Wednesday, September 27, 2006

I’ve made it no secret that I hope and plan to telecommute after the baby arrives. I’m also making it clear to the powers that be that bed rest is a distinct possibility because of the potential complications with the pregnancy. I’m doing this so that we have plenty of time to prepare and make the necessary arrangements before the time comes. I don’t want to have to take any more leave than necessary and I plan to keep my job.

So a person in my office was chatting about how she needs more of my involvement in her stuff, although I have no desire to get sucked into her stuff and I plan to discuss this with my boss as well. However, I just nodded my head as I listened to her. Then she asked about my telecommuting plans. I laid out what kind of schedule I and my boss were working on and she mentioned some additional computer equipment that she thinks I’ll need to help her. Whatever, I’ll mention that to him, too.

And then she said, “Just so you know, I’m not going to say anything to anyone about your telecommuting. People have done nice things for me in the past and I like to return the favor.”

I just looked at her, trying to keep a neutral face.

Clearly, she was implying that she feels that she could complain discrimination or something like that. After a second, I said, “You know the telecommuting policy is approved by OPM. I’ve only gotten verbal approval at this point, but I’m filling out the proper forms to make this official. I still need signatures from management to make this final.”

And it bugged me that I was defending myself to this person. It’s not my fault that when she was a newly divorced woman with a small child that this wasn’t an option. But it is an option now and I plan to work it to my advantage. There is no reason for me not to telecommute - I can do 95% of my job from anywhere. And it’s not like I’ll never be in the office - my plan is work here 2 days a week, which I told her.

There’s always one major pain the butt that makes life miserable for an entire office. She is that person. I wanted to tell her not to hold back just because she wants me to think she’s nice. Go ahead and complain. We’ll see where it gets her.

Gah.