.

Actually though the board isn't to do with work it is a board of trustees for my condo. (so that is my home<g>) it is all around me!

Even worse. Either way spew away. I'm definitely getting a picture in my mind of what you are going through in that sense.

To add about your dilemma I just saw there was a vote to extend funding through September of non essential employees.

I am unfortunately an "essential" employee. The good news is that my agency did find more funds and we will get paid until January 18th.

The bad news is that it is looking like this is going to go a long time.

I am sort of freaking out about the fact that we will not be able to use leave. So not only do I have to work without pay.. I won't be able to take leave? Technically if I take time off, I will be furloughed and I may not get pay. I literally can't work without leave time. Not to mention what happens when it snows.

The options are that (1) we can get unemployment but, if we get paid back, we have to pay the unemployment back; (2) the credit union is offering a 0% loan but it will only be for 60 days.

I seriously feel like it is time to just resign, find a shack in the south, and live off the land in poverty. What is the point of working if it can all be wiped out. I am TIRED of working. SO tired of it... and now, I get the joy of being forced to work every day without leave for zero money?

Man...

I'm so sorry, Emily Fox Seaton Working without pay is really too much. I understand how you feel. I wouldn't blame you if you decided to leave and look for another job. Do you think things will get better at some point? I hope so. I hope venting here helps a bit. Wish you good luck! Let us know how it goes. Sending many hugs to you

Thanks Mickey. It is stressful. I really think some of my co workers are going to lose it.

So the good news is that the president passed a bill guaranteeing back pay. Before, if I had to take any time off (because I was sick or needed leave) I would technically be "furloughed" and would receive no pay for it. However now we can take time off and get paid back eventually. Using our leave.

That is fine. I literally can't work 40 hours per week without leave time.

My agency also found money until 1/25 and the rumor is they have it for the next week.

My plan includes
(1) a 0% loan from a financial institution;
(2) a 0% credit card
(3) unemployment which I have been told I will quality for.
and
(4) I have savings enough to last a while.
(5) if all else fails I can dip into my retirement.

But, I did talk to a co worker yesterday and it is depressing. She has ZERO, I mean ZERO saved. I can't help but blame her. I had at one point before this happened asked if she worried about not having any savings and she didn't.

Hi, I know a few people in the US affected by the shutdown is, and I see how stressful it is. Sorry you are dealing with this.

I'm glad to hear that you have a financial cushion to deal with it for a while at least. That is so important. But, it must be tough to work with co-workers who don't and who are extra stressed about their finances.

Ugh they let us know today that if I am deemed essential (which I probably will be) I will NOT be able to collect unemployment benefits. Which is insane. Only if you are NOT working can you receive it. There is some talk the state may allow it as a special thing.

So apparently they say that they may set up a system where 1/2 the employees will be furloughed and the other 1/2 will cover... then the other half will cover and those people will be furloughed so we can all qualify for benefits.

That is so nuts.