For the past couple of weeks OccDoc and I have been following the news somewhat closely, mainly to see how all this federal government budget stuff affects us. First, OccDoc said medical civilians won’t be affected and they won’t be furloughed, then the next day he said oops, yeah, medical is being affected. Then another day he came home and said providers aren’t being furloughed but everyone else was. I immediately screamed that it wasn’t fair and now everyone was going to hate him. The next day he came home and said, nope, everyone is getting furloughed. Needless to say there has been a lot of questionable hearsay and back and forth in the rumor mill at work.
Here’s the latest that we’ve been told. Towards the end of April OccDoc will be furloughed one day a week for 22 weeks or so. But that’s just what we’ve been told. It’s coming from the OccDoc’s army bosses, so it should be taken with a grain of salt, just like everything else the army says. For those of you who are like, ‘What the hell is a furlough?’ – it just means leave without pay, without your choice in taking it. After much discussion this weekend we are considering this a blessing.
Sure, it means about a 20% pay cut at a pretty inopportune time. Although my sister-in-law and mom threw me a baby shower this weekend (once I get photos I’ll be posting them with a recap) so I think we’re pretty set for baby stuff, at least for the first little while. As far as house projects the painting fiasco was the last big project to be completed before the baby came. We still aren’t done dealing with that, and haven’t negotiated a discount yet. But still it would be nice to not have to worry about a 20% pay cut with a baby on the way in a month or so and a new to us house that we’re still working on.
We’re very thankful that we’ve busted our asses and have an immediate emergency fund as well as a 4 – 5 month emergency fund to cover our mortgage and basics in case something worse happens. It’s been hard to tell ourselves no, especially when I really want blinds throughout the whole house or when we’re trying to decide if we should replace my tires or OccDoc’s tires, but I’m grateful my husband and I haven’t dipped into our emergency fund for ‘non-emergencies’. Oh, and I got the tires. Two against one – you lose, OccDoc!
And we certainly aren’t going to complain about OccDoc working a 4 day week for 22 weeks or however long because it means he gets to start that pretty much after he takes his 2 week paternity leave/no sleep vacation. I think more time at home with a newborn is definitely worth that 20% pay cut, even if it means we’ll have to tighten our belts a bit. Fine, a lot.
Anyone else affected so far?
About Michelle
Sorry to hear he will be affected. It will be nice for him to have that extra time with the baby. Those first days are so precious. My husband flies for the Navy, and so far his pipeline is okay. My dad works for the Corps of Engineers, and he will be doing the 22 week furlough like your husband. He seems to be okay with it.
I must say, if there was ever a time for a work furlough, now is probably as good a time as it gets for your family. Your husband will be able to spend more time with you and the baby, and the kid’s costs will not be as much as they will be later on (the teen/college years–ouch!!!). However, I hope all the politicians get their act together and do something!
This is a great point of view and hope you’ll consider linking up with us at Medical Monday bloghop. I know there are many other med wives who would love to read your Army/Med Journey. Thanks! and BTW, I hope the paint fiasco has been resolved to your satisfaction. That was terrible!
So sorry that he will be furloughed, but like Emma said it is somewhat of a blessing in disguise.
So excited to see you on the Med Monday grid! Thanks for linking up with us!
I’ve been affected by the fact that my infertility clinic will only be open now 4 days a week. I’ve been trying to coordinate care with the Army and my civilian providers for the FET. This is going to be interesting.
Luckily newborns don’t cost that much at first, so you should be set stuff-wise. I’m sorry he got furloughed though.
Thanks for linking up with Medical Mondays today. What interesting developments, I am sure at some point we are all going to feel it one way or another. But that’s what happens when we live beyond our means – we have to pay for it eventually. It’s refreshing to hear of another family who believes in saving over spending! Congratulations on your upcoming delivery:-)