Anonymous
Post 09/24/2023 21:15     Subject: Shutdown vacation ideas and deals
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I’m a contractor and only get paid when I bill and I can only bill when I receive work. So if there is a shutdown, once I finish my queue I won’t be receiving work because the feds won’t be at work and I won’t get paid. I don’t get some lump check when the shutdown ends. I will not be paid whatsoever.

My situation is not unique. Many people will find themselves in same position.


Most contractors I know accept this risk for the significantly higher pay.


PP here. So how many contractors do you know? You know ALL or the majority of contractors in order to make this statement and hold this position. So F this contractors, right?

This is the job I was able to get to be able to have a schedule to take care of my SN kid. The hiring process for fed agencies is long and arduous, I couldn’t just wait 6+ months. I don’t make higher pay. I also don’t get benefits. People who are so smug against a large group of employers who will be severally burdened and hurt if there is a shutdown should not be dismissed.

You suck.


LOL, my husband is a contract and definitely doesn't get "significantly hire pay."
Anonymous
Post 09/24/2023 21:14     Subject: Shutdown vacation ideas and deals
My husband is a contractor who will likely have to work and, unlike feds, is not guranteed to ever get paid. So no, not planning a vacation.
Anonymous
Post 09/24/2023 20:05     Subject: Shutdown vacation ideas and deals
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I’m a contractor and only get paid when I bill and I can only bill when I receive work. So if there is a shutdown, once I finish my queue I won’t be receiving work because the feds won’t be at work and I won’t get paid. I don’t get some lump check when the shutdown ends. I will not be paid whatsoever.

My situation is not unique. Many people will find themselves in same position.


Most contractors I know accept this risk for the significantly higher pay.


PP here. So how many contractors do you know? You know ALL or the majority of contractors in order to make this statement and hold this position. So F this contractors, right?

This is the job I was able to get to be able to have a schedule to take care of my SN kid. The hiring process for fed agencies is long and arduous, I couldn’t just wait 6+ months. I don’t make higher pay. I also don’t get benefits. People who are so smug against a large group of employers who will be severally burdened and hurt if there is a shutdown should not be dismissed.

You suck.
Anonymous
Post 09/24/2023 19:46     Subject: Shutdown vacation ideas and deals
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:No fed I know, including me, has enough money to take a vacation when we don't know when we will be paid. It's staycation all the way.

OP, you must have some family money, or be a really old DC area fed who is still working, to be able to afford a second house in the mountains.


Some feds save and don't live paycheck to paycheck so yeah, a vacation is possible.


So feds buying a vacation home in the mountains as well as a home in the DC area? Nope, not unless you have other money or are much older, like 70+.

We have enough money saved to take a vacation and don't live paycheck or paycheck, but who would do that when you don't know when you will get paid again, unless you are single and don't own a house?

It's more likely some feds will use the time to find a higher paying industry job. It's a revolving door at my agency, especially with RTO.


I hope a lot of the dead weight quits.


You do realize the difference between non-essential and dead-weight? Essential means anyone who is directly related to the security of the nation. Non-essential can be anyone from cleaners, to those who are responsible for training employees to do their jobs, to HR departments responsible for hiring, payroll, retirements- among other aspects. Basically all the support functions involved in well, supporting those directly responsible for national security matters. Dead-weight is not an accurate description of those functions.


“ Essential means anyone who is directly related to the security of the nation. ”

I wish. 99% get sent home - even those in national security.
Anonymous
Post 09/24/2023 19:37     Subject: Shutdown vacation ideas and deals
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:No fed I know, including me, has enough money to take a vacation when we don't know when we will be paid. It's staycation all the way.

OP, you must have some family money, or be a really old DC area fed who is still working, to be able to afford a second house in the mountains.


Some feds save and don't live paycheck to paycheck so yeah, a vacation is possible.


I am a fed with a fed retiree partner. While I’m not planning a vacation, we save and could go on vacation or whatever. Sorry for those who will suffer.
Anonymous
Post 09/24/2023 19:12     Subject: Shutdown vacation ideas and deals
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I’m a contractor and only get paid when I bill and I can only bill when I receive work. So if there is a shutdown, once I finish my queue I won’t be receiving work because the feds won’t be at work and I won’t get paid. I don’t get some lump check when the shutdown ends. I will not be paid whatsoever.

My situation is not unique. Many people will find themselves in same position.


Most contractors I know accept this risk for the significantly higher pay.


I don't know why Feds think contractors get paid so much more than them - most of the Feds I know are making well over $100K. Most closer to $200K.


My BIL is a contractor in the IC. He has had several opportunities over the years to convert to blue badge. The pay difference was just way too much and he’s definitely glad he stayed green.


What does he make as a green badge in the IC?
Anonymous
Post 09/24/2023 19:06     Subject: Shutdown vacation ideas and deals
For those planning shutdown travel, what dates are you booking?

When will we know for sure, Sep 30? Then booking for Oct 1 seems risky w/ 48 hour cancel window. Oct 3rd? WhT if they reAch a deal over the weekend?

Please share your booking strategy!
Anonymous
Post 09/24/2023 18:35     Subject: Shutdown vacation ideas and deals
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I’m a contractor and only get paid when I bill and I can only bill when I receive work. So if there is a shutdown, once I finish my queue I won’t be receiving work because the feds won’t be at work and I won’t get paid. I don’t get some lump check when the shutdown ends. I will not be paid whatsoever.

My situation is not unique. Many people will find themselves in same position.


Most contractors I know accept this risk for the significantly higher pay.


I don't know why Feds think contractors get paid so much more than them - most of the Feds I know are making well over $100K. Most closer to $200K.


My BIL is a contractor in the IC. He has had several opportunities over the years to convert to blue badge. The pay difference was just way too much and he’s definitely glad he stayed green.
Anonymous
Post 09/24/2023 17:24     Subject: Shutdown vacation ideas and deals
Camping, off season Airbnb, day spa, or day trips or beach weekend?

I'm going to visit my college kid over the weekend if there's a shutdown. I have not gone due to YE tasks and whatnot!!! Very busy time in September/October for Feds!

Rule 101, set aside 3 months ICE fund. Isn't this a well known thing for adults? I guess it's good to be a rule follower and always live below the mean... thank goodness sake.
Anonymous
Post 09/24/2023 17:11     Subject: Shutdown vacation ideas and deals
OP I would check out the deals at Costco travel. that is what I have done in the past when I was unexpectedly able to take a vacation. I bet you could get a good detail on a trip to Wailea/Maui and they want responsible tourists to come.