Furloughed IRS employee opens hot dog stand amid shutdown

Key Concepts

• Government Shutdown: A situation where federal government operations are halted due to a lack of appropriations.
• Furlough: A temporary unpaid leave of absence from a job.
• Second Job: Taking on additional employment to supplement income, especially during a financial hardship.
• Art Project/For-Profit Business: A venture that combines creative expression with the intention of generating revenue.
• Community Response: The reaction and support received from the public.
• The Geist: A coined term by Isaac Stein, combining "shysters" and "zeitgeist," to describe a perceived greater phenomenon or feeling.
• Tax Attorney: A legal professional specializing in tax law.

Isaac Stein: An IRS Lawyer's Pivot to Hot Dog Vending Amidst Government Shutdown

This summary details the experience of Isaac Stein, an IRS lawyer who, during a government shutdown, has taken on operating his hot dog stand, "Shysters," as a second job to make ends meet.

Background and Business Genesis

• Original Intent: Isaac Stein initially conceived of "Shysters" as a project approximately 70% art and 30% for-profit business. He decided to set up the business in June, obtained the necessary permits, and began vending in September.
• Pre-Shutdown Activity: Before the official government shutdown, Stein was operating his hot dog stand on some Fridays.
• Furlough Trigger: He was furloughed on October 8th, which significantly increased his availability to operate "Shysters."

Business Performance and Community Engagement

• Dramatic Increase in Sales: Stein describes the current business as "absolutely wild" and "gangbusters." Prior to the past week, he might sell 30-40 hot dogs in an entire day. Now, he is selling out in less than four hours.
• "The Geist" Phenomenon: Stein has coined the term "the geist" (a portmanteau of "shysters" and "zeitgeist") to describe what he perceives as a greater, almost palpable phenomenon occurring. He feels there is "something greater happening."
• Overjoyed by Community Response: Stein emphasizes his joy at the community's positive reception to his project. His initial intention was to share his art and humor, and he feels people are genuinely responding to it.
• Support from Coworkers: Many of Stein's coworkers and other federal employees have visited "Shysters," and he describes their support as "overwhelmingly positive."

Personal Feelings and Future Outlook

• Commitment to Day Job: Despite the success of his hot dog stand, Stein unequivocally states his intention to return to his job as a tax attorney at the earliest opportunity. He "really looks forward to doing that as soon as possible."
• Unifying Desire of Federal Employees: Stein notes that the "unifying theme" among his colleagues and other federal employees is a strong desire to "do their job and get back to work."
• Financial Situation: While he intended "Shysters" to be a for-profit venture, Stein confirms that personally, he is "doing okay" and "really enjoying operating [his] stand." He acknowledges the impact of missing a paycheck but indicates he is managing.

Conclusion

Isaac Stein's experience highlights the immediate and practical impact of a government shutdown on federal employees, forcing them to seek alternative income streams. His story also showcases an unexpected positive outcome: the ability to lean into a passion project, "Shysters," which has not only provided financial relief but also fostered a strong sense of community engagement and artistic expression. Despite the burgeoning success of his hot dog stand, Stein's primary focus remains his commitment to his role as an IRS tax attorney, reflecting the broader sentiment of federal employees eager to resume their public service.