Comments on: What To Do When You’re On Furlough

By: uptempo777

uptempo777 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 04:20:30 +0000

How about you get another job during those days you have off? Replace that income with some other part-time income.

By: Rodney Cooley

Rodney Cooley — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 03:09:10 +0000

Another good idea might be to review your personal finances and find ways to cut back. If your job is shaky, getting your finances in order will bring down one stressor in life.

It also would be a good time to reconnect with key people who you might not have talked with for a while. The networking might help if you get laid off.

By: eric

eric — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:21:58 +0000

I feel bad for our state workers too.

By: LinearChaos

LinearChaos — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 02:29:53 +0000

Great post topic! Furloughs have hit state workers here in AZ extremely hard and someone dear to me is suffering.

The accomplishment journal is a great idea. I actually created a CV to keep track of everything and I use that to create specialized resumes when I need to. Sure beats trying to drum up the information from the depths of my brain when the need for a resume comes up!

By: Kevin@OutOfYourRut

Kevin@OutOfYourRut — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:36:25 +0000

Depends on how long it lasts. If it’s a week or so, the rest and resume update sound productive. If it’s a few weeks or a couple of months, and assuming it doesn’t represent a probable permanent job loss, it might not be a bad idea to work on a new skill or two. It’s usually easier to start that when you’re schedule is more open than as a weekend/evening arrangment.

You can’t go wrong with learning new computer applications, a foreign language or public speaking. Might be just the edge you need if the furlough turns into something a little less temporary.

By: Corporate Barbarian

Corporate Barbarian — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:34:01 +0000

It’s funny, but before starting any big assignment, I usually take a few minutes to de-stress. It helps me clear my mind and get focused. I may get up and take a walk, or knock a few short emails out of my inbox. I like the idea of updating your resume every three months. I only do this once a year, so I’ll have to pick up the pace.

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:04:56 +0000

I think one of the best things to do is refocus your life on your goals. We always complain we dont have enough time when working. Well, now there is a ton of time so start working toward your goals. Never a better time to do so.

Dave

By: Miranda

Miranda — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:14:12 +0000

Great ideas for being on furlough. I like the idea of reflection. And preparation. While it may seem like wasted time, if you have some extra furlough time, it can be quite productive.