What are you doing as federal employees and all the contractors and others dependent on federal agencies anxiously await Congress to approve a budget?
I hear many are doing nothing at all; business as usual. Some don’t think it really will shut down. Others believe if they don’t plan for it, it won’t happen. And for some, their work isn’t the kind that can be adjusted.
If Leadership is in denial, then you can only plan for yourself and your own career health. You can use the time for relaxation and rejuvenation. Some will get a few “honey-do’s” done. But it’s also a prime opportunity to make some in-roads into managing your career.
Be aware (especially Teleworkers) if you find yourself with unplanned time off, you will not be able to use your work computer… for anything. The IT folks will be able to track your footprint.
1) Before you leave, print out your resume to refresh and update so it’s ready when/if you should need it.
2) Participate a professional meeting that you might not have otherwise been able to attend
3) Take some free webinars or tutorials
4) Set up some coffee dates to maintain and expand your network
5) GovLoop is encouraging and helping to coordinate a massive volunteering effort
So if there there isn’t a shut-down, stick to Plan A. But if there is, don’t get caught empty-handed.