Power Outage and WFH

[nospaekae]

PDQ, may delete details.

We've been without power since last Tuesday and probably will not have power restored until this coming Tuesday. Since I've been WFH I've obviously been unable to work. Our local library and a few other places that typically have WiFi have limited hours. This sounds stupid, but I'm not sure what else I'm supposed to do? I've been keeping my director up to date with what is going on, but I'm not sure what else to do? On top of all this, just before losing power I had given my 2 weeks notice which did not go over well so I'm kinda meh about everything. This is such a weird time. Anything else you'd expect your employees to do?

Eta: I just want to take a damn shower LOL

[icedcoffee]

I think it depends on how much work you have and how important it is. Like I am in a very busy time right now so I’d probably expect my employees to try to get to our office for a few hours at some point. Or find somewhere else they could work—family or friends house.

If times were slower and we could deal with them not being productive I’d be fine with them not working.

I don’t know I think it really depends on circumstances.

[tacokick]

Since you already are leaving I wouldn’t stress about. One of my husband’s coworkers had this issue and they basically just told him to do the best he could but they weren’t even suggesting he hunt down WiFi or anything because of the pandemic. He just would call into meetings.

[thebreakfastclub]

I'd just keep doing the library thing and not really worry about it. You're on your way out anyway, so who cares.

[W.T.Faulkner]

I called into meetings and answered email on my phone, since that was an option. But I wouldn’t worry so much about this. Some things really are out of your control, like a weeklong power outage during a pandemic.

[af1212]

If I were in this situation I would probably try to get a hot spot (you can rent by the day) or sit outside of a Starbucks or something. However if I were behind that much at work I would only be hurting myself as I would still have to get it all done on my own time.

If I had already given my notice I would probably care 0.

[wildrice]

Are people in your office? If not, or if there aren't may, can you just go in?

I don't plan to work in the office anytime soon, but I would definitely be granted permission to do so if I were unable to work at home. And i would feel safer there than at a public library for sure.

[circa1978]

Can you make your phone hot spot? But honestly I wouldn't stress much if you only have a week to go.

[nospaekae]

Aug 8, 2020 8:19:02 GMT -5 icedcoffee said:

I think it depends on how much work you have and how important it is. Like I am in a very busy time right now so I’d probably expect my employees to try to get to our office for a few hours at some point. Or find somewhere else they could work—family or friends house.

If times were slower and we could deal with them not being productive I’d be fine with them not working.

I don’t know I think it really depends on circumstances.

We're busy, but that is the main reason I'm leaving - we've lost 5 staff over the past 6 months, the last 3 months ago and they finally replaced one a week ago. They are severely understaffed.

[goldengirlz]

I have direct reports in this situation now. I’m not an asshole, so it’s whatever. These things happen.

(I’ve pitched in to help with deadlines. The one thing I appreciate is when people are very honest with what they need from the onset so I have ample time to either do it or delegate. Tell me everything you’re working on and when it’s due so we can plan for the worst case scenario. Don’t wait till the last minute.)

Since you’re leaving, don’t stress about this!

[waverly]

I wouldn’t try that hard since you are leaving anyway.

Our library has WiFi in the parking lot that is always on. They also loan out hotspots. Since you mentioned shower any close friends of relatives house you could go to to shower or maybe rent a hotel room for the night. I know it’s hard during the pandemic, but maybe these people were already in your bubble.

[CloudBee]

After Hurricane Sandy I spent quite a few days sitting parked outside of Starbucks on my laptop submitting reports to our UK and Hong Kong offices. I was one of the few who was without power AND was able to get out of our driveway / neighborhood. I put in a lot of hours for colleagues that were literally trapped.

My employer was understanding of everyone's situation and thankful for those who were able to step up where able.

I would do what you can without flipping your life upside down.

[livinitup]

After the Sandy hurricane my parents had power but my husband’s WFH employee did not. So, he camped out in their very comfortable backyard. They bought him bagels and everyone had a good time for a few days. He was single and living in a NYC apartment so it worked well.

[msmerymac]

Hey, hope you're doing okay!

I lost internet (but weirdly, not power) after a storm in early June. I went into my office that day - one of the owners has been going in (who has a separate office from the large open area where I work) and we all know the back door code so we can all get in if and when we need to. I felt safe doing that since very few people were around, and the owner who is around has been observing quarantining and social distancing well from what I know. I've also been working on my laptop and my own second monitor at home - so my monitors and computer at my office were functional. Not everyone in my office has that ability, since some people took their equipment home.

My company will let us "log" time to power outages or IT issues, but not being able to work for a solid week would likely be problematic, although there would probably be a possibility of using some PTO as well if needed. I guess it would be on a case by case basis. The nature of my industry (marketing agency) means that not being able to plan for specific projects getting done can be rough and work tends to pile up in an emergency like that. :/

[CurlyQ284]

I've been WFH since 2014, and when the power goes out I usually go to the library or Starbucks, but with Covid and the challenges there, I think they should understand?

Our library isn't even open except for reserved pickups only.

[madringal]

Omg, my effort level to get some WiFi would be real low if I just had a week left. Do your best, but I wouldn’t be going out of my way or anything.

[freedomx2]

Aug 8, 2020 11:58:07 GMT -5 livinitup said:

After the Sandy hurricane my parents had power but my husband’s WFH employee did not. So, he camped out in their very comfortable backyard. They bought him bagels and everyone had a good time for a few days. He was single and living in a NYC apartment so it worked well.

Lol, I’d rather get fired.

[Whitecaps]

Aug 9, 2020 15:02:11 GMT -5 madringal said:

Omg, my effort level to get some WiFi would be real low if I just had a week left. Do your best, but I wouldn’t be going out of my way or anything.

I’m here. It’s not like you planned this.