It’s tough for that period, but you know you still have a job, and you know you’ll get that back pay. Assuming you can figure out the cash flow, you could enjoy the time off. Meanwhile in the private sector, you’d still be paycheck to paycheck, but under threat of surprise layoffs, no back pay for furloughs, no expectation of keeping a job. If for whatever reason you’re not working, not only do you have the same issues getting by, but the stress of not knowing if you’ll get a job or be paid