Friday, May 22, 2009

Joining the ranks of the furloughed

Well I knew it was happening, it was just a matter of when and how many days per month. The shoe was in the air and now it has dropped. Yesterday at my day job, we were informed that we are going to be furloughed one day a month starting in July through at least December.

Furloughs in the military mean time off = fun. Furloughs are also a measurement of distance = 220 yards. In Great Recession speak, furloughs = mandatory day off of work without pay. Not fun and not going anywhere.

Yes, I am thankful it is only one day a month (so far). Yes, I am thankful I have two jobs when lots of people don't have any. Yes, everything could be much much worse. However....

I am still bitter and tired. State employees had had no cost of living increases since 2000 (even when the state's economy was good) and now essentially a pay cut. I have not heard one iota from the governor's office about the governor sacrificing any of his pay, nor the lieutenant governor, nor the secretary of state, etc. etc. Hello.....Make that Bitter with a capital B.

Today I'm thinking of moving to France to raise goats or perhaps sheep.

9 comments:

CINDI said...

So sorry! I have been concerned about you as a state person for a while since I as about every time the Thimbles sew. If it can be looked at from with a postive spin make it an extra day to just sew with friends at home that love you.

Carol said...

So sorry Gretchen...this recession just stinks!

Unknown said...

Please don't move to France...i would miss you and how would the four footers like sharing you with bigger four footers? This recession is just crummy.

Susan @ Blackberry Creek said...

So many of our friends have job furloughs these days. I'm sorry it has hit you too. Surely this mess will end soon. I hope. God bless and keep you, Gretchen.

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear about this, but yes, I have heard of worse city cut-backs.

Portsmouth, Va and Norfolk, Va are both on about one week per month at staggered variables. Crazy.

I will move to France with you. We can work on quilts and I know how to card and spin wool! I have always wanted to be s sheep herder.

sewprimitive karen said...

Oh, Gretchen! I am so sorry, that is awful and frightening. Be brave! Surely things will improve before too long.

Becky said...

So sorry that this is happening. It just doesn't seem right. Miss you! Hope that you are finding comfort in the sewing room.

Michelle said...

Sorry to hear about the cutbacks! I guess the upside is that you'll have one extra day at home to work on UFO's and cuddle with the kitties! :)

Cathi said...

Sorry this is happening to you! I read one forecast saying the recession would end towards the end of the year. Hope they're right and that you're back to a normal schedule soon!