There are some real effects to the shutdown, albeit very toned-down effects compared to the propaganda. I know a guy who isn't being paid during the period, but because he's "essential personnel" they are requiring him to work as a condition of his continued employment. It's not really a big issue for them because they're responsible with their finances, and he will receive those checks at a later date, but I can see how it might be difficult for others.
Lots of these people don't have any savings and are in heavy credit card, automobile and house debt. Thirty to sixty days is about as long as these people can go without being insolvent. My hope is that many of these financially strapped government employees will quit their government jobs and get jobs in the private sector to compensate. At the very least, if only temporarily, it could make a small step towards alleviating the vampiric drain from the economy that is government "work."
By the way, I'm very sorry to hear about your experience with TSA Sterlin. That sounds like it was a pretty horrible experience.