[Emily Fox Seaton]

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.

[rechu]

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.

[Emily Fox Seaton]

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.