The US government shutdown has been dragging on for 30 days, leaving thousands of federal workers struggling to make ends meet. WIRED spoke with over a dozen federal employees who have had to get creative just to survive.
These workers are not your average Americans trying to balance work and family life. No, they're dedicated public servants who have taken oaths to serve the country. Yet, despite their commitment, they've been left high and dry by the government's inaction.
For one federal worker based abroad, her husband's life was turned upside down when he received a cancer diagnosis. The couple had to scramble for medical treatment, but the shutdown meant that TRICARE claims couldn't be paid until the government reopened. "You basically pay upfront, and then you're reimbursed," she explained, echoing the frustration of many workers.
Another worker, who spoke with WIRED anonymously, told of the senseless struggle of trying to get help from their employer. "As soon as the shutdown happened, I didn't hear from any more [TRICARE] representatives... I've tried to call and can't get anyone on the phone," she said, her voice laced with desperation.
These workers are not alone in their struggles. Hundreds of thousands have been furloughed or forced into unpaid leave, leaving them with debt, anxiety, and a sense of uncertainty about the future. Food banks and organizations like chef José Andrés' World Central Kitchen have stepped in to offer free meals, but even these efforts have brought forth a feeling of despair among some workers.
To cope with their financial struggles, many federal employees are taking on side gigs or working under demoralizing conditions just to make ends meet. One worker told WIRED that she's been babysitting and playing live music to earn extra cash, while another has taken on a second job at a local restaurant to keep food on the table.
But even those who remain employed – known as "excepted" federal workers – are struggling to cope with the shutdown's impact. Without paychecks coming in, they're relying on credit cards and loans to get by, leaving them vulnerable to financial ruin when the government finally reopens.
In some cases, workers have taken out loans from private creditors or turned to grassroots organizations for help, but even these efforts come with strings attached. One worker told WIRED that without a solution in sight, she's starting to wonder if anything will change at all.
As the shutdown drags on, one thing is clear: the federal workforce is facing an unprecedented crisis. Despite their dedication and commitment to public service, they're being forced to navigate an uncharted territory of financial uncertainty and bureaucratic red tape. The country needs its dedicated workers now more than ever – but will anyone listen?
These workers are not your average Americans trying to balance work and family life. No, they're dedicated public servants who have taken oaths to serve the country. Yet, despite their commitment, they've been left high and dry by the government's inaction.
For one federal worker based abroad, her husband's life was turned upside down when he received a cancer diagnosis. The couple had to scramble for medical treatment, but the shutdown meant that TRICARE claims couldn't be paid until the government reopened. "You basically pay upfront, and then you're reimbursed," she explained, echoing the frustration of many workers.
Another worker, who spoke with WIRED anonymously, told of the senseless struggle of trying to get help from their employer. "As soon as the shutdown happened, I didn't hear from any more [TRICARE] representatives... I've tried to call and can't get anyone on the phone," she said, her voice laced with desperation.
These workers are not alone in their struggles. Hundreds of thousands have been furloughed or forced into unpaid leave, leaving them with debt, anxiety, and a sense of uncertainty about the future. Food banks and organizations like chef José Andrés' World Central Kitchen have stepped in to offer free meals, but even these efforts have brought forth a feeling of despair among some workers.
To cope with their financial struggles, many federal employees are taking on side gigs or working under demoralizing conditions just to make ends meet. One worker told WIRED that she's been babysitting and playing live music to earn extra cash, while another has taken on a second job at a local restaurant to keep food on the table.
But even those who remain employed – known as "excepted" federal workers – are struggling to cope with the shutdown's impact. Without paychecks coming in, they're relying on credit cards and loans to get by, leaving them vulnerable to financial ruin when the government finally reopens.
In some cases, workers have taken out loans from private creditors or turned to grassroots organizations for help, but even these efforts come with strings attached. One worker told WIRED that without a solution in sight, she's starting to wonder if anything will change at all.
As the shutdown drags on, one thing is clear: the federal workforce is facing an unprecedented crisis. Despite their dedication and commitment to public service, they're being forced to navigate an uncharted territory of financial uncertainty and bureaucratic red tape. The country needs its dedicated workers now more than ever – but will anyone listen?
30 days in, 30 days out – the government's shutdown is testing our nation's values 
. These dedicated public servants are putting their lives on hold while politicians bicker over policy 
. It's not about ideology; it's about basic human decency 
. Thousands of workers are struggling to make ends meet, and it's a matter of national security – can we afford to ignore our own people? 
. They're not just employees; they're our neighbors, our friends, and family members 
. And the system is failing them miserably 
. I'm calling on lawmakers to put aside their differences and work towards a solution 
. We need to ensure that our public servants are paid on time, with dignity, and respect for their contributions 
.
. It's time for us to come together as a nation and show our public servants that we care 
. Will anyone listen? I hope so! 
like what even is going on here?? these people are literally risking their health, sanity, and livelihoods just to keep a roof over their heads lol they deserve way better than to be treated like this 
we need some kinda solution ASAP for real 
.
. I mean, these folks are just trying to do their jobs, but the government can't even get it together to pay them. It's not fair to expect them to make ends meet when they're already struggling to survive.
. The fact that they can't get TRICARE claims paid due to the shutdown is just devastating. And it's not just the lack of pay that's the problem, it's the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with it.
. These workers deserve better than to be treated like this. They're the backbone of our country's infrastructure and services, and they're being forced to fight for their own survival. It's time for someone to listen and take action 
.
I can imagine how stressful it must be for these people trying to survive on their own while the government messes around 
hundreds of thousands of ppl affected and they're not even getting a paycheck 
it's like they're invisible 
side gigs and loans from private creditors? that's just not right 
chef jose andrews' world central kitchen is doing its part but it's not enough 
these workers deserve better 
30 days in and it's still not okay that these people are struggling so much... I mean, we all know they're public servants, making sacrifices for the country, but this is just ridiculous. They can't even get help with their medical bills because of the shutdown 
nothing but excuses from our elected officials 
meanwhile, food banks and orgs are helping out... yeah right, because that's not a Band-Aid solution 
. We need to acknowledge the severity of this crisis and provide support to these dedicated public servants who are being pushed to the brink 
.
.
. It's time for us as a country to come together and support these hardworking individuals who are keeping our nation running 
.
. Is that too much to ask?
But seriously, it's heartbreaking that they're having to do this in the first place.
it's crazy that the gov can't even get their act together to help people in need 
what if someone's not as lucky and has to rely on credit cards or loans? 
anyway I'm rooting for these underdog federal workers who just wanna do their jobs without all the drama 
its just crazy how long this shutdown's been goin on 30 days is already way too long, when r ppl gonna step in & help these workers out? 
and the debt ppl r accumulating is gonna be a nightmare 2 deal w/ when the gov finally reopens 
federal employees have gotta get creative just to pay bills 
meanwhile, excepted workers r relying on credit cards & loans 
its like the gov is playing with their lives 