Beating the Furlough Blues

Furlough notices are going out at many Federal agencies hit hard by the sequestration.  According to Federal Times, more than half the Federal workforce is facing some form of furlough over the next six months.  If you are one of those unlucky Federal employees facing a potential furlough or just ready to leave government service, here are some tips from the Federal Flack.

1. Know the Rules

If you are considering a part-time job to cover the lost income from an upcoming furlough, check your agency’s policy on outside employment.  General information can also be found on the Office of Government Ethics website.

OGE’s website also offers guidance on how to avoid running afoul of ethics regulations when networking or negotiating for a job.

2. Update and Clean Up Your Social Media Presence

If you are not on Linked In, join the free social-networking website.  If you are already a member, update your profile.  Don’t forget to check your agency’s social media policy, if it has one.  You may want to add a disclaimer, such as “the views expressed are those of the author and not those of the (insert agency name).”

Review your Facebook page, and take down any questionable posts or comments.  Private sector recruiters routinely look at social media profiles when scrutinizing candidates, and questionable posts could impact your security clearance.

3. Update Your Resume

Make sure your resume includes your current job title, duties and accomplishments.  Include any relevant certifications, awards. and accomplishments.  Visit my business website or send me an e-mail for more information on updating your resume. 

4. Continuing Professional Education

If your agency offers access to free online training, consider polishing your existing skills or learn something new.   

5. Prepare to Advance

Even before furloughs were announced, tight budgets and the two-year-old pay freeze were sparking a surge in retirements, according to Federal Times. That can mean future promotion opportunities.  

The number of Federal employees retiring in February 2013 tripled from the number retiring during the same period last year, Colleen Kelly, head of the National Treasury Employees Union, told Congress on March 13.  "A large increase in retirements is especially alarming since approximately 53% of the federal workforce will be eligible to retire by next year and a significant loss of these experienced employees could leave agencies, already stretched thin, in dire circumstances.” 

6. Keep Your Cool

No matter how you slice it, furloughs are rough on everyone in a Federal agency.  Losing up to 22 days pay over the next six months is enough to make even the most easygoing person a bit grumpy and having to accomplish the same amount of work with fewer hours and a smaller budget will strain managers and executives to the breaking point.  Click here for some stress relief.