Members of Congress recently voted to give retroactive pay to federal employees affected by the now weeklong government shutdown. But cash-strapped workers at home are hurting here and now, and they're selling their possessions to make ends meet.
"GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN NEED MONEY OTHERWISE I WOULD ATTEND THE GAME," wrote one user on Craigslist asking for $480 for a pair of lower-level tickets to a December Redskins game.
"Thanks to the government shutdown and furloughs, I'm putting my professionally painted Warhammer 40K Tau army up for sale," wrote another user selling painted figurines.
One Craigslist user took to selling himself as a laborer during the shutdown, offering to help out with moving furniture or yard work.
"I am a furloughed federal employee looking to make some extra money during the government shutdown," wrote the Arlington-based user. "I have reliable transportation and a strong work ethic and am willing to offer whatever assistance you might need: moving apartments/furniture, cleaning, yard work, etc. Prices are completely negotiable and I can travel throughout the DC area. I am a trustworthy and honest person just looking to stay afloat during the shutdown. Please reply to this email if you have any projects that need to be done."
"Government shutdown I need the money to pay bills," wrote a Woodbridge-based federal employee trying get rid of his Isuzu Rodeo for $1,000.
One Craigslist user was selling an array of books in a "government shutdown sale," including Machiavelli's The Prince, President Obama's Dreams from My Father, and The Art of Seduction.
Some D.C.-area residents are struggling because their significant other has been furloughed.
"JUST BOUGHT THE BIKE, WIFE IS OUT OF WORK DUE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, ONE OWNER, 29K MILES IN MINT CONDITION, ALL ORIGINAL ..STOCK !!!," wrote a man selling his just-bought Honda motorcycle.
"I AM ONLY SELLING THIS GUITAR BECAUSE MY WIFE WAS AFFECTED WITH THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AND I AM TRYING TO HELP WITH SOME BILLS," wrote another man.
Screenshots of some of the Craigslists posts have been embedded below.
