I’m homeless and living in a shelter. I had recently attained a remote WFH tech support job which was perfect because I wouldn’t have to pay for transportation and they were providing me with the equipment I needed. I was sent a PC and monitor and I had tried setting it up in a semi obscured place in the shelter but the supervisor there informed me that I couldn’t continue to work this way because “they don’t know what I’m doing on it” which is a load of shit imo because they don’t know what anyone is doing on the internet.
I had to be connected to the internet via an Ethernet cable. I tried:
- going to the library (inaccessible router)
- going to a cafe
- going to a local college (company blocked captive portal)
- using a travel router (company literally blocked the connection once I set it up, called coworkers and they said the same thing)
I was finally able to find someone who was offering a private room just for work but by the time I was set up I had already received a notice of termination in my email.
I’m beyond furious at the shelter staff and I don’t know what I could have done to prevent myself from getting fired. I was to move into a place next week contingent on me keeping the job and getting my first paycheck but I had to contact my would be landlord yesterday to let him know that I can’t move in. I keep replaying this scenario and I don’t know what I could have done to not get fired. I guess I’ll go fuck myself.
location canada if relevant
You should’ve communicated to them that your housing situation is unstable and wouldn’t have access to internet for a week. From their perspective you were just being unreliable and sketchy.
Also, most cities have coworking spaces, which should be your first choice over library/cafe/college for a full work day.
I disagree about telling an employer about instability in your life. they simply won’t take be understanding.
Coworking spaces cost money.
Is your situation that you have literally $0 and no credit? In that case, I don’t think remote work is realistically feasible. In the future I’d just be honest and communicate your situation with your employer. Realistically though, until your situation is stable, I’d try to find an in-office or hybrid job. Remote work is generally harder to get so if you were able to get a remote job I’m sure you could find something in-office or hybrid.
This, plus the office can come with some perks that might be useful to you or help you save some money - mine offers soup, bread and fruit, and also showers + deodorant (for people who like to cycle or jog to work).
Maybe you could find a privately owned small Internet cafe and explain the situation. They might let you run up a tab and pay once you start getting your paycheck.
Isn’t it possible to strike a deal if you tell them of your predicament?