Forum Index
»
Jobs and Careers
Wake me up from this nightmare
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
I cannot believe that we may be facing double unemployment. I'm a federal contractor and my spouse is a fed. At the end of 2024 we both received promotions and were doing well and happy in our careers. My company is crumbling around me with contracts being terminated and layoffs and all I can do is watch. We are in our 40s with two young kids and a mortgage. We are financially conservative and can live on one income comfortably without childcare, which has always given us piece of mind. However, we are now in what would usually seem like a remote possibility that both of us would be unemployed at the same time for a potentially extended period. I cannot focus on anything--my work, my kids. I'm depressed just thinking about how happy everyone was in December and now the future looks bleak and uncertain. My kids have no idea what is going on.
I really wish someone would shine a light on what is going on, because we can't be the only ones. DOGE has not even started with NIH, FDA, and SAMSHA and RIFs--Montgomery County is going to a disaster. I think the rest of the country doesn't care. |
Anonymous
| Youre fine. You can live on one salary. We cannot, and DH just lost his employment. And I'm a fed. Don't borrow trouble for now. Gonna be alright. |
Anonymous
|
I’m sorry, OP. And it’s all for nothing— it is just to be cruel.
I am sorry. |
Anonymous
| You both take any jobs you can find if it comes down to it. |
Anonymous
Yes, just wanton cruelty. I don’t believe in god, but I wish I did so I could know that there is a special place in hell for Musk. There are children dying of aids because of what he is doing. |
Anonymous
| Once the federal freeze on money is lifted (per federal judge) will some contracts start to be funded? I would think (hope) so. |
Anonymous
|
I very much relate to your feelings. I keep hoping that I’ll wake up and this has been an awful dream, but remember to try to focus on things that bring joy like your kids or taking time for a walk, etc. I know that sounds simplistic but it truly does help me. I also started therapy this week and that also helps.
You will get through this. |
Anonymous
| I'm so sorry. Can one of you start looking for remote work in consulting, or other remote government work for the city/county/state? |
Anonymous
| We are in the same boat, OP. I’m pretty sick about it. |
Anonymous
The freeze is not in effect now; it’s just being ignored. |
Anonymous
Paused contracts or grants could come back, but terminated contracts would have to go through the procurement process again. I'm also not sure there are any pending legal cases that would have implications for terminated contracts. Also, isn't it sick that in the first four months of the administration, there are I don't know a dozen lawsuits in federal court against the president for violating the constitution? What a messed up situation. |
Anonymous
|
I would try to stay in the present, not ruminate on past or future and focus on what you can control - job hunting, reducing expenses, etc.
No matter what happens, you have your family, health and you are resilient. One day or hour at a time approach is what is getting me through. Best to your family, OP. |
Anonymous
| in the same boat here. it is so stressful. I am applying for any job I see that looks like even a remote fit. I like my company and job but not sure how long I can hang on. |
Anonymous
First four WEEKS! |
Anonymous
| I am so, so sorry OP. It is indeed a nightmare (fellow contractor here). And what makes it worse is that they are intentionally doing this to inflict pain. This is not a situation (like in some private company layoffs) where they simply have to make business decisions. |