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

306 replies

MrsMiaWallis · 05/11/2020 19:36

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?!

OP posts:
Undies1990 · 05/11/2020 20:39

I'm so jealous! I've never worked harder than I have in the last 9 months, I'm exhausted.

If I were you, I'd study / upskill myself to prepare if I'm made redundant next year. I'd also get fit and volunteer. Enjoy!

PatriciaPerch · 05/11/2020 20:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Legoandloldolls · 05/11/2020 20:40

Adult ed courses? Mine keeps me sane and as its education it hasn't been stopped this lockdown. You could even do two at a time, something arty and something more high brow like a foreign language. Mine is two hours a week and I did dress making as well once.

ButNotYet · 05/11/2020 20:40

@Usernamenumber999

Omg it sounds amazing I’m jealous
Me too, I have been worked to the bone this year and then next year will have to pay for all these furloughs!
DesdemonaDryEyes · 05/11/2020 20:42

Maybe folk being urloughed for twelve months could pop out and do a bit of litter picking of all the disposable masks and gloves left lying around.

Bromley4ever · 05/11/2020 20:44

There are enough free online training courses to keep you occupied full time. Have a think about whether you want to improve your lot and how you could do it. I don't want to be gloomy but I was made redundant after furlough. If the worst does not come to pass, at least you have added a bit to the old CV.

VivaMiltonKeynes · 05/11/2020 20:44

Be grateful?

CountFosco · 05/11/2020 20:44

Yoga with Adriene is fab and she has 3 or 4 30 day courses on youtube now so free.

There are now six free thirty day courses: 30 Days of Yoga, Yoga Camp, Revolution, True, Dedicate and Home. Plus all the other yoga videos she's done.

I8toys · 05/11/2020 20:45

So jealous. I've worked harder at home since March than before lockdown. I'd get an exercise regime and try and not get fat.

mumwon · 05/11/2020 20:46

"I am busy doing nothing -I am busy the all day through - trying to find lots of things not to do!"
Can someone remember where this song came from???

Brevet1000 · 05/11/2020 20:46

Cycling - get into exploring, try byways and bridleways.
How about Audax explore places, usually excellent cake.

cretelover · 05/11/2020 20:47

Has anyone mentioned couch to 5K? I did it last lockdown, couldn't run to the end of the road when I started.
Family history research? Local history?

Brevet1000 · 05/11/2020 20:47

@Hope4theBestPlan4theWorst

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
Only if your employer / contract allows it though, some don't.
LindaEllen · 05/11/2020 20:48

I've been catching up on all of the things I want to do, but previously couldn't. So yes, that includes long baths, lots of reading, watching series that people have been going on about for ages, practicing my musical instrument, spending time in the garden, exercising..

I've also used the opportunity to get things in the house sorted. So in the first lockdown I cleared the garden then had it flagged when the guys I use were back working.

I've also clearing the living room, kitchen and bedroom, which took about a week in total including lots of trips to the tip. You could also have a look round and see what you don't need anymore, maybe put it on eBay or Marketplace and make a bit of spare cash.

It might not be the most exciting time of your life, but you can certainly get plenty done.

Also enjoy lying in, cook luxurious meals (or order a takeaway at the weekend), maybe even write a book or look into starting up a new business.

Keep in touch with friends and family when you can. Go out for walks with them (one at a time of course) if you're able.

It seems like a long time until March now, but honestly, it'll fly by.

despondentatwork · 05/11/2020 20:52

Sorry, but this would be my idea of heaven!!!

Kljnmw3459 · 05/11/2020 20:52

Make sure you're covered for any redundancies and able to find a job

ForthPlace · 05/11/2020 20:53

Please volunteer at your local school, we are so short of staff and you may be able to ease the pressure.

You would also be very valuable as a school governor, start now for the long term, we are always desperate. Contact your LA or local school. Or here... www.inspiringgovernance.org/volunteers/

ChardonnaysPetDragon · 05/11/2020 20:54

*Get a puppy8

No! A puppy is not just for furlough, a puppy is for life.

OneKeyAtATime · 05/11/2020 20:55

What did you like doing before having children?

5zeds · 05/11/2020 20:55

I’m utterly exhausted I’d sleep.

MrsMiaWallis · 05/11/2020 20:56

I am definitely bearing in mind I could be made redundant although there is a seasonal patch (now) where I am not indispensable! Hopefully not but I don't want to do anything too expensive just in case.

Not sure about working - and tbh I've worked FT for 34 years, so I'd like to make the most of this oasis.

OP posts:
LzzyHale · 05/11/2020 20:56

RNIB require volunteers to collect their Sooty collection boxes from retail premises, and to record and bank the money.

There's also a mobile telephone service for blind/ visually impaired people where they ask you to tell them what's in front of them, I read about it on here but can't remember the name!

MrsMiaWallis · 05/11/2020 20:56

@ChardonnaysPetDragon

*Get a puppy8

No! A puppy is not just for furlough, a puppy is for life.

I have a dog already!
OP posts:
CorianderLord · 05/11/2020 20:57

Read. Read everything. What I wouldn't give to wake up late, do yoga, read my book, have lunch, paint, read, play badminton, read, drink wine.

Learn sign language, get fit, do an adult paint by numbers, learn chess.

Sleep.

JayAlfredPrufrock · 05/11/2020 20:57

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court

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