Federal employee shutdown survival guide

Federal Employee Shutdown Survival Guide

To endure the partial government shutdown, federal employees and contractors must plan, be adaptable, and have a clear-eyed view of what comes next.

Vince Micone, a retired federal executive, shared his experience of coping with shutdowns during his 25-year career. He served in senior executive roles at the Departments of Labor, Homeland Security, and Commerce.

I've been through five shutdowns that has taken up 83 days during my career. During those lapses, I tried to get more runs in. It helped me stay balanced and stay focused. It also helped me burn through some of nervous energy.

Micone, now a professor of practice at Arizona State University's school of public affairs and a fellow with the National Academy of Public Administration, emphasized the importance of daily exercise during challenging times.

Author's summary: Coping with shutdowns requires planning and adaptability.

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Federal News Network Federal News Network — 2025-10-14