HOW IT WORKS:

1. Read the letter below asking for advice about work.
2. Click on a dollar sign to give your advice.
3. View the voting results in this box. Repeat.

Dear Anyone,

I work in a factory where everyone punches in and punches out. I work some day shifts and some evening shifts. Everyone has differing schedules, so we don’t always know who exactly we’re going to work with. On some of my evening shifts I work with “Maria,” who is a very nice person. We get along well. About a month ago, she told me that her daughter was sick, and that she had to leave work 30 minutes early, but she wanted me to punch her out when I left. I did. Since then, she’s asked me two more times to punch out for her while she left early. I know she’s a single mother, and that her kids (aged 10 and 14) are home alone. By punching out for her, she can get home at 9:30 pm instead of 10:00 pm, which is getting pretty late. I want to help Maria, but I also feel like I’m cheating the company. Should I say “no” next time Maria asks?

Double Punching in the Midwest

WHAT'S YOUR ADVICE?

	A:	Maria needs a babysitter, not a partner in crime. If you want to keep your nose out of trouble, just say “no” when Maria asks for help.
	B:	Tell Maria you can’t help her every time. Tell her you’ll only help if the circumstances are really serious, and be stingy with your help.
	C:	Tell your boss that you’d like to be scheduled when Maria isn’t working – for personal and confidential reasons. If he agrees, your problem’s solved.
	D:	A 14 year-old child is old enough to babysit a 10 year-old sibling. Are you sure Maria is rushing home to see the kids?

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