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?!

Upskill and volunteer. Try and get further training as the future of jobs is changing fast.

I am VERY up for a swap? You can do my job, I will sleep, read the books I never read and take up a hobby.

[quote Loveacuppa]Are you empathetic and would you like to help people in distress? You could train to be a Shout volunteer
giveusashout.org/volunteer-shout/[/quote]
I am empathetic. But I've always shied away from that kind of volunteering because I had a very difficult, violent childhood and I worry I wouldn't cope with somw of thile things I heard I know that sounds selfish. I would LOVE to volunteer but it would have to be practical I think.

What is your job ?

I know they've extended furlough but have people rewlly been told their work place won't open until March? That's really sad

I wouldn't have to ask the question. I could fill it. It doesn't bode well for retirement if you can't think how to fill your time.

@bigchris

What is your job ?

I know they've extended furlough but have people rewlly been told their work place won't open until March? That's really sad

My work place is staying partially open. My employer is making my salary up to 100%. I'm a finance bod.

When you are working/genuinely busy with children you can legitimately tell yourself you don't have time for the jobs you just don't want to do. When you have time available it's harder to ignore the crappy jobs without feeling guilty. Under furlough are you allowed to take up other employment or was that just when the country was desperate for fruit pickers?

I was just thinking today how envious I am of all the people being paid not to work. Don't let it be wasted.

Do the shopping for vulnerable people in your area?

@lovelemoncurd

I wouldn't have to ask the question. I could fill it. It doesn't bode well for retirement if you can't think how to fill your time.

I think if I'd retired it would be a bit different. I want to travel when I've retired. Can't do that.

Any job that can be paused for 6 months must surely be redundant ?

My employer is making my salary up to 100%

Bloody hell! Lol

@ChocsAway2

I was just thinking today how envious I am of all the people being paid not to work. Don't let it be wasted.

This is it!! I don't want to waste it! It feels like a little gift. I can't spend it watching Netflix!

@AnyFucker

Any job that can be paused for 6 months must surely be redundant ?

I guess I'll find out!

How does your employer know that they won't re-open/pick up until March?

I’d do an online photography course and learn an instrument. Plus watch a lot of Netflix and try to exercise several times per week.

Omg it sounds amazing I’m jealous

Really? God, I would hate it.

Indeed.

I wouldn't wish redundancy on anyone but speaking as a frontline NHS professional going into the hell of the 2nd wave do be careful your diamond shoes don't get too tight.

Write a book?

Study!! There's some great free courses

@AnyFucker

Indeed.

I wouldn't wish redundancy on anyone but speaking as a frontline NHS professional going into the hell of the 2nd wave do be careful your diamond shoes don't get too tight.

That's pretty unkind.

How does your employer know that they won't re-open/pick up until March?

Because they can get Rishi to pay a percentage of their staff's wages

I was furloughed in April and made redundant in September. I am applying for jobs but am fortunate that I can be selective of vacancies. I am bored rigid. I hate the fact that my day has so little structure and I know, does not bode well for retirement.

I'd love to be furloughed until March, even if it resulted in redundancy afterwards. It's always been my ambition to get gardening leave!