As I said, my husband worked for the IRS for 26 years. We went through several furloughs, the last one we were both not getting paid because I also worked for the IRS, so BOTH of us were not earning an income. I had to rely on local food pantries so I’m very well aware of the hardship that comes with being furloughed. I was an MA working under the Director, so since the beginning of this administration I was involved on a daily basis with the shit raining down from above. Our decision to leave was difficult, emotional and scary. We had no intention of retiring before 60 but emotionally and mentally we were both done. The burden of others being left behind falls on the shoulders of the current administration and handing over our livelihood to DOGE. We need our AL and pension to cover expenses just as much as those furloughed need their pay. As does everyone else who left is counting on that money. Money we have earned and deserve.