Iu2019ll start missing paychecks beginning with the January 15th one. We arenu2019t in too bad of shape because we have an emergency fund, thanks Dave Ramsey, and my wife works as a teacher. We have already started cutting back on some non routine expenses like eating out and entertainment in case the shutdown lasts for a while.Regarding my job as a Coast Guard pilot the shutdown has actually caused me to do more work than I would normally do as those things we had planned on doing must now be heavily vetted so that we are only doing things that are mission essential. Once normal spending is restored we will be playing catch up to make up all the non-essential things we missed.Statements that the shutdown might last for years make me nervous since we will only be able to go without my paycheck for a couple of months and since Iu2019m still working itu2019s not like I can get another job.On a side note the absurdity of the whole with is frustrating:The country will be fine with or without a wall.$5 billion USD is chump change compared to the entire federal budget. Back in 2023 we passed a stimulus package that was in the $700 billion range. We routinely spend more on weapons systems the military doesnu2019t even ask for.Whatu2019s more absurd than the situation are those people on social media that are all in on one side or the other of the debate. There is nuance to both sides.The main job of Congress is to pass a budget. We have been doing continuing resolutions almost non-stop since 2023. This really hurts our ability to plan long term. It would be great if all of Congress got fired in the event they canu2019t agree on a budget prior to a FY starting.