https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:05:25 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864837 Thu, 03 Jan 2019 23:54:27 +0000 peachykeen 2864837@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm (extremely) lucky that my agency was already funded this time around but as a fed contractor in 2013 I was furloughed without backpay (only direct fed employees are eligible for backpay). We were eventually offered the opportunity to make up missed hours but only within 2 weeks or 2 pay periods (can't remember for sure) and I was only able to regain maybe 75% of my hours/pay through really aggressive "overtime" hours. Thankfully this was before we had kids because I could never manage to work those hours now. I will hopefully be converted to fed employee in the next few months but I know it's rough for both sides. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864835 Thu, 03 Jan 2019 23:08:18 +0000 PurplePeony 2864835@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrsbells: as a federal employee, you *can’t* just go in without pay unless you’re deemed essential, in which case you *must*. There’s no in-between. Since I’m furloughed, I can’t even check my work email or set foot in my office. It’s frustrating, but on the balance I prefer having regular hours and not having to deal with billable hours — I’d be miserable in private practice and I don’t have the right background to be in-house counsel anywhere. Sigh. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864813 Thu, 03 Jan 2019 20:22:22 +0000 Mrsbells 2864813@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH and I both actively avoid government positions for this very reason. For me personally I wouldn't want to be in a position where my income could potentially be so regularly disrupted. I guess I would keep going in to work without pay and hope the shutdown ends quickly. Backpay often messes up your taxes in the shortrun </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864812 Thu, 03 Jan 2019 20:14:55 +0000 dc yoga bee 2864812@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Fed employee here and yes, if I’m essential I have to report to work without pay (until back pay auth). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864678 Thu, 03 Jan 2019 10:22:51 +0000 Kaohinani 2864678@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Toad: Thank you. :heart: I hope everything works with you and your DH as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864664 Thu, 03 Jan 2019 09:03:26 +0000 Mrs. Toad 2864664@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kaohinani: Too bad. Hopefully it works out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864622 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 23:04:18 +0000 Kaohinani 2864622@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Toad: Yes, I thought so too but for a short a time, his civilian DOD position is under "selective" full funding as one of the projects he has been working just closed (which was included in funding in its entirety) but the new one has frozen funds through the military which means no work can be paid out at this time (or at least that is how it was explained) 🤷‍♀️. The job (literally) began on the 23rd of December. We did receive pay from the former project but are not certain about our Jan 15th pay and so on. He will receive back pay, etc. I just pray 🙏everything works out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864621 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 23:02:14 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2864621@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband isn’t impacted by the shutdown and while he is not an essential employee (military) at all I bet he would work without pay just so he wouldn’t get behind. His workload is crazy.</p> <p>I’m private sector and can’t imagine my employee not affording payroll and still expecting people to work. I’d probably work and save face for the brand. The shutdown and executive order wage freeze has to be a blow to Govt employees. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864620 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 22:54:28 +0000 PurplePeony 2864620@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>During the last long shutdown in 2013, I was recalled after a week and worked the next two weeks without pay (until the lapse in appropriations ended and then I got my backpay). This time, it doesn’t look like I’ll be recalled. It’s a mess because I was supposed to have multiple business trips this week and, not knowing how long the shutdown would last, we didn’t cancel right away, but now I have to figure out how to cancel without “working.” Rescheduling is going to be a nightmare. If the next trip gets canceled too, it will be an utter fiasco. I’m tempted to start looking for other jobs while I’m furloughed...I don’t really want to leave public service but my patience is getting stretched thin. Luckily my DH makes enough to carry us through and we have savings, but I really feel for those who don’t have that luxury. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864615 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 22:26:58 +0000 Lindsay05 2864615@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would but I would also be keeping hard track of my hours and every single penny I should be receiving as back pay. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864609 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 21:58:04 +0000 gotkimchi 2864609@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Pollywog: I’m happy to hear that. It would be so hard for me to go without a paycheck so I feel so badly for everyone who has to try to get by during this </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864601 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 21:28:53 +0000 Pollywog 2864601@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gotkimchi: in every shut down to date, all feds have received back pay. Our guidance from the most recent time we were shut down last year was that legally those who were essential would get back pay, but it's up to Congress if non-essential do. I believe it's part of the Antideficiency Act/you can't work for free rules.</p> <p>DoD has funding, as do the majority of agencies. They got their full appropriation in September. State Justice, Homeland Security, and a few others couldn't get funding bills passed. It's not a color of money issue (multi year vs single year funding.m, it's related to the budget for staffing which is always one year money. That's why the EPA could stay open. They're so short staffed that rgey had enough cash to make payroll for a few weeks. Education has their budget, but also has huge reserves because everyone is quitting. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864591 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 20:19:45 +0000 gotkimchi 2864591@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Toad: I’m not sure but I think it depends what specific agency you’re in - some are fully funded (like they get funded 2yrs at a time) and some are not. But my experience with this is very limited to healthcare at va situations </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864590 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 20:18:03 +0000 Mrs. Toad 2864590@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kaohinani: DOD has full funding. I thought anyone in DOD was safe from the shutdown. