I've been furloughed until March! Kids aren't at home. What now?!

[MrsMiaWallis]

I've just found out I've been furloughed until March.

Two kids at uni and one at boarding school (this has all happened in the last month, dc bursary kid at local independent, wasn't supposed to board but due to covid he has been offered a full boarding place as the day option would mean he couldn't do the thing he went there for - music).

So I have the weird feeling of having nothing to do with my life until March!

Any ideas on what a 54 year old woman can do with her life until then?!

[quote AldiAisleofCrap]@Ideasplease322 no I do believe people are being furloughed for a year. What I don’t want to believe is those furloughed on full pay with dc on full bursary etc would write this post on mumsnet when people are struggling to pay bills on 80% at best or zero income for many.[/quote]
Apologies if you were upset by it. I doubt very much I am the only person posting on Mumsnet who has been furloughed.

I don't have a husband by the way, so my wage is the only one coming in, if that makes you feel better in yourself.

This is my dream!!

I would literally sit there eating and watching TV.

Omfg once again the op is not complaining about money or being poor so shove off whinging. Dont like your job? Quit. But leave furloughed people alone. Peoples mental health is just as important as money ffs.

Can you cook op? If you want to lose weight now is a good time to look up new cooking ideas as well.

[quote AldiAisleofCrap]@Ideasplease322 no I do believe people are being furloughed for a year. What I don’t want to believe is those furloughed on full pay with dc on full bursary etc would write this post on mumsnet when people are struggling to pay bills on 80% at best or zero income for many.[/quote]
Would you rather that all people posted was competitive poverty and moaning on MN?

What on earth is wrong with someone asking for advice in her situation?

It's really not an unreasonable thing to ask. If it offends you, then I'd suggest that actually that is your problem to deal with.

Would you rather that all people posted was competitive poverty and moaning on MN?

The ones posting about this are probably the ones who were screaming for the first lockdown and schools to shut.

They needed to be very careful what they wished for, as the result isn't too great.

Not sure if anyone has already suggested this, as I haven't rtft, but how about learning a new language?

The ones posting about this are probably the ones who were screaming for the first lockdown and schools to shut.

100% this. Some of us didnt want lockdown, school closures or furlough but we are being berated for decisions made against us.

@AldiAisleofCrap Its not the OP's fault is it, she didnt ask for this. Some people have done very well out of this shitshow whilst others have fallen through the cracks, but that isnt the fault of the individual, take it up with Rishi.

@Shaniac

The ones posting about this are probably the ones who were screaming for the first lockdown and schools to shut.

100% this. Some of us didnt want lockdown, school closures or furlough but we are being berated for decisions made against us.

Agreed. Fortunately my wife wasn't furloughed, but was really worried she would be.

Where I work, they didn't bother with furlough, they just made people redundant.

Yes, I didn't ask for furlough although I have agreed to it.

Anyway, lots of great ideas. If I can come out of this slimmer and fitter with a bit of coding under my belt I'll feel ok about myself.

Learn to bake, knit, sew, calligraphy, draw...

Go cycling. Do Pilates online. Do a professional course. Learn Gaelic

the students will be back for Christmas and you'll be busy againshay

@userxx Its not the OP's fault is it, she didnt ask for this no it’s not but nobody forced her to post about the difficult choice between taking up crochet or binge watching on Netflix while on full pay.
A simple due to personal circumstances I have some child free time on my hands would suffice.
In the current climate people are loosing their business and their home and having to make genuinely difficult choices maybe think a little before posting.

To all those saying those people who are furloughed are clearly surplus to requirements - absolutely not true. Many industries have been forced to shut down and will require staff back when they re open and increase their operations again.
The opposite side to this is, of course, the worry of being made redundant if things don't improve. I've been furloughed for months, it's been months of worry and stress and I am envious of those who are able to continue working. Also unable to get another job during this time as I could be called back with just a few days notice. (Not likely right now, but possible)

[quote AldiAisleofCrap]**@userxx* Its not the OP's fault is it, she didnt ask for this* no it’s not but nobody forced her to post about the difficult choice between taking up crochet or binge watching on Netflix while on full pay.
A simple due to personal circumstances I have some child free time on my hands would suffice.
In the current climate people are loosing their business and their home and having to make genuinely difficult choices maybe think a little before posting.[/quote]
Why should she have to think before posting about her own issue?

Honestly. You sound so bitter and jealous - perhaps time to step away from MN?

@BIWI not at all bitter and jealous my personal circumstances are no worse that the ops. The additional information was unnecessary other than to gloat.

@BIWI that’s the point though there is no issue it’s literally the opposite of an issue!

She isn't gloating at all and I find it rather odd that you would interpret it so.

No gloating at all. Do you understand the mental impacts on being furloughed when you lose your routine, your work identity and are isolated from being allowed out to meet family and friends? Of course op is allowed to mention the reason for it. Do you really think no one would ask her why she suddenly has 5 months off?!

Maybe stop reading the thread if you are so upset by a situation the op is not in control of.

[quote AldiAisleofCrap]@BIWI that’s the point though there is no issue it’s literally the opposite of an issue![/quote]
To be fair you are making it an issue!

but nobody forced her to post about the difficult choice between taking up crochet or binge watching on Netflix

I didn't post about this.

@MrsMiaWallis I can see as your posted more that I misunderstood your intention in posting so I apologise.

I’d learn a language and drop off meals to the elderly... and catch up on lots of reading and Netflix and go for long walks. :-)

You could help campaign to end homelessness with Crisis or make some sort of fundraising to help towards homelessness or another cause you feel strongly about.

When I read Bill Bryson books I'm always so envious of his ability to potter around the country, going to museums etc. I know things are really restricted at the moment but when they open up you could be a UK tourist.
Also, if you're single you could embark on some scandalous romances.

Ooh and write a book.
I'm all for volunteering etc but I think women are expected to be selfless their entire life, whereas men are expected to be productive. I wonder if this was a forum of men how much of the advice would be volunteering and pilates.

Buy yourself some Hardy outdoor clothes and some great lounge wear too.
Read some philosophy, go all eat pray love.