It’s been more than three weeks into the the federal government shutdown, and over a million government employees are still out of work — and out of a paycheck. With no end to the shutdown in sight, Black federal employees are becoming fed up after they said Congress has left them hanging.
Suggested Reading
While Democrats and Republicans continue to blame each other, tons of furloughed employees are expressing their frustrations, daily struggles and even some advice for the thousands of others in their same predicament.
From single mothers struggling to make ends meet to other furloughed employees taking trips out the country, here’s an inside look into the uncertain future of our fellow Americans.
‘At the Point Where I’m Starting to Get Worried’
With several bills due for @kiaashlee2025, she’s speaking out against Congress leaving her in limbo. “I’m at the point where I’m starting to get worried,” she said on TikTok. “I’m scared, and who knows what’s next.” @kiaashlee2025 went on to say she’s frustrated with the position the government has put her and thousands of others in. “We are not chess pieces you use in a game… until you get what you want,” she said of Congress. Luckily for her, her husband and children are keeping her calm. She urged folks to check on any furloughed government employees they may know.
Still Going to Work With No Paycheck
@yuntie_kara is one of the many essential government employees who still has to go into work without the promise of a paycheck. She’s sharing her story online because she said most Americans don’t understand what’s at stake for federal workers like her. She’s a single mother of three. “Who expects to go to work and get paid in a ‘I owe you?’ The bills don’t stop and the bills don’t care,” she said.
‘Have Some Compassion’ for Struggling Federal Workers
“We are dealing with the consequences of someone else’s actions,” @rbi093 said on TikTok. “I shouldn’t have to take out of my savings because someone else can’t do their freaking job.” She urged folks to “have some compassion” for the federal employees who had the rug pulled from under them.
Food Banks Providing Food for Furloughed Employees
Denise Blake is an employee at the Department of Defense, but since the government shutdown, she’s been out of work, which means no paychecks or food for her or her daughter, CNN reported. Thankfully, food banks understand the needs of communities suffering after the shutdown and are providing food for employees going without pay.
Federal Worker Goes to Unemployment Office
User @xochloeelise said she had to take a few days off of social media because of all the pressure building from the government shutdown. She is a full-time single mom and former government employee who was laid off after the shutdown. Since she’s been without work, making content is one of the few things keeping her sane. She also told TikTok she went to the unemployment office to try to get some help.
Taking Care of Mental and Physical Health
@quantheable1 has been spending his time as a furloughed employee taking care of his mental and physical health. He brought TikTok along while on his run. “Now, that’s out of my control, but what I can control is how disciplined and consistent I am in my personal life,” he said. “The trick is to find something that you can consistently show up for yourself for.”
Using Free Time to Travel to Mexico
@courteney.bee decided she wasn’t going to sit in her sorrow after being without a job. So, she took an impromptu trip to Oaxaca, Mexico and documented her journey. “Between the walking tour and mezcal tasting, I definitely got some good lessons on the culture and history of Oaxaca and Oaxaca city,” she wrote. “I don’t think I can say it enough – this city is BEAUTIFUL!”
Advice for Struggling Federal Workers
Some users like @thecourageouspath are handing out advice for federal employees who might feel helpless. She shared her story of how after being laid off, she turned her frustrations into her own growing business.
Laughing to Keep from Crying
User @dimpelz2018 is laughing to keep from crying. She explained how this is the first time since she started working for the government that she hasn’t received a paycheck. She told TikTok most government employees get their checks on a Friday, and she’s still trying to recover from not getting the notification of her check.
All Zeros on Government Checks
User @50_shadesof_jae said “I ain’t ever seen so many zeros ever in my life” when she decided to check her paystub just because. “It was zero gross pay, zero net pay, zero federal tax withholding, zero state tax. Zero, zero, zero, zero,” she said. After seeing that, she said she logged off because “I really don’t need that type of negativity in my life right now.”
Restaurants Supplying Free Meals to Furloughed Workers
Some restaurants and small businesses are doing what they can to support furloughed federal employees during this uncertain time. @jaddddddd.a, a furloughed worker, gave a special shoutout to one restaurant in Baltimore, Ekiben, for giving free meals to any furloughed federal employee.
Jokes… But Seriously
@fattfatt2020, who is employed at Atlanta’s international airport, jokingly said it’s time for the government to open back up and pay their workers. “Alright now. My liquor money almost gone,” she began. “Y’all need to make some s**t shake.”
Day in the Life of a Furloughed Employee
@next2thestars said although she can’t believe the predicament that she and hundreds of thousands of other government workers are in, she’s using her free time to better herself. The user showed viewers her morning routine, which includes checking the stock market and trying to make some investments, drinking her tea and working on growing her side businesses.
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.
