Coping During a Government Shutdown

Let's be real: things are rough when your paycheck decides to disappear, but you’ve still got to show up for work. The government might be on pause, but our alarm clocks didn’t get the message. We’re still hitting the grind—dressed sharp, faking smiles, and keeping morale up with caffeine, duct tape, and a healthy dose of dark humor. That’s just how we roll.

For those of us in uniform or federal jobs, government shutdowns bring a unique kind of pressure. We’re expected to keep everything running smoothly, even as resources dwindle. The mission doesn’t stop, but neither do our bills—rent, groceries, and the electric company are still knocking on the door. We take pride in our resilience, but let’s face it—it’s wearing thin.

If surviving shutdowns was an Olympic sport, we’d have a trophy case full of gold medals. Every year, it’s the same game: the government can’t decide how to operate, so they threaten to shut down. Sometimes they pull through at the eleventh hour; sometimes they don’t. It’s like a twisted version of the Hunger Games, where the prize is simply getting paid.

But this time is different, especially for service members. Many of us joined for stability and to support our families, and usually the government finds a way to keep our pay coming since our work doesn’t stop. Yet for the first time in modern military history, we’re being told we may not get our next paycheck.

But behind the humor, there’s a serious mental strain. Financial worries can really gnaw at your focus, patience, and even your sleep. When you’re scrambling to make your savings last, the idea of “mission first” starts to feel more like “sanity last.” And you know what? That’s not a sign of weakness—it’s just real life. Ignoring it only adds to the burnout.

Laugh So You Don’t Cry

Dark humor is a staple in military and it’s all about survival. Laughing helps us create some distance from the chaos. It’s a kind of pressure release and a way to cope—wrapped up in sarcasm. We crack jokes so we don’t end up crying. They may get us escorted to BH, but at least we’re not crying.

Joking about the mess is perfectly fine, but we also need to take care of each other. Humor keeps us buoyant, but it’s our community that keeps us from sinking.

Survival Tips (That Don’t Involve Selling a Kidney or Your Soul…Again)

1) Use community resources. Emergency programs from local food banks, churches, and veteran groups can be lifesavers. Taking advantage of these resources doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re resourceful.

2) Get creative with budgeting. Meal prepping, swapping pantry staples with coworkers, or utilizing budgeting apps like YNAB or EveryDollar can help make ends meet. Hell, even ChatGPT can help create some easy, budget-friendly grocery lists and meal-prep ideas.

3) Stay connected. Misery loves company, but comfort comes from community. Vent, share a laugh, and exchange survival advice with each other. Isolation only amplifies the stress.

4) Don’t hesitate to ask for help. There’s a reason financial counseling, peer support, and mental health services are available. You shouldn’t have to go through tough times all on your own.

It’s Okay to Be Tired of Being Resilient

We often celebrate resilience in the military and government, but here’s a little secret: even the toughest people can get worn out. It’s completely normal to feel frustrated, anxious, or just plain fed up. You’re human! Wearing the uniform doesn’t make you invincible; it just means you’ve learned to keep showing up, even when things are tough.

So if you’re feeling like your “I’ve got this” mantra is starting to crumble and you don’t feel like hunting the good stuff, that’s okay. You’ve dealt with heavier loads on less sleep before. Just remember—you don’t have to carry this weight by yourself.

Final Thought

Until the government decides to hit “play” again, we’ll just keep going on caffeine, dark humor, and a bit of hope—the unofficial fuel for service members everywhere. Hang in there, check in on each other, and if all else fails, take up boxing and release your frustrations on someone’s face.