[CPA is a WIP]

Hello All,

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy!

During these unimaginable times, I am having a painful time trying to focus on CPA studies, work, and sleep due to this relentless fear of COVI -19. I reside in a “hot spot” state where the positive cases keep rising. To make matters worse, I live with an help care for an immune-compromised sibling. Today I sent a text (explain later on why I sent a text) to my supervisor asking if I could work from home. I have a computer, access to email and the internet. I received a no! No because there are duties that require me to be present, and as the staff accountant which handles the g/l, I am “essential” and needed. I am 1 of 2 accountants at this small company. A year ago I made a post of how awful this person is.

I replied by stating that I do NOT feel comfortable risking my health and the health of my loved homes at home. That said, I will not be coming in to work. This person did not reply at all! I did not get a: “ok, I understand your hesitation” or “Let’s wait 2 weeks for things to calm down”. Or let me gain you remote access to the g/l system so you can reconcile the accounts. Nothing at all!

Why didn’t I call? I opted to text because this person likes to argue and dismiss everything one says. My nerves are uneasy at the moment, So that why I avoided the phone.

All that said, was there anything I could have done or said differently? I am very concerned about my health and easily ill sibling. These are legit reasons to not come in? They all know I have a delicate situation at home. Before this covid 19 ordeal, my brother was hospitalized from Dec 2019 to January 2020. I did not take a day off; I would work and leave for the hospital after work. They know he’s been ill in the past.

Thank you.

[Tncincy]

Well the only thing you could do is endure the argument to keep your job, or do what you were doing before working there- Look for another job. If they are not sympathetic to you as an employee, they are not sympathetic to your clients. sorry to sound direct and to the point but a lot is at stake, not just for you but your family. Family is first if you just can't work it out with this employer. The decision is really Yours, what are you going to do. Stay safe, do the right thing for your family. Please try to work it out first

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Recked]

Not an HR specialist myself but the feds just dropped some HUGE payroll related laws that provide mandatory leave/paid time off for people in your exact situation.
If they force you to go to work and don't provide PPE they are in violation of OSHA standards, and also open to a workers comp claim if you do get sick.
I'd do some research on the new protections that cover your situation.
If they fire you its a win win, because you will most likely make more on unemployment than you currently are making, and they will likely need to guarantee you have a job when this is over.
Not that it sounds like you should want to go back and work for them, but in the current economic climate, I guess any job is better than no job in 26+13 weeks when the unemployment runs out.
–
Start your research here
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic
and here
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave

[Recked]

As far as how you could have handled this better…
Never overestimate your value. Most of us can be easily replaced.
You obviously did not know about the new protections being provided, but you could have sent an email with a link to the articles/resources I posted and inquired how this impacts your current role.
I believe employers are required to notify employees that they are eligible for these new benefits, but if they don't know about them, they are not likely to notify.
–
To put it bluntly your reply strikes me as confrontational, emotional and abrasive.
I completely get your position, and I understand where you are coming from.
But from a strategic angle, this is lacking that upper level cognitive function. You need to think of this more as a chess game.
Be sure to screen shot the texts to save as proof of the denial of your claim/request.
Something tells me you will end up on the right side of this, depending on employer size and what state you are in.

[JPRPfutureCPA]

checks the following information I think it can be helpful https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave

[thunderlips]

tred lightly. with the way the economy is going could be on the chopping block for not coming into work. but you decide which is more important and accept the possible outcomes

[Cobalt60]

I think Recked's second post is a good one to take to heart.

You only get a couple of personal confrontations right, wrong or indifferent. Choose which swords you want to throw yourself on carefully.

[Recked]

Any updates on this?

[CPA is a WIP]

I apologize for the delayed reply; as I was working with our IT department to establish a secure remote connection with their server. Well, I sent my manager an email with corroborating evidence from the newly passed DOL Act; I added the link to the body of the email for his viewing. As a result, I was given the right to work from home for the next 7 days. He and I reached a compromise on which duties could be done from home and which functions require to be present at the office. He did not sound too pleased that I came across this DOL information! But hey, it worked and I'll be working from home!

I would like to thank everyone that opined on this matter, and for informing me about the newly passed DOL law regarding COVID 19. Especially @Recked! You give the best, most unfiltered, no beating around the bush type of guidance ever in the history of A71! I am immensely grateful for your coaching and willingness to give a helping hand.

Again, thank you all! Stay safe and healthy!

[CPA is a WIP]

I apologize for the delayed reply; as I was working with our IT department to establish a secure remote connection with their server. Well, I sent my manager an email with corroborating evidence from the newly passed DOL Act; I added the link to the body of the email for his viewing. As a result, I was given the right to work from home for the next 7 days. He and I reached a compromise on which duties could be done from home and which functions require to be present at the office. He did not sound too pleased that I came across this DOL information! But hey, it worked and I'll be working from home!

I would like to thank everyone that opined on this matter, and for informing me about the newly passed DOL law regarding COVID 19. Especially @Recked! You give the best, most unfiltered, no beating around the bush type of guidance ever in the history of A71! I am immensely grateful for your coaching and willingness to give a helping hand.

Again, thank you all! Stay safe and healthy!

[Recked]

Glad I could help. Stay healthy and safe!!
All the best to your family as well.
This too shall pass.

[Author]

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