First, just a few of the “fed information” targeted websites typically put out helpful shutdown guides and knowledge which are value trying out (eg, https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2023/09/your-guide-pay-and-benefits-during-shutdown/390423/, https://federalnewsnetwork.com/government-shutdown/2023/09/a-government-shutdown-qa-for-federal-employees/, https://federalnewsnetwork.com/government-shutdown/2023/09/what-happens-to-furloughed-employees-during-a-government-shutdown/, not a information web site however Reddit’s r/fednews is usually useful and generally a multitude). I’d test these out and preserve a really normal eye on “is the federal government reopening but?” information, however not spend an excessive amount of time attempting to learn the tea leaves on Congressional strikes every day: for earlier shutdowns, there have been quite a lot of almost-nope-nevermind-almost moments, and it’s quite a lot of pointless stress to attempt to divine what could or might not be taking place with persevering with resolutions/budgets earlier than they occur.
Second, assume that sure issues working with federal funding could also be out of fee for a bit – passport providers, Smithsonian museums, nationwide parks, and so on. (Despite the fact that positions like air visitors controllers and airport TSA inspectors are normally exempt in a shutdown, if a shutdown lasts lengthy sufficient, we may even see points like previously with air journey being affected by widespread employees callouts.) Observe that quite a lot of small parks in DC are managed by NPS and never by DC, so you might even see a bit extra chaos than regular round city.
Third, in fact, think about your monetary plans for if the shutdown lasts for weeks vs. days and also you each aren’t working. Do you’ve any physician’s appointments developing within the occasion {that a} shutdown lasts for over a month? Do you’ve a number of months’ hire/meals/gasoline cash in financial savings? (Feels like you’re all set on this one.) Are you near anybody who may need assistance, like different contractors who won’t be getting paid? (Individuals interviewing for fed contractor positions: ask in your interviews about what occurs to your function throughout a shutdown!) For those who do want monetary assist, discuss to your landlord/financial institution/and so on., as a result of finance individuals in DC perceive shutdown circumstances and might be able to offer you leeway.
Fourth, shutdowns is usually a nerve-racking time in DC. I attempt to preserve a little bit of construction to my days in order that I’m getting out of the home, exercising, seeing individuals, catching up on books, and so on. See if any orgs close to you want volunteers, take into consideration donating blood, or think about any day journeys out of city you may wish to take in case you have time. Care for your self, attempt to filter out the inevitable terrible rhetoric, and similar to individuals who labored from house throughout the pandemic, don’t be exhausting on your self when you’re house and “not productive”.
Fifth, quite a lot of authorities web sites can be trimmed or out of fee throughout a shutdown. If there’s any information you want, it’s at all times value a shot to strive the Wayback Machine (https://archive.org/net). (People who find themselves making use of for fed jobs, USAJobs could also be out of fee throughout a shutdown, so obtain earlier than Oct 1 any resumes you’re nonetheless engaged on…)
Final, a shutdown – whereas horrible – could possibly be time to get to know DC. If there’s a shutdown, test locations (not museums and parks) that you simply’ve been which means to go to off your listing, discover your neighborhood, google “DC shutdown specials” and take a look at some new eating places, and so on.
Sending good ideas to all of the feds and contractors in DC. Hopefully there received’t be a shutdown, but it surely’s at all times good to suppose forward about this.