Federal Workers Emerge from Historic Shutdown, Grapple with Lingering Frustrations

Thu Nov 13 2025 15:52:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the longest federal government shutdown concludes, affected workers express their struggles and frustrations, revealing the human cost of political maneuvering.

After weeks of uncertainty, federal employees impacted by the shutdown are relieved to return to work but express deep frustrations over their treatment as political pawns. The agreement, while ensuring back pay and the rehiring of laid-off workers, leaves many feeling betrayed by lawmakers and questioning future security.

WASHINGTON (PulseWire) — Jessica Sweet, a federal Social Security claims specialist, found herself cutting back on essentials during the federal government shutdown, which left her without a paycheck for weeks. Feeling the financial strain, she limited herself to one coffee per day and deferred paying bills.

The shutdown, which lasted longer than any in U.S. history, began on October 1 when budget discussions between Democrats and Republicans broke down over health care funding, ultimately rendering over a million federal workers furloughed or working without pay. With the shutdown nearing an end, many employees are grappling with the psychological and financial fallout, questioning whether their sacrifices were worth the political fallout.

“It shakes the foundation of trust that we all place in our agencies and in the federal government to do the right thing,” Sweet, a union steward, expressed her frustration to PulseWire.

The no-pay situation catalyzed further complications for numerous workers, creating a ripple of distress, from disrupted services to increased strain on personal budgets. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, around 670,000 were furloughed, while 730,000 continued working without pay during this crisis.

Pressure mounted on lawmakers as disruptions peaked, leading to a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government. Reports indicate the deal, while securing back pay for furloughed employees, leaves many feeling like mere pawns in a larger political battle.

Adam Pelletier, a furloughed National Labor Relations Board field examiner, shared similar sentiments, stating, “It feels like a cartoon where Lucy pulls the football away at the last second.” His feelings of insecurity resonate with many within the workforce, who are eager to resume work but wary of future negotiations that could disrupt their financial stability again.

Elizabeth McPeak, an IRS employee from Pittsburgh, remarked, “This has been the worst time in my 20 years to be a federal employee.” The shutdown forced her and her colleagues to rely on food banks and defer rent payments, highlighting the intense everyday realities faced by federal workers.

As employees gear up to return to their roles, the pains of this extended shutdown linger, with many left wondering how much their jobs and lives may be affected by future political standoffs.

For ongoing updates on the federal government shutdown and its implications on workers, visit PulseWire.