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?!

What I wouldn't give to be furloughed.
Some staff have been furloughed since March, till March. A year off.

What I wouldn't have given for a year off.

I've been doing accounts. HR. Furlough. Paid staff. I've worked like a dog.

Google “Voluntary Action [your city/county]” or contact your local council. There are loads of voluntary opportunities at the moment ranging from picking up groceries/prescriptions for people self-isolating to helping out at a care home.

Are you any good with getting teens to log onto Teams at the right time? I just found out about 20 mins ago that the school is shut tomorrow due to too many staff self isolating, I could do with a hand making sure they log onto their lessons

covidmutualaid.org/
You could volunteer to help the most vulnerable in your area- picking up prescriptions/food etc

Must be nice. When people are grafting their arses off. Be a bit more sensitive op.

I was just thinking today the extension of the furlough schemes hole great in many ways is definitely going to create some resenment. I'm not saying it's right but we're all paying for this and while loads of people have had a nice holiday many people are working harder than ever.

I've been doing accounts. HR. Furlough. Paid staff. I've worked like a dog.

Been a bastard of a year hasn't it 😞. Trying to keep on top of the daily changes is a full time job in itself.

Drink loooads of alcohol and dance around the house and bake cakes!! 😂 join tiktok and make silly videos!!! Lol

Volunteer - use your finance skills, do deliveries for people,
Learn a language
Learn a new skill and become good at it (make a scarf/piece of furniture/shirt)
Do more volunteering
Buy a campervan and drive round the coast of Britain (post lockdown)
Take up yoga/weightlifting/tai chi.
Plan your world travels for when you retire

I worked all through the last lockdown and I will work all through this one. I would love to have 5 months off on full pay.

Volunteer for the NHS ?

I did 4 months on last lock down. My advice would be to walk every day. Getting out in the fresh air amongst nature. Take some time for you, and if you are able perhaps you could volunteer. I must say after 4 months I was so pleased to go back.

You realise everyone will have to pay the trillions furlough cost back? I think it’s terrifying. It’s a massive amount of money.
Paying furlough during an actual lockdown is one thing. If places are closing until March, people need to be on Universal Credit, not 80% of their wage. Especially if they are taking other work.

Oh god. I'm so envious.

If it were me, my list would be:-

1. Dig out the sewing machine in the loft and work out how to use the same thing
2. Learn some songs on the kids keyboard
3. Sand and repaint the stairs/bannisters
4. Learn a language (my nephews speak a second language due to their dad so it learn theirs)
5. Bullet journal

It's a seasonal business and should be unpaused in March

Seasonal? Winter or summer? Would you normally be on full pay at that time of year?

You could offer to walk dogs for elderly or self isolating people maybe? If you like animals of course. It might help with the weight loss goals you mentioned?

Study! There is loads of free or low cost stuff around.

I don’t understand how your employer can be sure you’re not needed at work until March when this lockdown is only four weeks.

Offer your finance skills to local charities- and your child’s school?

How amazing... lucky woman!

How about volunteering at a local school to give something back to those who are having a tougher time than your kids?

If I had spare time, it is what I would be doing... probably a primary because Covid risks lower .... I feel passionate about the fact so many kids have missed so much AND how much every kid benefits from having some 121 time with an interested adult supporting their learning.....

Look forward to hearing what you decide!

I would be looking for new job opportunities as firms have demonstrated that people on furlough really aren't needed!

Join the NHSs volunteering, can be a click and call volunteer, so you get a phone number and name messaged to you and you call them just for a chat. Usually elderly people living alone and lonely and want to chat.

Look into fostering? It could well be that the process would take so long you'll be back to work by the time you're approved though! Or maybe foster animals?

My list would be:

• volunteer
• declutter entire house top to bottom
• create actual physical photo albums from the thousands of pictures on my phone
• learn a foreign language
• learn basic sign language
• online course in something that interests me
• get peleton and get fit
• finally learn how to use my sewing machine as I'd love to make quirky little kids clothes (skirts and pinafores) in funky patterns

I don’t understand how your employer can be sure you’re not needed at work until March when this lockdown is only four weeks

The OP works in Finance so likely the budget for 21/22 is done now, and her next busy period will be Year End (late March-end april).

There is a natural lull over the winter in most finance depts so as long as the bills are being paid, which presumably they have that covered if they can spare her, then she can pick up the books on her return.

Of course, none of the above may be relevant depending on the role, but I can see how a business would choose to furlough in the above scenario.

Just because you are furloughed you can still work elsewhere - I'd get another part time job to earn some extra money but also meet new people and socialise a bit

How about learning BSL or Makaton? My son does some basic signs teaching on Facebook.