Here's how it it's going to affect me:

I work as a nuclear engineer at a naval shipyard.

We are being told that we will have to take one day without pay for 22 weeks. That's a 20% pay drop for almost half a year. I have not had a raise or cola for at least 3 years, and congress just voted to not give me a cola this year. Even in this economy, we cannot keep new engineers. Most leave within three years for much higher pay in the private sector, so please spare me the old saw about how much I make versus private industry. T'ain't true, MaGee.

The disruption in routine is unbelievable. I cannot get material to build my product, because the money is frozen. Morale sucks, we don't know if it is going to happen, or if it isn't. So we waste a lot of time and money planning for something that may not happen. As a result, national assets will not get out on schedule and the final costs will be much greater than if we didn't have the furlough. It's all just a dog and pony show for the politicians.

I live in an area with a large military presence, and the trickle down effect is going to be felt on everybody in this area, not just the goverment employees. I imagine that this will hurt a lot of people, especially those that are the type that are living from paycheck to paycheck.

My wife and I are already in shutdown mode, if I don't absolutely need to buy something, it doesn't get bought. Go out? Forget about it, not now.... it's looking like a long, lean summer and fall.


Jim

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