UC employees at the California Digital Library held a brown bag lunch recently to talk about the furlough plan

In addition to a lively discussion about how to get work done with fewer hours each month, the group also talked about how they would use their time away from UC.

"We share ideas for building resiliency through professional development - that is, focusing on one or two things you'd like to improve during the furlough year such as presentation skills, facilitation skills, or taking a class," said participant Lena Zentall. "The question we posed was: ‘What would you like to be able to say you've accomplished (professionally) at this time next year?'"

Furlough ideas spanned the gamut from spending more time with family to studying Italian for a trip to Italy, to doing volunteer projects. The common thread was doing something personally meaningful, Zentall said.

We know the folks at the California Digital Library aren't alone in getting creative about using their time off. So let us hear from you: How are you planning to use your furlough time?

Look for a story in January about the different ways that UC employees have responded to this unexpected time off. Email editor Carolyn McMillan to share your story at: carolyn.mcmillan@ucop.edu