Jeeves Works for the Government: Scheduling Advice

[Keg]

I am getting furloughed starting this week. Instead of working (and getting paid for) 40 hours per week, we are only working 32 hours per week until mid Spetember. Management is being nice enough to allow us to choose how to take those 8 hours per week off (other commands force employees to take a certain day off - usually Fridays).

How do you guys suggest I take this time off? I don't have any commitments other than my job during the week so I have no restraints (for example, I dont have to drop kids off at school at a certain time, I am not taking night classes, I don't have a second job, etc). Should I take every Monday off? Fridays? Wednesdays? A couple of hours per day? What would you do if you were in my situation?

[A_B]

I am getting furloughed starting this week. Instead of working (and getting paid for) 40 hours per week, we are only working 32 hours per week until mid Spetember. Management is being nice enough to allow us to choose how to take those 8 hours per week off (other commands force employees to take a certain day off - usually Fridays).

How do you guys suggest I take this time off? I don't have any commitments other than my job during the week so I have no restraints (for example, I dont have to drop kids off at school at a certain time, I am not taking night classes, I don't have a second job, etc). Should I take every Monday off? Fridays? Wednesdays? A couple of hours per day? What would you do if you were in my situation?

One hour M-Thurs, half a day on Fridays.

[The Sybian]

I'd continue working 40 hours without pay because I love serving my country that damn much.

[Rams Fanny]

If you're not planning/needing a long weekend, take wednesday. I was in this scenario a few years back and felt I was more productive because I got more rest and knew I was never more than two days from my next day off.

[Gunpowder]

I'd go in late every day.

[P.D.X.]

I'm with the Fanny.

[Keg]

I'd continue working 40 hours without pay because I love serving my country that damn much.

They made it a point to let us all know that working more than 32 hours (ie working for free) was against the law and would not be tolerated. I think they are adamant about this because if we are somehow able to get the same amount of work done with a 20% budget cut, then congress/pentagon will make that budget cut permanent. The Navy also needs to be able to show how crushing the sequestration has been to our defenses/readiness, so that congress doesnt F with us again.

[brian]

I get the Rams Fan logic and can't argue with it, but I'd probably take Fridays off because there's usually good stuff going on Thursdays and sleeping in and getting Fridays off would be nice. During football season I'd probably take Mondays instead since it would easier to cut loose on Sundays if desired.

[testy boxcar]

i'd get a sweet ass job as a contractor and not have to worry about it.

(actually, i'm kind of jealous of the civvies. workin' sucks.)

[The Sybian]

I'd continue working 40 hours without pay because I love serving my country that damn much.

They made it a point to let us all know that working more than 32 hours (ie working for free) was against the law and would not be tolerated. I think they are adamant about this because if we are somehow able to get the same amount of work done with a 20% budget cut, then congress/pentagon will make that budget cut permanent. The Navy also needs to be able to show how crushing the sequestration has been to our defenses/readiness, so that congress doesnt F with us again.

Work slowdown!

[vandwagon]

I'd go with taking Friday off. If you travel it's easier and I feel like if I had wednesday off, I'd never get in a groove for the week.

[Giff]

Do you have to stick to the same schedule every week? If so, I'd probably pick Friday or Monday to take off, but if not, Wednesday would be my day and then would use Friday or Monday when needed.

[Keg]

Do you have to stick to the same schedule every week? If so, I'd probably pick Friday or Monday to take off, but if not, Wednesday would be my day and then would use Friday or Monday when needed.

I can change the day off every week (it doesnt have to be the same day off every week). They asked us to figure out our schedule ahead of time so that management can plan ahead.

Another reason to take Wednesday off is that most people are taking Mon or Fri off, so it will be nice and quiet around the office on those days.

[Sabo]

Personally, I'd alternate Fridays and Mondays, so that way you could have a four days off in a row. So, first week, work Monday through Thursday, then off Friday through Monday, then work Tuesday through Friday, off Saturday and Sunday, and repeat. Long weekends are great for releasing work-related stress.

[Keg]

I woke up today thinking it was Saturday. Having Wednesdays off is f'n great.