I thought (okay, feared) that yesterday’s column might make a lot of people angry. The column dealt with the fears a lot of feds are living with. Most of them are unfounded, or (like the day off after Christmas) small potatoes compared to the nation’s economic crisis.
Turns out that a lot of people who work for the government understand that times are tough. Tougher outside government than inside government. They said it much better than I can (or did).
Here goes:
“A great article! I hope this is a wake up call. As federal employees we are not the only ones in the country. Thank the good Lord we are still working. If people behave with their leave they would have no concerns about the 26th. It is a great gift when we get the extra day, but never count on it, especially this year!
“I don’t know about most folks I work with, but I have a husband working in the private sector who is taking it day by day as far as his job is concerned. I may be the only income for our home in the very near future. If we did not get any cost of living this year we would have little to complain about! So we should be glad of what we are getting!” IRS in Covington, Ky.
“With all that is going on in the economy, I think it is sad that ‘many’ feds are worried about getting an extra vacation day after Christmas. No wonder ‘many’ in the public sector believe feds hold do nothing jobs.
I find this interesting in view of the results of a recent NBC poll in which 64% of the respondents said they would give up 5% of their pay so that fewer employee would be laid off. ” No Name
” Personally, I am sick of the paranoia and the whining. What do Feds have to whine about? Let’s face it, unless a federal employee has a spouse that is losing their job in the private sector, what is there to complain about? I took a lot of heat when I took this job 20+ years ago for $6.40 an hour while everyone else was going into the financial and investment avenue, they thought I was crazy. Who’s crazy now? People who work for the government have got it made. Best health plan, best job security, great hours, great leave benefits, etc. How about an attitude of gratitude for the holidays, isn’t that what the season is all about? Most people who work for the government are better off this year than they were last year if you factor in lower heating oil, and gas prices and last year’s raise. So when I hear people whining at the fact that some are collecting for Toys for Tots with that line ‘it’s tough times now’, or ‘it’s hard now’ it is proof to me that it is more of a negative mind set from watching the news too much than it is realty. Please don’t mention my name if you print this…” Okay!
“At my group meeting a great point was made about a possible bonus day off. With lay-offs and ‘down-sizing’ continually in the news would it be appropriate? No. I don’t expect the leave to be granted and would not view it as a ‘parting shot’ at organized Federal employees. Manny of us get 26 days vacation days a year. Then there are the holidays. In good times it would be fine; but not now. ” Anon
“Take the day of as you suggest; why not? First you miss one of the best commuting days of the year. You can work without all the interruptions and noise. Cleaning up after the big day? Sorry, I have to go to work.” Dennis
“After reading your very sobering column it hit me as an employee of the Federal Community as to how well we have it, as opposed to the outside employment sector.
“Hopefully during this Christmas Season all of us will find a little time to give thanks and gratitude to the ONE who makes this all possible for all Federal Employees.” RFD at IRS
“Does it count as (real) worry if all you’re doing is fretting over extras?
My best buddy at work and I take a walk almost every day at lunch. Our route takes us past a children’s hospital. If you want perspective, walk past a place that has sick kids in it!
Take care… Pat
“All your talk about employees worrying about whether the day after Christmas as a bonus holiday makes me think of Bob Cratchett asking Ebenezer Scrooge about getting Christmas Day off as his one holiday a year. Scrooge accuses Cratchett of ‘picking a man’s pocket once a year.’ Now we have 10 paid holidays (not to mention annual and sick days) and people crave #11.” Al
Nearly Useless Factoid
The mailbag remains open!
Stan the Man writes:
People want to know if this is a good time to get back into stocks. I have a few tips.
Xerox and Wurlitzer are in merger talks. They will produce reproductive organs.
UPS and Federal Express will merge in 2009. The new company will be called FedUp.
Martha Stewart is opening a chain of 10 pin lanes and investors can get in on the ground floor. Tentative name for this project is Tidy Bowl.
To reach me: mcausey@federalnewsradio.com
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