Rules only apply to me

by Tracy
(Canada)

I am a single mother of two and I am not permitted to work from home when my child is sick. My colleague sits in the same office area as me and works from home when the roads are icy outside, or she has an appointment that day and it's more convenient to work from home, etc. I am also told that I am not allowed to leave early and yet my colleague leaves 1 hour early every Friday.

What can I do about this favoritism? At my job...if you complain, you're usually fired.

Response from Carl: Hi Tracy. Based on what you mention below I'm not sure why this situation exists where someone else gets to do things that you can't. It sounds like you're hesitant to approach management to ask why this apparent favoritism exists and if so, I suspect the situation won't change. I don't know if your colleague has a different arrangement with their manager or if it's simple favoritism. If you have sick days, I guess you could use those to stay home when your child is sick but if the bigger picture of the issue of favoritism still bothers you, I can think of three options to move forward:

1. Don't say anything and continue as is.

2. Ask why the situation exists as is and why you aren't allowed to work from home when the need arises and take your chances with your boss (you certainly shouldn't feel intimidated so I'm sorry you are in this situation).

3. Look for a new job where you'll be treated better.

Carl