DEAR HARRIETTE: My employer wants me to go back to the office, but I don’t feel comfortable traveling on public transportation because I don’t want to put my family at risk. I think it is irresponsible that I am asking employees to get to work so soon.
Should I put my foot on the floor and say I want to continue working from home, or follow what my boss wants to keep my job?
Fear of traveling
DEAR FEAR OF TRAVELING: One of the biggest challenges to getting back to work is traveling. People who drive their own cars have control over their interactions, but for those who must use public transportation, the notion of boarding a train or bus with many other people to get to the office may seem daunting.
As you contemplate your next steps, do a self-assessment. Do you have any underlying health conditions that put you at risk for coronavirus complications? That includes diseases of the upper respiratory tract, diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune diseases.
If so, you could mention this to your employer and tell them you want to work, but are concerned about the exposure. You can ask if you can work from home a little longer to see how the virus manifests as public transportation increases.
You may need to point out how efficient you have been in your home during this period so that your employer remembers your hard work.
If you find you must go to work, follow all the safety protocols. Wear a face cover throughout your trip. Keep your distance from others as best you can. Keep the hand sanitizer ready. Do not touch your face before cleaning your hands. Good luck!
DEAR HARRIETTE: My older parents struggle to be alone during quarantine. They don’t come out normally, and now it’s even worse. They don’t have many friends and are afraid to go out because they don’t want to get sick.
I am working full time, so I don’t want to make them sick.
How do I make sure my parents don’t feel too lonely and know that I can’t be their only source of interaction?
Saving my parents
DEAR SAVING MY PARENTS: We now have five months of shelter in place due to COVID-19. For the elderly, this time it has been extremely difficult; The recommendation is that they do not have contact with their loved ones or with anyone other than essential workers. If your parents or loved ones live in a nursing home or other retirement community, the rules are strict. “No visitation” remains the rule of the day, with the exception of car visits without physical interaction. This is extremely difficult for those who feel isolated and lonely.
You’re right that you can’t be everything to your parents. You can encourage them to participate in their minds by playing solitaire, reading or listening to audiobooks, or starting an art project. If you’re not already communicating with them via video conference, get easy-to-use smartphones and do it regularly. Set deadlines for completing fun projects that give you something to look forward to. Be optimistic when you talk to them. For more engaging ideas, read welbi.co/single-post/senior-community-activity-ideas-during-covid-19-quarantines.
Harriette Cole is a life list and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to [email protected] or c / or Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
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