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?!

I find it really hard to motivate myself when there’s nothing I have to do urgently, so I think I’d try and commit to something. Volunteering sounds like a good shout. Also studying. Are you happy in your line of work or is there something you’ve always wished you’d done if you had the time?
I’ve recently started a counselling course, which might not be for you, but there are loads of other courses starting in January. Look at what your local college has to offer.

Is this what furlough is now? I thought you were only furloughed while it was necessary and as soon as things open up then people will be back to work? How depressing that some people can sit at home for months with nothing to do.

Get another job? Supermarket or school maybe?

What ?? As well as take home 100 per cent pay??

Or are you suggesting she quits, turns down full pay for staying at home and getting another job, I mean would you ??

@yvanka

Get another job? Supermarket or school maybe?

Don't get another job. OP has a job. Other people desperately need jobs.

There are loads of jobs out there. If people aren't able to get one, it means they are being too proud.

I sympathise with those who've been working incredibly hard throughout the pandemic and are very stressed. I also sympathise with those who are isolated and feeling adrift with no work to do when that's been a big part of their identity.

I wouldn't want to be in your shoes OP and the fact that others would, is irrelevant really.

If I were you I'd try and put a routine in place with things that will help you feel connected to others, purposeful and mentally stimulated (all very important for good mental health)

So after breakfast do yoga/go for a walk/run (swim/exercise class when allowed)

After that work on one of the less fun decluttering jobs for an hour to feel like you're being productive (but not so long you hate it!)

After lunch volunteer/take part in an online class with others (or in person when allowed)

Cook a really nice meal and chill out in the evening, maybe try and get in touch with different friends and DC over the course of each week so you're chatting with someone often.

It doesn't have to be at prescriptive as I've made it sound but I think having a bit of a schedule can make a big difference

Make sourdough - isn't that furlough law?

Unfortunately you are going to come across some bitter people who've had a shit year working a hell of a lot extra and who are desperate for a decent rest. for everyone who needs a rest, including me.

You don't want to hear this .. but I would be half assuming that I would be made redundant in March. If they can do without you for 4 months, they can probably do without you forever.

I'd be looking at my CV, attending interviews, doing courses to top up my skills.

This isn’t a competition about who is having the worse time.

My work has never been busier, we have been putting in very long and working through weekends. Often under incredible stress.

My friend has bee furloughed since March. She is lonely, bored, unhappy, worried about her job security.

We are both in crap situations, yes she is watching more Netflix’s than me, but I do see it is far from ideal.

I always dealt of doing the coast to coat walk

Maybe that once lockdown ends?

I took nine months off when I had a big redundancy pay off. Of course I could travel etc, but I also got a personal trainer and set some fitness goals, did an online creative writing class, learned basic Spanish, went to art galleries, listened to audio books while walking miles etc. I loved the time to myself then enjoyed getting a new job.

Hope you can enjoy it OP x

Ever fancied starting your own businesses?

I’m off at the moment and have spent a lot of it learning to crochet and doing other creative things

I have so many things I would love to do if I had the luxury of no work or childcare. I honestly cannot comprehend being stuck for ideas if I had this opportunity. Please feel free to swap places as I am frontline NHS with two young children and a house that has been in a half finished state for over two years. I barely get a minute to myself and I haven't had time for anything I enjoy doing for years. 2020 has been an absolute shitshow for us. I would literally give my right kidney for one week to myself let alone a few months.

Seriously though, if you are struggling with not working then please do something good with the time. Volunteer. Make a difference.

That's exciting. You could get fit, be a perfect time to get another dog (obviously only if you were thinking you'd want another), definitely some volunteering, join a walking group, learn something just for fun-i've learnt how to sew this year and it's been brilliant, learn another language if you think you'd like to travel in the future. The time will go really fast, it will be christmas in a minute and then you'll feel cold and tired for a couple of weeks and then it will be march!

Donate some of your time and money saved from bursary/furlough/boarding to a food bank or charity.

Trace your family tree. It will take up all your time and burn through plenty of your money.

Just to add am also NHS, job is hellish at the moment (hence the frantic anxiety sewing when I'm not working) I dont begrudge people for being furloughed. I just feel lucky to have a stable income right now to be honest.

Totally insensitive OP. Read the room

Treat it as a holiday. You've worked all your adult life. Life gives you lemons and all that

Rest and relax. I volunteer at a foodbank and it’s one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Could you get involved with a Christmas project in your area such as a toy appeal for disadvantaged children?

Has it been explained yet how this seasonal business pays the staff in normal times? I'm still struggling to understand how any business knows for certain that particular staff won't be needed until March. Does "furloughed til March" mean you definitely won't go back to work until at least then but your salary is guaranteed for all that time whatever happens?

Luck cow! I was furloughed till last week then redundant, I had put DD in nursery as I fully expected to return in September so have had some time to myself but in reality I was looking for another job full time and doing housework. I start my new job on Monday which is wonderful (almost doubled my pay and it's part time!) but I really wish I could have fully made the most of my last few hours of childcare but not job, would love a potter round the shops. I have 4 hours left and then that's it, might end up cleaning some more or maybe I'll just get to read in peace.

From what you’ve said I would do three main things -
Do your damndest to lose that stone you say you need to. Get into a fitness routine and stick to it. Golden opportunity if you can manage to discipline yourself (not sure I could).
Learn a new personal skill -whatever tickles your fancy.
Be ready for whatever March might bring work-wise.
Have fun - I can completely understand it feeling odd.

@StealthPolarBear yes you can have "overlapping" jobs where you're furloughed from one so long as your contract doesn't say otherwise. SIL did it and paid of debts and sorted some savings.

You can freelance while on maternity leave which is kinda similar and I know someone who got double mat pay as she technically had two employeers (one of them being her own company, her accountant pointed it out she didn't make it up)