📘 Staying Professionally Engaged During Furlough: Growth, Connection, and Purpose
- feaofct
- 24 hours ago
- 2 min read
While the government shutdown has disrupted daily routines for many federal employees, it doesn’t have to stall your professional momentum. Whether you’re furloughed or working under constrained conditions, this is an opportunity to invest in yourself, reconnect with your purpose, and prepare for what’s next.
🎯 Reframe the Moment: From Pause to Possibility
Furloughs can feel like forced stillness — but they can also be reframed as a rare window for reflection and growth. Ask yourself:
What skills have I been meaning to sharpen?
What projects or ideas have I put on hold?
Who in my professional network could I reconnect with?
This isn’t about productivity pressure — it’s about reclaiming agency.
📚 Learn Something New (For Free!)
There’s a wealth of online learning platforms offering free or low-cost courses for federal employees:
Coursera & edX: Explore topics from data science to public policy.
LinkedIn Learning: Offers short, practical courses on leadership, communication, and tech skills.
FEMA Emergency Management Institute: Free training for those in emergency response or public safety roles.
Tip: Choose one course that aligns with your career goals and commit to completing it during the furlough.
🤝 Volunteer Your Skills Locally
Connecticut nonprofits and community organizations often need help with:
Grant writing
Data analysis
Event planning
Outreach and communications
Volunteering not only supports your community — it keeps your skills sharp and your resume fresh. FEACT can help match members with local opportunities.
💬 Network with Intention
Use this time to:
Update your LinkedIn profile
Reach out to former colleagues or mentors
Join virtual meetups or webinars previously hosted by FEACT (available on our YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@FEAofCT) or other professional groups
Even a short message like “Just checking in — hope you’re well!” can rekindle valuable connections.
🧠 Reflect and Reset
Consider journaling or mapping out your career goals. What do you want to accomplish in the next year? What strengths do you want to build on? What challenges do you want to overcome?
This kind of reflection can be grounding — and it sets the stage for a strong return when the shutdown ends.
💡 FEACT Is Here for You
Would you be interested in planning virtual events, skill-building workshops, and peer support sessions to help Connecticut federal employees stay connected and inspired? Keep an eye on our newsletter and blog for updates and contact us with your ideas..
You’re not just surviving this moment — you’re shaping what comes next.
