What would you do?

[smirkymonkey]

Our company is opening up "Phase 2" of return to work on August 3rd, which will be alternating weeks of being back in the office. It's kind of ridiculous since we will still have to social distance, wear masks all day, not meet in conference rooms and follow numerous strict rules for behavior.

At first it was assumed that we would all return during this phase, but they just sent out a memo saying that this phase of return was completely "voluntary", and that we did not have to return to the office if we did not feel comfortable coming back at this point.

Personally, I really don't want to go back since about half our office is people in their 20's and 30's (the rest of us are in our 40's and 50's) and I just don't trust that they are taking the precautions in their personal lives that they need to keep the rest of us safe.

I know a lot of these people and they live to party. They are constantly out at bars and clubs and have even planned a happy hour at a bar for our team this Thursday at a bar in the middle of Boston (I am NOT going). They said it will be safe because everyone will be wearing "masks", but seriously, after a few drinks, who keeps their mask on and in a crowded bar with everyone drunk and yelling at each other, how safe can that be?

I really don't want to be around these people, but I also worry if it will look bad if I don't go in. I have spoken to a few people who have already said that they are not going in until it's mandatory. I am torn. I have a phone mtg with my manager on Thursday and I will discuss it with him then, but wanted to get some feedback before then.

[Phoenix61]

1. People can't keep their clothes on after enough alcohol

Isn’t that the joke? Tequila makes my clothes fall off. Personally, I don’t do inside other than grocery, Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot. I’ll be doing some training for the Census but everyone will be masked and distanced. Sounds like your situation will, sadly, sort itself. If they are going out like that it’s just a matter of time before someone gets sick. If you can avoid going in, I would.

[smirkymonkey]

8. I am not even going out to grocery stores. I did go visit my family on the 4th of July but that

was a very controlled situation in a very low Covid rate state. Very low risk situation. I have been quarantined since then and have no symptoms. I feel safer staying home until we see how this all starts playing out.

Thanks for your advice, Phoenix!

[Dem2theMax]

2. I would follow one specific paragraph that you wrote.

"Personally, I really don't want to go back since about half our office is people in their 20's and 30's (the rest of us are in our 40's and 50's) and I just don't trust that they are taking the precautions in their personal lives that they need to keep the rest of us safe."

The part I highlighted? That's the exact same reason I am being so careful. You have no idea what anyone else has been doing, and if you can't trust them, don't put your own life on the line.

Since it's voluntary, let those who want to volunteer to go in earlier, do so. If you can ride it out for a bit while the company works on making this a smooth transition, I think it would be in your own best interest.

Wishing you luck in whatever decision you make.

[smirkymonkey]

5. Thank you Dem2theMax!

I am thinking it's best if I wait to let the others be the guinea pigs. I have been very careful and I don't want to put myself in danger with a bunch of carefree millennials (sorry, millennials). Some of us are at greater risk than others and even though cases were down here, they are starting to rise again now that things are opening up again. I just don't feel safe.

I appreciate your input.

[CountAllVotes]

3. Tell them that you do not drink

If they ask why just tell them that you've had your share.

If that doesn't shut them up, tell them that you have tried it and that you have decided that it doesn't do you any good at all.

Best of luck and I hope you can stay far away from these bad vibes!

Who needs this right now?

[smirkymonkey]

6. It's not just happy hour, it's being in the office with these people for whom life is one

big happy hour. They are out at bars, clubs, restaurants, beaches. It's not fair to have to be exposed to them when they feel so invincible, even if they are forced to wear masks at work. They will take them off to eat and you can't force them to comply for 8 hours a day.

I just don't feel safe. And the more I think about it, the less I want to be around them.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

4. How necessary is it to actually go into the office for the job?

As for happy our and everyone wearing masks, I guess they won't be drinking at all? Or drinking whatever through a straw slipped discretely under the mask?

[smirkymonkey]

7. It's not. I think it's just a control thing. Our business has been doing great.

We have not been suffering at all by wfh. Most of us can do our work from home just as well, but there is the "control" factor. Some people don't like the idea of people having the independence of not being in an office where they aren't "supervised", even though they really aren't in the office that much either.

It's not necessary for me, just a matter of putting in face time and being a kiss ass. That's pretty much what it comes down to.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

13. Then only go in if you absolutely have to, and look forward to

the day a bunch of the happy-hour attending co-workers get sick or at least test positive and they go back to Everyone Works At Home mode.

[LuckyCharms]

9. I would stay home as long as possible.

Try to get feel as to any possible repercussions when you talk to your manager. You will know in your heart what to do after that discussion.

If they are giving you the option, I would stay home.

You only get one life, and this thing is far from over.

Best of luck with your decision.

[smirkymonkey]

11. Thanks Lucky!

I hope to get a feel for the situation once I talk to my manager. I am leaning toward staying home until September if it's feasable. Hope you are doing well.

[unblock]

10. I think a huge number of businesses and schools are going to reverse course about a month in.

There will be a mass consensus of boy that was stupid.

Republicans will blame Obama. They'll start saying he was actually born in China.

[smirkymonkey]

12. Yeah, I kind of think they are going to go back on this as well.

That's why I don't want to be out there on the front lines. It's not necessary and it's not worth it.

Thanks, unblock!