Federal workers are missing paychecks. National parks and museums are closed. Transportation Security Administration workers are calling in sick. Critical fire safety training has been halted in the Western United States. Prison inmates are being held past their intended release dates.
These are just a few of the countless impacts the three-week, soon-to-be longest-ever partial government shutdown has had on American life. But in honor of Friday, Pacific Standard has compiled a list of ways furloughed federal employees can spend time this weekend (and beyond, if needed) despite the ongoing funding lapse.
Drink a Beer
While you may not be able to try any new craft beers this weekend, since the currently closed Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau is responsible for approving labels on new beers before they can be sold, that doesn’t need to stop you from cracking open an old favorite after this long week.
Pick Up Trash at a National Park
Join groups of volunteers who have taken this responsibility into their own hands.
‘Have a Garage Sale’
The U.S. Coast Guard Support Program published a tip sheet that included this financial advice to its furloughed employees—and then removed it Wednesday morning after the Washington Post inquired about it.
Get Actual Financial Advice
Financial service providers including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase are offering personalized financial assistance to “customers experiencing hardship due to the shutdown.”
Scroll Through #ShutdownSideHustles on Twitter
See how others are biding their time while they’re out of work.
Eat Cheese
Up to 1.4 billion pounds of it. But maybe steer clear of soft cheeses, a high-risk food the Food and Drug Administration delayed inspecting this week.
Check Out Your Favorite Artist’s Instagram Feed
While museums may be closed, their social media feeds are open to the public. A recent New York Times article describes the parallel digital life of an art exhibit at the Hirshhorn Museum, one of many Smithsonian institutions closed during the shutdown. All that art, just a few clicks (or swipes) away.
Learn a New Language
Rosetta Stone is offering furloughed government employees a three-month free trial to occupy their time during the government shutdown.
Get a Free Meal
Restaurants around the country are opening their doors for federal workers to dine for free.
