Mom Who Broke Down in Tears About Covering $1,200 Bills amid Government Shutdown Speaks Out After Viral Video

Federal employee Kia Thompson is speaking candidly about the challenges she’s facing while furloughed during the ongoing government shutdown.

After serving five years in the Army, Thompson, 31, left to raise her youngest son. The mother of four later cycled through a series of temporary jobs, none providing the stability her family needed.

“I started working $16 an hour and thought, ‘Yes, this is it,’” Thompson said over Zoom. “But with four kids, my husband could only do so much.”

Over the years, she earned her bachelor’s degree in just two years while working multiple jobs after completing her Security+ IT certification. Eventually, she secured a contracting position that allowed her to complete her degree and begin a master’s program.

“This year, I finally got picked up for a federal position,” she said proudly.

Yet her first year has been anything but easy. Thompson has faced probationary hurdles, seen coworkers dismissed, and is now furloughed amid the record-breaking shutdown. According to PBS, more than 670,000 federal workers have been affected since the government closure began on Oct. 1.

“When I first found out, I was at work,” she recalled. “They hadn’t officially told us yet, but we were preparing—printing documents, checking retirement accounts. Around 5 p.m., we were told not to come back the next day. We had to log off, change our emails, and that was it.”

Thompson remembers being overwhelmed. “I was crying, and my husband told me, ‘Maybe this won’t last long. Try to relax—you’ve been working, studying, raising kids.’ He told me to rest, but it’s hard not to stress.”

Despite his reassurance, Thompson’s anxiety grew. She immediately began applying for other jobs—DoorDash, grocery stores, substitute teaching—but says she’s had no luck.

“People think I’m not applying for the right jobs, but I promise I am,” she said. “Still, no one’s called me back, and that’s scary.”

Her biggest fear is financial collapse. “My biggest concern is bills, food, debt—how we’re going to make it,” she said. “Prices keep rising, and we’re down to one paycheck. My husband’s supporting all six of us and even helping other family members who are struggling. It’s hard right now.”

The family of six typically spends about $1,200 a month on groceries—an amount they can’t afford at the moment. Thompson contacted her car loan company for a deferment and received a short reprieve until month’s end. They’ve also paused plans to buy a home using her VA loan, a mortgage program for veterans and service members.

“I reached out to the food bank, but they’ve been full,” she said. “Some landlords and utilities are working with people, but beyond that, I wish I knew more.”

About 25 days into the shutdown, Thompson decided to share her experience on TikTok.

“I’m a veteran—we already deal with mental health struggles, and mine was worsening,” she explained. “Most of my friends aren’t federal employees, so I didn’t have anyone who really understood. I just wanted to talk.”

Her videos quickly went viral. One reached more than 3 million views and 16,000 comments.

“Seeing those comments from others in the same situation—or even worse—was overwhelming,” she said. “People were finally listening. I kept sharing because maybe it would help others do the same. The only way people will understand what we’re going through is if we speak up.”

Thompson never expected the response. “It wasn’t my intention, but I’m grateful I can help,” she said.

Now, 37 days into the shutdown, she admits the strain is taking its toll.

“This is the longest shutdown in history,” she said. “It’s hard to get out of bed. The only reason I do it is for my kids and my husband. Honestly, I’m not managing as well as I’d like.”

Still, Thompson is finding ways to give back. “I’ve been volunteering at a local food donation center, working in the kitchen,” she said. “It’s humbling. I can’t give money, but I can give my time. It keeps me grounded.”