Government Shutdown 2013 (closing, live, rating)

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by pgtvatitans

Yeah it is not easy. That is one of the reasons I left government. I have a similar situation to you where I have a couple of kids so daycare is huge issue. It also limitswhat wives can do for work because unless they make a certain amount, the daycare expenses are usually more than their salary depending on their field. I just couldn't afford it with the furloughs and the possibility of being RIF'ed.

Did you go into contracting for the government or did you end up in a totally unrelated field?

I find it interesting that many (not all) contractors can continue to work while the feds get furloughed or shut down. I don't ask that question in a sour grapes frame of mind because I know that contracting works differently. It's more coming from the "My how the pendulum has swung in the other direction" kind of thing.

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

I find it interesting that many (not all) contractors can continue to work while the feds get furloughed or shut down.

Some can, but these days it's fewer and fewer. I have neighbors and family members who are contractors (or by now, should we say "were" contractors) and have been out of work since January. The companies used to keep you on the payroll to do paperwork tasks, but those aren't available much anymore. These days the companies keep stringing them along with talk about "new positions opening next week" but those job openings never seem to exist. I know people who keep getting sent job notices that turn out to be meaningless. They fill in pages and pages of these lengthy job applications, but after going through all sorts of hurdles it always turns out the jobs were "incumbent", meaning someone already holds that job and was told to reapply to continue doing it. Openings like that are just a bogus carrot to chase after.

I wish I could believe this idea that "this is the worst it will get" but I said that to a lot of my friends in January. I truly believed they would all be working by now. Their companies sure acted like they would be. Instead, none of them are. It feels like we are the favorite punching bag ever since the whole sequester thing started.

[slduvall]

I find it interesting that many (not all) contractors can continue to work while the feds get furloughed or shut down.

In very general terms, it all comes down to how they were funded in the first place. If a contract was cut and funded a couple years ago, then it isn't using FY 14 funds. My husband is a contractor on a large contract, he is working tomorrow. Essentially the company has already been paid (sort of) so the work needs to continue.

I work on a contract that amazingly expires today. We are already on an extension anyway, we got another extension approved to start tomorrow...BUT they are trying to determine this morning if the extension was FY 14 or accured FY 13 funds. It is a tough way to work, busted a** last week since we weren't sure and had end of contract due outs. Today, waiting to see. Wouldn't recommend it for the faint of heart.

[justtitans]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

Did you go into contracting for the government or did you end up in a totally unrelated field?

I find it interesting that many (not all) contractors can continue to work while the feds get furloughed or shut down. I don't ask that question in a sour grapes frame of mind because I know that contracting works differently. It's more coming from the "My how the pendulum has swung in the other direction" kind of thing.

I am contracting with the government. And under our contract we still get to work. We are fortunate. Unfortunately things like what is happening is why I left the government. The stability has gone down. I can't imagine still working for defense, getting furloughed and now possibly getting shut down. It's just too much. I would love to come back to government but not under these circumstances.

[austindoxie1972]

Here's a listing of agency plans on today's Washington Post site.

Impact of a government shutdown on federal agencies - The Washington Post

[I'm Retired Now]

About half of government contractors are working at a government facility hand in hand with the Federal Civil Servants. If the office is closed tomorrow because the "feds" you are working with are considered non essential then as a Federal Contractor you can't work and are laid off until the government office is back in business. That is what is going to happen to my wife who works hand in hand with actual Federal Government employees.

[lqda4]

All our contractors will continue to work when Government shuts down. In fact, they will be directed to do whatever as required, even without approved task orders (as in normal condition).

[FCNova]

So on the bright side, I guess for once traffic will be good for people still commuting tomorrow

[VRE332]

Originally Posted by FCNova

So on the bright side, I guess for once traffic will be good for people still commuting tomorrow

Everything will continue to run in our Agency because the Contractors do the work minus the talking. There will be less aggravation and knee-jerk reactions, and stress-free environment.

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by FCNova

So on the bright side, I guess for once traffic will be good for people still commuting tomorrow

Maybe the next day. Most have to report in for 4 hours tomorrow, close up their work stations, and sign their letters.