What Are Some Work Ideas for furloughed Government workers? (Arlington: foreclosure, eviction)

[Piney Creek]

Originally Posted by Piney Creek

This would be a good time for Hollywood to send one of their games out. People have the time, they could use the extra bucks, and the shows would get PR.

Maybe I have a weird sense of humor, but I think it would be funny if Deal or No Deal decided to shoot a few episodes here.

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by Piney Creek

Maybe I have a weird sense of humor, but I think it would be funny if Deal or No Deal decided to shoot a few episodes here.

At this point, it couldn't hurt!!!

[MedvedActual]

Originally Posted by Piney Creek

Maybe I have a weird sense of humor, but I think it would be funny if Deal or No Deal decided to shoot a few episodes here.

That show is so cheesy, I just find it impossible to watch. Blows the fake excitement of the Price is Right participants out of this world IMO.

[Piney Creek]

Originally Posted by MedvedActual

That show is so cheesy, I just find it impossible to watch. Blows the fake excitement of the Price is Right participants out of this world IMO.

Yah, I hate game shows too. But if they're willing to pay me, and I'm having trouble making rent due to being furloughed, it seems better than a lot of the other options.

[CraigCreek]

Originally Posted by Abraham Walker

Sooooo,

Any other advice or solutions for individuals impacted by the government shutdown that may miss a mortgage or rent payment in February?

Paper route?

[noremacww]

We are going through the same situation as my husband is a furloughed govt employee. Thanks for all the insights here.

[MaryleeII]

Deliver phone books? If there still is such a thing....My Dad did that once during a layoff....

[CraigCreek]

Money-saving tips: Pool together with nearby laid-off co-workers and buy off-brand groceries in bulk. Use coupons and store discount cards. Make big batches of spaghetti or homemade soup, and freeze half of it for later use or share it with laid-off friends and neighbors, with the understanding that they'll do this for you in return - maybe do this one night a week for each participant (don't get too many cooks in the cook and share ring, though, though - you know the warning about spoiled broth).

Don't buy ready made cookies, candy or cakes - make them from scratch and let the kids help. Lots of simple and inexpensive recipes are online and the library has cookbooks for both adults and children.

Plan a vegetable garden for homegrown produce next summer - now's the time to send for free catalogs. Your county extension agent can offer good suggestions and free how-to information. You can even grow tomatoes in large flower pots. Again, the library will have good books for beginning gardeners, if this is new to you. Again, involve the kids if they are four or five or older and make it fun.

Get used to eating what's in season and check out farmer's markets and roadside stands.

Probably not necessary to say stop eating out, going to movies, etc. for the duration. Use your public library, attend programs and borrow books and movies for free. Visit city and state parks and museums. Cut cable subscriptions and don't renew magazine subscriptions. Read them online instead. Lots of old classic movies are also on YouTube.

If this lasts long and you have young children, set up a kids' clothing (plus toys and games) exchange with friends or relatives whose children are a little older or a little younger than yours and pass things down. If it's absolutely necessary to buy children's clothing, head for resale and thrift shops and look for sturdy garments that can be let down and let out.

When summer comes. don't bother with new shorts - just cut off and hem the legs of old blue jeans or other long informal pants, for both kids and adults. Learn to do basic sewing so you can mend and tailor both your own clothes and those of other family members. Be diligent about toothbrushing, to avoid costly bad news at the dentist's.

Have every one take off their shoes and put on house shoes or slippers when they come indoors, to help save on shoe repair. Have kids change from their school clothes to play clothes after school. Teach your children how to take care of their shoes: splashing through puddles is fine for boots, not so great for sneakers or loafers.

Some of these same coping efforts worked well and were commonplace during the Great Depression, so they are time-tested and will help make the most of your resources during this trying time. If you are blessed with a family member or friend who endured the Depression, ask them about it and how they and their families (probably parents by now) managed.

Hang in there - a rough ride will be ahead, but so is eventual smooth sailing.

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by MedvedActual

Govt contractors do not get furloughed, they keep working nd getting paid; been there, done that. The $ is already has been awarded to a specific contract in those cases.

Not always true but often it is. I was a contractor back in one shutdown and kept working. I know some that are not getting paid though although their companies could decide to pay them and many do.

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by lovnova

Wrong, most government contracts are only for billable hours actually worked. If the agency is shut down, contractors are shut down too. They can't just show up at shutdown agencies as usual and keep working while their government counterparts (who will get back pay) are furloughed.
You can't bill the government for hours not worked.

Um. I've done it. (As a contractor that is)