The current U.S. federal government shutdown is entering its fifth week with the potential to becoming the longest shutdown in U.S. history. This shutdown hits differently for those who work for the federal government as civilians or military. The continued shutdown with no effort to end it places uncertainty to federal employees and military personnel.
Uncertainty Brings Out True Human Nature
Uncertainty about how you are going to put food on the table, pay housing obligation, and other financial obligations exposes an individual to being desperate. As the shutdown continues, one will need to pay attention to the well-being of federal employees. Let us be honest, when one’s back is against the wall, certain impulses may kick in to survive.
What Are The Risks Involved
The impact of the shutdown creates risks to federal employees and military personnel.
- Being taken advantage of by fraudsters promising to offer financial relief.
- Engaging in fraudulent activities to support their standard of living.
- Engaging in unapproved outside employment that could present conflicts of interests.
- Poaching of talent with the right knowledge, skills, and information by a vendor to gain a competitive advantage.
- Selling of sensitive or privilege information to foreign states.
- Opportunities for rogue employees to engage in practices that they would not have done outside of a shutdown.
- Emotional toll experienced due to the lack of stability and certainty that could last for a long period.
- Undue stress and harm towards family members and friends.
Takeaway
These risks are not all inclusive, but provide some insight into what federal employees and military personnel will face as the shutdown continues. It is important for these individuals and their loved ones to obtain the necessary support to minimize these risks. Otherwise, the impact could be greater than those directly impacted by the shutout.