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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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To furlough... or not to furlough...
That is the question...
Any bets, guesses, meanderings about the possibility of a federal employee furlough??
I'm kind of hoping we WILL be furloughed for 2 weeks... I may just book a last minute trip to Israel!
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Posted 3/1/11 4:10 PM  |
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heathergirl
Cocktail Time!
Member since 10/08 4978 total posts
Name:
American mouth
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
I don't even know what a furlough is.
and is it pronounced "fur-low" or "fur-luff"? I think that would impact whether or not I thought it was a good idea 
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| Posted 3/1/11 4:11 PM |
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ctrain1124
Our Gang!
Member since 8/07 3190 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
I am undecided. As much as I could totally use a 2 week vacation, the thought of possibly not getting paid after we still have to finish baby #2 room and just bought furniture kinda makes me 
But I guess whatever is going to happen, will happen! If we do, I am totally relaxing and hanging out with my son!
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| Posted 3/1/11 4:13 PM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
Posted by heathergirl
I don't even know what a furlough is.
and is it pronounced "fur-low" or "fur-luff"? I think that would impact whether or not I thought it was a good idea
"fur-low" - it's a mandatory time off work, with no pay. Basically the federal government budget runs out March 4. Congress can't agree on a new budget. If they can't agree on something by midnight, March 4, the federal government literally SHUTS DOWN and most federal employees are out of work, and unpaid, until the budget can be resolved.
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| Posted 3/1/11 4:20 PM |
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heathergirl
Cocktail Time!
Member since 10/08 4978 total posts
Name:
American mouth
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
Posted by Bxgell2
Posted by heathergirl
I don't even know what a furlough is.
and is it pronounced "fur-low" or "fur-luff"? I think that would impact whether or not I thought it was a good idea
"fur-low" - it's a mandatory time off work, with no pay. Basically the federal government budget runs out March 4. Congress can't agree on a new budget. If they can't agree on something by midnight, March 4, the federal government literally SHUTS DOWN and most federal employees are out of work, and unpaid, until the budget can be resolved.
Thanks for explaining  Yikes, I would guess it's probably not a GOOD thing for the government to shut down, but if you have no control in it, I guess you're forced to go along with it. Has it ever happened before? Or is it always one of those things that comes down to the wire?
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| Posted 3/1/11 4:25 PM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
I realize that many people will suffer a major hardship if it happens.
even IF our benefits were great, it's not like most people make big money. I am sure it will hurt and I think that sucks.
that being said, I WISH they would let us volunteer. I would do it in a heartbeat. two weeks off with my kid. YES PLEASE. even if it means I am out a nice wad of benjamins.
I just don't want to wish for it though, b/c my enjoyment will undoubtably be at others detriment.
ETA: the last time it happened was in 1995. two times.
Message edited 3/1/2011 4:26:13 PM.
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| Posted 3/1/11 4:25 PM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
Posted by Ophelia
I realize that many people will suffer a major hardship if it happens.
even IF our benefits were great, it's not like most people make big money. I am sure it will hurt and I think that sucks.
that being said, I WISH they would let us volunteer. I would do it in a heartbeat. two weeks off with my kid. YES PLEASE. even if it means I am out a nice wad of benjamins.
I just don't want to wish for it though, b/c my enjoyment will undoubtably be at others detriment.
ETA: the last time it happened was in 1995. two times.
That's how I feel - personally, I welcome the opportunity to stay home for 2 weeks with my girls - I can't think of anything sweeter, and it's well worth the loss of income to me. But, by the same token, the possibility of a furlough presents a serious hardship to many...
ETA - the rumor is that two agencies, the IRS and the DOJ have been informed that they need to wrap up stuff by Friday in anticipation of the expected furlough, but no word from my particular agency
Message edited 3/1/2011 4:43:10 PM.
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| Posted 3/1/11 4:42 PM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
Posted by Bxgell2
That's how I feel - personally, I welcome the opportunity to stay home for 2 weeks with my girls - I can't think of anything sweeter, and it's well worth the loss of income to me. But, by the same token, the possibility of a furlough presents a serious hardship to many...
I feel the same way.
Says the woman who's DH just took a 7 week furlough & is ready for 7 more. Go IBEW!
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| Posted 3/1/11 4:58 PM |
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
I was furloughed for short time when I was a federal employee. Little by little, each job title was added to the list of crucual jobs and people were ordered back to work. The entire thing put a huge burden on the system and several of my co-workers were severely hurt by it. For me if it had gone on longer I would have just had to defer a student loan payment to get by but for most of my co-workers it was a very rough time. Then the pressure to catch up when they returned to work was immense. It's sort of silly that people were forloughed one week and then approved for massive amounts of paid overtime the next. It was all political.
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| Posted 3/1/11 6:03 PM |
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GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
Name:
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
I had joked around about needing the time off but seriously, this would be HORRIBLE timing for me as DH is not working and we are about to start major renovations on our home.
I heard that the last time they did this, the people who went in got paid eventually. . . so I would have to go in anyway.
I guess we would figure it out in the end, but it would be VERY tight for us.
