Current Events > Anxious about going to work during a pandemic today

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Boys I'm currently a full time student working part time (weekends only) at a Walmart in the online pick up dept. I'm supposed to come back from a leave of absence today, that I took voluntarily because there were 11 known COVID cases in my store and my co-workers were still all not wearing masks in the backroom. That along with customers not wearing masks (I'd say it's like 20% of them) It made me very uncomfortable as I have moved back in with my father a few years ago, who is highly at risk (70 years old and weak immune system). I'd prob be fine if I caught COVID but not him. I don't want to risk infecting him.

I'm anxious about returning because my city is #1 in my state for COVID currently. We are on a decline overall as a State, so I feel like I'll be more comfortable later. I've been tempted to just quit but I know I won't get unemployment. I also know that essential workers are a little higher up on the priority list for getting the vaccine. Financially I'm doing okay, I'm not worried about that RIGHT NOW, but I know if I kee taking time off I'll be broke. I'm thinking about going into work today and seeing how I feel but I literally can't even sleep because I'm anxious. My alarm was set for 7 AM (EST) but it's 5 AM and I'm dreading everything. Do I just take another COVID leave and hope Im not terminated (or hope I am so I can get unemployment I guess) or am I being a baby? Or does anyone have any other advice? I've been debating trying to get another weekends only part time job instead of Walmart but not sure if there's anywhere hiring

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I honestly don't blame you. Especially Walmart. They don't give a fuck. My Walmarts here don't enforce any mask regulations and they keep getting shut down for 2 weeks at a time. Poorly run shit hole company that only cares about money.

I'd side with safety and start looking for a new job.

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Johnny_Nutcase posted...

I honestly don't blame you. Especially Walmart. They don't give a fuck. My Walmarts here don't enforce any mask regulations and they keep getting shut down for 2 weeks at a time. Poorly run shit hole company that only cares about money.

I'd side with safety and start looking for a new job.

That's pretty much how I'm feeling. I made a comment to an assistant manager that I felt uncomfortable and he mocked me. It feels like they just don't care (which I get it, it's a business). I'm just running on 0 sleep because of this and feel like mentally and for my own health, taking another leave of absence is in my best interest. Maybe apply for other businesses in the area to work at in the meantime (even if I stay in retail, smaller companies that are complying more with guidelines like Best Buy or Gamestop or something)

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dolomedes posted...

as a grocery worker the past 10 months have been the worst. i switched employers during the pandemic as well (my previous store didn't enforce the masks for customers, my current one does - it makes a big difference).

also as a grocery worker for 16 years, i'd never work for walmart. i quit shopping there over half a decade ago. fuck em.

Honestly when I started at Walmart, the benefits weren't that bad. Stock option, 401k...but this pandemic has been eye opening to how they treat associates. They're supposed to count customers at the door, and one time I volunteered because our orders in pickup were done. I'm counting and an assistant manager comes over and says "there can't be that many people in here, it feels dead, lower that count by 150 and let some more in." I wasn't wrong on my count, they're just idiots. If this happened the one time I did it, I'm sure it happens more. It feels miserable being there with ethics like that

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Anyone can think maybe all they want about whether or not they're safe, but bottom line is whether or not it's worth risking for your dad. This isn't quite like weighing the odds of being struck by lightning and therefore deeming outside unsafe. It's a very conscious decision/choice at play. If he gets infected and turns for the worst, you'll look back thinking you willingly put him in that position.

Go with gut instinct. Show up to work, if you feel like you shouldn't be there, then get to applying after your shift or leave early if you see fit.

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total yikes from me, get tf out of there
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KaZooo posted...

Anyone can think maybe all they want about whether or not they're safe, but bottom line is whether or not it's worth risking for your dad. This isn't quite like weighing the odds of being struck by lightning and therefore deeming outside unsafe. It's a very conscious decision/choice at play. If he gets infected and turns for the worst, you'll look back thinking you willingly put him in that position.

Go with gut instinct. Show up to work, if you feel like you shouldn't be there, then get to applying after your shift or leave early if you see fit.

I never really thought about it in that context. If something did happen I'd fully blame myself. I'm now doubting I should even go in today, especially with no sleep.

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2 of my friends unknowingly killed their old-age moms

So yea, make sure you don't regret your choices

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you can actually get EDD if you quit due to COVID concerns. at least in California.

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maling2000ayam posted...

2 of my friends unknowingly killed their old-age moms

So yea, make sure you don't regret your choices

Wow I'm really sorry for them