Furloughs are here.... are you affected?

[countrigal]

So...  US government has managed to not pass a budget, yet again (isn't this 5 years in a row now?!?) and this time no continuing resolutions were passed at the last minute to keep it running.  So, for the first time in 17 years we are once again furloughed if we work for the Federal government.  We were notified, in my agency, that we had funding for everyone up through noon on Friday, but at that time we would be sent home with a furlough letter if no budget was passed.  How are other federal agencies handling it?

Personally, I'm blessed and able to not worry about it if we are off work for a couple of weeks, however I know that not everyone can afford that.  I'm really hoping for at least a week off, just to enjoy some down time after all the mandatory overtime we have been required to put in all summer long -- it'll be nice to have a break and rest.  But not sure I'd really want it to go longer than about 1 week.  And then, many of those in my office are considered essential and aren't even getting that break -- and may be working for no pay, since they are required to be here, but there is no guarantee that they'll be paid for this time.  Seems that if I'm not required to be at work, I can more readily accept the possibility of not being paid.  Those that are having to come in, yet not promised pay....  sucks and morale in this building, which was already low, is taking another critical hit.

How is this budget not being passed affecting you?  You don't have to work for the federal government for it to affect you, as showcased lately in the news.  You may rely upon the tourist trade from government parks and such, which is not going to be coming in since they are closed.  So.... share how it's affecting you, and if you're planning on enjoying the "vacation" or suffer through it, or a combination?

[msmarieh]

Two of my nieces have been furloughed.

My company has enough money for a few weeks, so for the moment, I'm fine. We'll see how it goes if this goes on much longer. But personally, I'll be surprised if it does, simply because public pressure will keep increasing to get it fixed already. How ridiculous that they aren't forced to work round the clock to come up with a solution.

Financially it wouldn't be great for us, but personally, I'd love to have a little time off.