Federal employees are now facing the challenges of government shutdowns, which can lead to stress and financial uncertainty. With the current partial government shutdown continuing, employees both working and furloughed need to find ways to manage their personal and professional lives effectively.
How Federal Employees Can Survive Government Shutdowns
- Focus on Self-Care
- Create a New Routine
- Seek Skill Development
- Limit Media Consumption
Prioritize Personal Well-Being
Patrick Malone, a director at American University, emphasizes the importance of self-care during this time. Engaging in exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and ensuring adequate sleep are crucial for mental clarity.
Explore New Activities
Employees are encouraged to break their routine and try new activities. This can include attending community classes or learning new skills that spark joy and can potentially enhance their careers.
Develop New Job Skills
Furloughed employees should consider taking free online courses to acquire new job skills. Many institutions now offer free or low-cost training in areas such as artificial intelligence, which can enhance resumes significantly.
Unplug from News
Constantly consuming news related to the shutdown can increase stress. Experts recommend limiting news intake, such as checking updates only twice a day, to help maintain peace of mind.
Maintaining Mental Health
Seeking connection is essential. Robyn Kehoe of the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund suggests talking to peers or professionals to avoid isolation. Support groups like Wellfed organize weekly sessions for federal employees to share experiences and manage stress collectively.
Establish a Routine
Keeping a consistent schedule helps maintain a sense of normalcy. Experts suggest maintaining regular wake-up times and engaging in daily activities, whether yard work or exercise, to foster stability.
Financial Strategies during Shutdowns
As employees may miss their first paycheck due to the shutdown, financial planning becomes vital. Kehoe highlights that concerns about finances can significantly amplify stress, especially as the holiday season approaches.
Creating a Financial Plan
Employees are encouraged to assess their household budgets, identifying unnecessary expenses and exploring available resources. Banks and credit unions often extend flexible options to federal employees impacted by shutdowns.
- Navy Federal Credit Union: Offers a Paycheck Assistance Program for eligible members.
- Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund: Provides emergency shutdown grants to employees who miss pay.
- USAA: Available loans equal to net pay, ranging from $500 to $6,000.
- Marine Federal Credit Union: Offers an advance on the first paycheck.
Utilizing Community Resources
Federal employees should take advantage of local resources, such as food pantries or financial counseling services. Assistance programs exist to help employees manage through challenging times, so they should not hesitate to seek help.
By focusing on personal well-being, exploring new opportunities, and managing finances wisely, federal employees can navigate the current shutdown with resilience and adaptability. The strategies discussed can serve as practical methods to endure this time while preparing for future opportunities.
