This past week I took my last (sixth) furlough day. Hopefully furloughs will not be necessary for the next fiscal year. The financial toll was--to my mind--cruelly unwarranted and a travesty of government official mismanagement. The requirement not to work one day a week was not balanced by a reduction of the workload--rather, the workload was added to the remaining four days, often adding a sense of pressure and stress as time requirements became a challenge to meet.
However, I have long believed that the US ought to move to a four-day workweek and this was an opportunity for many to experience one. The extra time, when used properly, helps to support a better work-life balance. I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed the extra time each week to pursue other life interests besides those of my job. I was inspired by an "Out of Office" message I read that stated something to the effect that she was "gone hiking in the great outdoors" on her mandatory furlough day. The message made me purposely view my furlough day as a treat rather than a requirement and that has "made all the difference".
I used my furlough days to spend extra hours at the swimming pool in the early morning hours; to fix up a different breakfast from the normal weekday routine; to walk into town--along the riverside path--and window-shop or just to pick up some fresh veggies/fruit from the friendly local bio store; and to enjoy the afternoons outdoors on our balcony with a good book, interspersed with a nap.
Whenever possible, I hope from now on to use as much of my annual leave as possible as I have used these furlough days. It may not always be possible to take full days; I'll take half days instead. If I must miss a week, at least I can look forward to the next opportunity. I am very much aware that I am fortunate to be able to do this, as just a few years ago I would not have been.
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