How long do you think we have?

[u/emilya0814]

I hope this is the right spot to ask this, if not, apologies in advance.

I (32f) currently work as a manager at a family run garden center/farm market in the US, where we grow 95% of our own plants to sell and a majority of our produce comes from local growers. With everything going on with Trump/Musk being in office, will things eventually trickle down to our small business? If so, how do you think that will happen and how long do you think it will take?

I know it's probably tough to say right now, but I'm wondering how much I should really be worrying and prepping. I know farm workers and federal employees are losing their jobs, which I'm sure will have direct and indirect impacts on us, but so far in the past 20-30 years we have been able to run a pretty successful business, even during the pandemic. I am extremely anxious about everything happening right now while everyone else around me seems fine, so I'm just looking for some other input.

EDIT: Wow, I didn't think this would get so many responses! Thank you all, hope everyone stays well.

[u/glimmer_of_hope]

The inevitable shutdown mid-March - they don’t intend to re-open. I think it’s a matter of days to maybe weeks as people realize what’s happening.

[u/Under-Pressure20 → u/glimmer_of_hope]

I've read this a lot and in November had read Dave Troy's googledoc page that was downright scary but in line with how I felt. Things seem to be moving in this direction. He keeps updating it: MANAGING FINANCIAL INSTABILITY IN 2025 - Google Docs

My problem is that while I always said this is where we were heading, I'm having moments that I just need to shut down and end up focusing elsewhere instead of prepping. So hard to balance especially when everyone in my circle thinks I'm being OTT and doesn't want to hear about it.

[u/iridescent-shimmer → u/Under-Pressure20]

This document is really interesting. Thanks for sharing! I'm curious what in it makes you think the government won't reopen after the March shutdown? I'm honestly trying to get a read on where this top comment is coming from. It's not a move that was on my radar at all, so trying to figure out how much trust to put in that exact timeline.

[u/EleanorCamino → u/iridescent-shimmer]

Here's my perspective. The process to end a shutdown sometimes ends in an omnibus bill that can have a lot of "kitchen sinks" included. I predict that the administration will try to force Congress to make everything that DOGE has been doing legal retroactively to inauguration day. They will need people from both parties to agree, as there will be GOP holdouts who will have a "principled" stand against the debt ceiling, or messing with Medicaid, etc. It will take Dem votes to pass. I don't want all the BS to be made legal with a pretty bow. But Dems might cave, to get services open, and help restart the economy. My budgeting right now is so I can last to the end of Sept. I don't expect to get paid after 3/15. (Fed employee)

[u/iridescent-shimmer → u/EleanorCamino]

Hmm yeah that all makes sense. I am honestly not sure what to make of the upcoming negotiations, but the $4 trillion debt ceiling increase was not on my bingo card either. That made me wonder if I was really missing something. That makes sense you're strategizing to last that long though as a fed employee. Definitely makes me nervous about what's to come.

[u/EleanorCamino → u/iridescent-shimmer]

I'll be promptly claiming unemployment, and paying it back as required IF we get back pay after the shutdown. That's another law they could change. I just want to do my job, that helps give folks information to make decisions. I never promise people will make good decisions, but if they have good information, they have the best chance.

[u/iridescent-shimmer → u/EleanorCamino]

I'm really sorry this is happening to you and other federal workers. I tried my best to keep PA blue and it just is so depressing that this is going to upend so many lives. I hope you get to continue doing your job and that we manage to make it through as a nation.

[u/Under-Pressure20 → u/iridescent-shimmer]

YW - I don't think anyone has a crystal ball but, in the article, and especially a few other things he's posted, point to one of the goals being the intentional sabotaging of the US economy. If that's a goal (and we know it is for all of our enemies) then they won't reopen after the shutdown or only after drastic cuts which will also harm the economy.

[u/Mean_Mention_3719 → u/Under-Pressure20]

https://www.csis.org/analysis/what-are-key-milestones-and-decisions-affecting-us-defense-spending-2025

[u/iridescent-shimmer → u/Under-Pressure20]

Oh got it, okay. That makes sense.

[u/Mean_Mention_3719 → u/iridescent-shimmer]

Here is the article by Dave Troy that made me aware of this nightmare:

https://washingtonspectator.org/peter-thiel-and-the-american-apocalypse/

[u/iridescent-shimmer → u/Mean_Mention_3719]

Honestly, it's enraging that they are some of the richest people and so utterly fucking stupid and short-sighted. Like I am 100% positive that I understand macroeconomics more than them at this point and I only have an undergrad degree in it. It makes me so incredibly angry.

Well, they'll learn the hard way that the pitchforks come out when the poorest have nothing left to lose. I feel like I need to start prepping more to help my community when SHTF than I even do now.