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| Posted 3/1/11 8:23 PM |
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GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
Name:
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
Posted by Bxgell2
Posted by heathergirl
I don't even know what a furlough is.
and is it pronounced "fur-low" or "fur-luff"? I think that would impact whether or not I thought it was a good idea
"fur-low" - it's a mandatory time off work, with no pay. Basically the federal government budget runs out March 4. Congress can't agree on a new budget. If they can't agree on something by midnight, March 4, the federal government literally SHUTS DOWN and most federal employees are out of work, and unpaid, until the budget can be resolved.
I think they granted an extension until March 18th
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| Posted 3/1/11 8:24 PM |
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LightUpMyLife
LIF Adolescent
Member since 1/10 804 total posts
Name:
Bonnie-Jean
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
Message edited 3/1/2011 8:54:02 PM.
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| Posted 3/1/11 8:53 PM |
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Jackie24
~We Did it~
Member since 7/06 6718 total posts
Name:
Jackie
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
Posted by Ophelia
I realize that many people will suffer a major hardship if it happens.
even IF our benefits were great, it's not like most people make big money. I am sure it will hurt and I think that sucks.
that being said, I WISH they would let us volunteer. I would do it in a heartbeat. two weeks off with my kid. YES PLEASE. even if it means I am out a nice wad of benjamins.
I just don't want to wish for it though, b/c my enjoyment will undoubtably be at others detriment.
ETA: the last time it happened was in 1995. two times.
ITA with this, let some people bow out? I would offer up.
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| Posted 3/1/11 9:18 PM |
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melbalalala
Little Lady
Member since 5/07 5014 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
Looks like we have two more weeks until we get our answer.
Given that it's not a given that we'll get paid if we are forced to stay home.. nope, no thank you  And I assume we'd all be "on call" if we were furloughed.. not knowing if we'd be asked to come in or not the next day, so traveling too far wouldn't be an option.
Stinks.
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| Posted 3/1/11 10:06 PM |
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waterspout4
My loves
Member since 5/06 19150 total posts
Name:
Kelly
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
Posted by melbalalala
Looks like we have two more weeks until we get our answer.
Given that it's not a given that we'll get paid if we are forced to stay home.. nope, no thank you And I assume we'd all be "on call" if we were furloughed.. not knowing if we'd be asked to come in or not the next day, so traveling too far wouldn't be an option.
Stinks.
It truly sucks donkey balls. especially as we get into severe weather season. The National Weather Service has been holding our breath. Truly, when are there any good times to take off from weather?
Things that concern us: Will this be X amount of time given in a lump sum? Or is it a day off here and there per paycheck? Lump sum scares the crap out of me. I know some think a week or two of vacation sounds nice, but what if they agree to the random one day off per week for 10 weeks? Are you as happy then? Tuesday one week, Thursday next week, etc? Or is it better to stagger it for money reasons?
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| Posted 3/1/11 10:34 PM |
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
Posted by waterspout4
Posted by melbalalala
Looks like we have two more weeks until we get our answer.
Given that it's not a given that we'll get paid if we are forced to stay home.. nope, no thank you And I assume we'd all be "on call" if we were furloughed.. not knowing if we'd be asked to come in or not the next day, so traveling too far wouldn't be an option.
Stinks.
It truly sucks donkey balls. especially as we get into severe weather season. The National Weather Service has been holding our breath. Truly, when are there any good times to take off from weather?
Things that concern us: Will this be X amount of time given in a lump sum? Or is it a day off here and there per paycheck? Lump sum scares the crap out of me. I know some think a week or two of vacation sounds nice, but what if they agree to the random one day off per week for 10 weeks? Are you as happy then? Tuesday one week, Thursday next week, etc? Or is it better to stagger it for money reasons?
Do you work for National Weather Service now or are you sayiing for your husband?
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| Posted 3/1/11 11:42 PM |
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melbalalala
Little Lady
Member since 5/07 5014 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
Posted by waterspout4
Posted by melbalalala
Looks like we have two more weeks until we get our answer.
Given that it's not a given that we'll get paid if we are forced to stay home.. nope, no thank you And I assume we'd all be "on call" if we were furloughed.. not knowing if we'd be asked to come in or not the next day, so traveling too far wouldn't be an option.
Stinks.
It truly sucks donkey balls. especially as we get into severe weather season. The National Weather Service has been holding our breath. Truly, when are there any good times to take off from weather?
Things that concern us: Will this be X amount of time given in a lump sum? Or is it a day off here and there per paycheck? Lump sum scares the crap out of me. I know some think a week or two of vacation sounds nice, but what if they agree to the random one day off per week for 10 weeks? Are you as happy then? Tuesday one week, Thursday next week, etc? Or is it better to stagger it for money reasons?
Hmm.. I was under the impression this would go down like it did in the '90's... the budget wouldn't pass, the government would be shut down, and we'd be in limbo for X number of days straight until they figure it all out and call us back?
I know there were talks a few months ago about a planned furlough <like many state governments are doing> where Feds would get a few unpaid days here or there, like you are saying, but I thought what was going on now would be different.
Correct me if I'm wrong, though! (not that either scenario is very desirable!) 