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864576 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 19:37:55 +0000 Kaohinani 2864576@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband will work without pay with both his civilian job (which works construction and engineering within the constructs of government and military buildings) AND his reservist position as a mechanic in the ARMY. Unfortunately, this all occurred BEFORE I took a 6 month personal break from teaching at the university. I am hoping a resolution comes soon. </p> <p>This is not the first time we have had to do this and, I am certain, it will not be the last. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864560 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 18:34:48 +0000 gotkimchi 2864560@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Pollywog: I’ve heard not everyone does get back pay - some just get comp time.</p> <p>I would not work (pharmacist) and I would be looking for a different job ASAP </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864553 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:51:42 +0000 Foodnerd81 2864553@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn’t give up my job over it, but yeah I’d be upset. It’s terrible. Barter for rent?! Hey mortgage company and daycare provider, can I just pay you next month? We aren’t directly affected by it but I’m sorry for those of you who are. What a mess. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864545 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:35:30 +0000 looch 2864545@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Considering what my private sector job is, I don't think I would be considered essential. I would do what is expected of me, but I wouldn't be happy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864541 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:21:17 +0000 Anagram 2864541@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don’t know—I would be pretty angry!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864538 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:18:21 +0000 Grace 2864538@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I guess I’d have to, if I was really an essential worker. But as a Canadian, I find this such a bizarre situation. Here, if the gov’t can’t pass a budget, it triggers an election and (just learned this today), the govenor general (Queen’s representative), can release money to make sure the government deparments continue to function. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864536 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:13:03 +0000 Silva 2864536@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit7: interesting! I was impressed by the nurses strike, I imagine it was really hard for them.</p> <p>I'm a social worker and we never strike either. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864534 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:08:26 +0000 Littlebit7 2864534@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Silva: oddly, nurses tend to strike. Other allied health staff rarely do. I don’t know if it’s part of the professional culture or what. (That’s not a knock against nurses; they tend to have much stronger and more powerful unions). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864531 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 16:49:45 +0000 Silva 2864531@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit7: our local hospital recently had a nurses strike due to failed negotiations. the hospital had to fly in nurses and pay them crazy amounts, plus they got to stay in one of the nicest hotels in town, get daily stipends for food, etc. It really forced the hand of the hospital, and eventually a contract was settled- it did take awhile, but I think the hospital got the brunt of the bad press for paying so much to the out of state nurses. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864523 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 16:31:39 +0000 MrsSCB 2864523@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't really see that essential employees have much choice. I guess if they really wanted to quit and find another job with their time instead of working they could. But I wouldn't because it would be risky. A) It's easier to find a new job when you have a job, vs. being unemployed and B) I highly doubt you'd be able to find a new job that you're happy with before the shutdown is over (I certainly hope it doesn't last that long, anyway!) It would suck, and I wouldn't be happy about it, but I would take that over the greater instability and uncertainty of quitting immediately. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864509 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 16:04:46 +0000 Pollywog 2864509@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes. If you are essential you will get back pay. In my experience we got back pay extremely quickly. I'd also be on the phone regularly with my Representatives </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864507 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 16:00:50 +0000 Littlebit7 2864507@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would work; my patients in rehab would suffer if I didn’t. (I’m a physical therapist). Its like the ongoing joke of being in a union. No one would ever really go on “strike” because we as a professionals would never abandon our patients. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864506 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 15:58:46 +0000 babypugs 2864506@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If my not working was going to negatively impact the safety or well-being of others, then yes, I'd work, but I certainly wouldn't be doing more than was absolutely necessary. I also would not be at all pleased. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864502 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 15:56:34 +0000 hitchhiker 2864502@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had to work without pay during the 2013 shutdown. It was terrible, even though we knew we would get paid in the end. Moral was rock bottom. But I think it was also stressful for people who were furloughed and not working and didn't know if they would get paid. </p> <p>If you're supposed to show up and don't, you're AWOL and they can discipline/fire you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864500 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 15:56:13 +0000 Mrs. Toad 2864500@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Apparently so. DH and I are both essential employees. I don't have a choice as I am military. Coast Guard is under DHS. They managed to give us our Jan 1 paycheck, but I'm under no expectation that they will give us the Jan 15 one. DH will not be getting a paycheck until later. </p> <p>I'm thankful that we have a very large savings account right now. My rent/daycare combined is approx. $5000. It should be going towards a new vehicle. We don't have one that will easily fit three car seats. I'm due in June. </p> <p>Even if this is solved, it only seems to be a delaying tactic. This morning I heard that the Democratic plan is to have full appropriations for all departments besides DHS. We will only get a continuing resolution until Feb. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-work-without-pay#post-2864496 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 15:45:09 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2864496@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The Fed Govt shutdown has been going on for 11 days. I think all essential employees who are required to work will receive back pay. I read an article about one of the Govt unions suing because of the no pay and one of the Fed Prison guards said some required people are not showing up for work. Impacted Federal workers have been given guidance on how to barter with landlords or seek reprieves from creditors. </p> <p>Would you work if you weren’t getting paid? </p>