[humanser] traveling

[Lisa Irving]

I am trying to problem solve. A large part of my job involves going to and
from work sites in the community. Like anyone else I'm traveling to a
community-based worksite or to the office on my time and on my dime. On the
other hand, when I leave the community-based work site; a resource fair;
clubhouse; County HHS or any other mental health program, I'm on the clock.
My supervisor and I had a discussion and left it unfinished for the
short-term. The discussion centered around my request for the company to
split the cost for someone to drive me from the distant site back to the
office. (the site is at least 45 minutes by car). Her initial responses
looked like this. 

 

At first she said there's no way the company would go for anything like
that. She also reminded me that I stated during the interview that I could
travel through out the county. I stand by my response. I have the confidence
and the ability to go where I want and when I want, however, if I'm hauling
heavy stuff or bulky stuff; including groceries or resource materials, I do
not use the bus system.For work it's not uncommon to see team memberspulling
a roller bag behindthem. Unlike my peers, in addition to a roller bag for
resources and supplies, I'll carry my backpack that contains food; dog
supplies and a few other things. I'll also take my laptop in a shoulder bag.
That's too much to haul on and off the busses and my back and shoulder is
shot from doing just that. 

 

I thought about some solutions and I'm hoping that you can share your
thoughts. I can quit; not an option. I can use the bus system; not
practicle. I can hire a driver. This what I do when I call Uber (when the
darn app works). Each time I pay for driving it's more money out of my
part-time employee pocket. I can do this to a small extent. I asked if the
company would split the cost of someone driving for me when I have to go to
multiple sites or travel long distances. The initial response was no. I am
going to contact the Job Accommodations Network today. Please share your
suggestions. 

 

By the way Ericka, generally, each team member flys solo when working in the
community. If we are teamed up it's each person's responsibility to make
his/her own travel arrangements. For various reasons some team members do
not want my dog in their car. There are other reasons too. We travel with
equipment; sometimes a binder and other times more stuff. You may already
know that folks who drive often leave half of their house in the car.
Again, please share your thoughts. 

 

From,

Lisa