Message edited 3/2/2011 5:51:38 AM.
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| Posted 3/2/11 5:51 AM |
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july4mrsO
Happy boy!
Member since 5/10 2867 total posts
Name:
Jess
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
I have no interest in being furloughed. I like getting paid. If I wanted to have a two week vacation from work...then I would just take a two week paid vacation and use my leave. I'm thinking we won't actually have furloughs but if we do, I'm not going to be happy about it 
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| Posted 3/2/11 7:06 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
Doesn't look like it will happen, at least, not next week. The house passed a CR until 3/18, which the senate will likely pass as well. Now they just have to get their heads together and agree on something within those two weeks!
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| Posted 3/2/11 7:17 AM |
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BeachMom
Love my 4 kiddos!
Member since 11/08 8346 total posts
Name:
Kristie
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
2 more weeks. i was kind of looking foward to som unscheduled time off with my girls
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| Posted 3/2/11 7:20 AM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
Posted by melbalalala
Posted by waterspout4
Posted by melbalalala
Looks like we have two more weeks until we get our answer.
Given that it's not a given that we'll get paid if we are forced to stay home.. nope, no thank you And I assume we'd all be "on call" if we were furloughed.. not knowing if we'd be asked to come in or not the next day, so traveling too far wouldn't be an option.
Stinks.
It truly sucks donkey balls. especially as we get into severe weather season. The National Weather Service has been holding our breath. Truly, when are there any good times to take off from weather?
Things that concern us: Will this be X amount of time given in a lump sum? Or is it a day off here and there per paycheck? Lump sum scares the crap out of me. I know some think a week or two of vacation sounds nice, but what if they agree to the random one day off per week for 10 weeks? Are you as happy then? Tuesday one week, Thursday next week, etc? Or is it better to stagger it for money reasons?
Hmm.. I was under the impression this would go down like it did in the '90's... the budget wouldn't pass, the government would be shut down, and we'd be in limbo for X number of days straight until they figure it all out and call us back?
I know there were talks a few months ago about a planned furlough <like many state governments are doing> where Feds would get a few unpaid days here or there, like you are saying, but I thought what was going on now would be different.
Correct me if I'm wrong, though! (not that either scenario is very desirable!)
this is what I was thinking as well. the govt shutdown furlough would last as long as these children need to learn how to play nice in the sandbox.
the other one, where we would take day, has not yet come to fruition.
I would volunteer for that too.
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| Posted 3/2/11 8:57 AM |
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MrsMcNuzzi
LIF Infant
Member since 5/08 278 total posts
Name:
Lori
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
Posted by july4mrsO
I have no interest in being furloughed. I like getting paid. If I wanted to have a two week vacation from work...then I would just take a two week paid vacation and use my leave. I'm thinking we won't actually have furloughs but if we do, I'm not going to be happy about it
Same feelings here - I don't understand the logic behind getting excited about a UNPAID week or two week vacation. I don't live check to check but the thought that I'm going to be forced to work (my position is considered essential) and not get paid for it is definitely NOT OKAY.
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| Posted 3/2/11 9:59 AM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
Posted by MrsMcNuzzi
Posted by july4mrsO
I have no interest in being furloughed. I like getting paid. If I wanted to have a two week vacation from work...then I would just take a two week paid vacation and use my leave. I'm thinking we won't actually have furloughs but if we do, I'm not going to be happy about it
Same feelings here - I don't understand the logic behind getting excited about a UNPAID week or two week vacation. I don't live check to check but the thought that I'm going to be forced to work (my position is considered essential) and not get paid for it is definitely NOT OKAY.
if you have an essential position you will get paid as far as I know. the miliary does not furlough, neither do many other agencies/positions. they still get paid though.
it's the agencies and positions that are considered non essential that get the free ride.
and you don't have to understand the logic...it's mine, not yours. 
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| Posted 3/2/11 10:04 AM |
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MrsMcNuzzi
LIF Infant
Member since 5/08 278 total posts
Name:
Lori
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
nothing is certain - from what I was told they do not have to pay essential employees either. Last time yes everyone's pay and leave balances were reinstated - but the same may not apply this time around
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| Posted 3/2/11 10:25 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: To furlough... or not to furlough...
Posted by MrsMcNuzzi
Posted by july4mrsO
I have no interest in being furloughed. I like getting paid. If I wanted to have a two week vacation from work...then I would just take a two week paid vacation and use my leave. I'm thinking we won't actually have furloughs but if we do, I'm not going to be happy about it
Same feelings here - I don't understand the logic behind getting excited about a UNPAID week or two week vacation. I don't live check to check but the thought that I'm going to be forced to work (my position is considered essential) and not get paid for it is definitely NOT OKAY.
Because, as a supervisor, while I have the time, I simply cannot take that much time off to be with my kids, travel, etc. I mean, I'm permitted, but logistically it is an impossibility. But, if the entire agency is closed, then I'll welcome to the time off, even if it's unpaid. I recognize, however, that not everyone is in the same position and that it would result in a significant hardship for some... I'm just talking about my perspective
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| Posted 3/2/11 10:29 AM |
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