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Frugal Friday’s Workwear Report: Linen Boyfriend Shirt

Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

This linen boyfriend shirt comes in a bunch of colors and would be fantastic for a casual office. A few summers ago, I had a case that required a lot of outdoor site visits in July. I didn’t need to wear a suit (which was good, because it was 90 degrees), but I needed to look somewhat professional while trying to keep cool. A breathable linen in a classic button-down shape would have been great with my jeans and work boots. It would also look lovely tucked into a pencil skirt or paired with some ankle pants.

The shirt is $39–$59.95, depending on color, and is available in regular, tall, and petite sizes. It comes in the pink stripe shown here, along with a purple check pattern, light blue, flax, blue and white stripe, and yellow stripe. Linen Boyfriend Shirt

For plus sizes, Lord & Taylor's house brand has a linen shirt that comes in eight colors in sizes 0X–3X. It's $60, marked down from $80. 

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260 Comments

    1. Button-down? We don’t get that fancy for work in these parts, these parts being my house.

      1. same. Grateful my company does not have a videocon culture. Team leggings & sweatshirt here!

    2. Best part of WFH: sweats and no bra. I did do a video interview with a nice sweater and blouse, but didn’t change the sweats.

      1. That is me today. Who want’s a sweatey old shirt from an ex-boyfreind. When I dumped my ex, I gave him a week to come pick up his stuff, which I piled near the toilet. When he never showed up to retrieve them, I had my cleaneing lady throw them in the trash room. I made a clean break from him then, and my act of putting his stuff in the garbage made me feel like i was literally cleaneing house! YAY!!!

    3. I’m on a lot of video calls during the day, so I have to look somewhat put together from the waist up.

      1. I should clarify: a lot of my regular work is done via video call, with outside clients. It’s not my coworkers that I’m concerned about. Business as usual, via different modality for me.

        Plus, I am one of those people that just has to spiff up to get in the work headspace. Shrug.

    4. This kind of shirt is my jam in hot weather. Worn as a jacket over a tank, or for super hot weather, buttoned up with as little as possible underneath (in my experience it’s better to size up for this application). I wear this look on weekends or to my business casual office on the hottest days.

      My shirts are a goldenish light beige and a light French blue, both from foxcroft.

    5. You’re not wrong, but my coworkers and I have just been conferencing in t-shirts. I haven’t worn a lick of makeup since Tuesday. As I wash my work and going-out clothes I feel a sense of sadness, that hardly anyone will see me in these cute outfits for some time. I suppose I could start dressing up for Zoom meetings, even if they’ll only see me from the chest up.

      I’m gonna look baller AF when I can finally re-join society. Boston had better buckle up next month! Or whenever.

    6. Does anyone own this shirt? I think I know the answer, but does it need ironing if you pull it right out of the dryer?

      1. It’s linen. You look at it and it wrinkles. I wouldn’t worry about ironing it unless you’re going to starch it heavily

  2. A few weeks ago my boss told our team that upper management was evaluating our team’s place in the organization and we might eventually get laid off, but he made it sound like it was many months away. I was just invited to a “[Group Name] update” with the rest of my team at 4 pm today. We’re definitely getting let go, right? Oh and it’s an in-person meeting, because my employer has apparently never heard of COVID-19 and expects everyone to still be at the office. What an absolute sh!tstorm this week has been.

    1. 4 pm on a Friday? Can’t predict whether or not you’re all getting laid off right now, but if I were you, I would assess what in my office is mine and important for me to keep (photos, cards, decorations, etc). Would not necessarily move it, but might make a list on a Post-It so I wouldn’t forget anything if asked to clean out my desk on short notice.

      1. Ugh — I make it a policy never to accept short-notice HR meetings with fewer than all employees (sorry! need to pick up my car before they close!).

        We disable computer access right away and then walk you out, so you might not even get to pack yourself up. Agree that leaving a note (or your initials on personal items with stickies) would be helpful for the person who comes to box up things (for me: my collection of office shoes and several pictures).

    2. I’m so sorry. Yeah, that doesn’t sound promising. Maybe go through your files, delete anything personal from your computer just in case.

    3. Act like you’re getting laid off now or soon. Revise your resume, make sure you have contacts, etc

  3. Question: I’ve asked my older parents to self isolate and they’ve cancelled engagements and generally stopped having people in their home in an abundance of caution (including their kids). However they do have a housekeeper who comes to clean their house three days a week. They’ve asked her to wash hands immediately upon arrival and stay home if unwell or exposed (and told her they would pay her). In an abundance of caution do you think they should just tell her not to come for a few weeks as this plays out? Basically I’m not sure how to draw the line on “social distancing”!

      1. But if you want to minimize, they could reduce the number of visits. If she comes only once a week, there would be a better chance she might develop symptoms from anything she contracts before coming in the next time. You’re still rolling the dice, but only once a week.

      1. Guessing, but maybe they are old and unsteady on their feet? My grandparents lived for years on leftovers my aunt would bring over. We were OK with them microwaving, but didn’t want them cooking due to frailty / balance / forgetfulness with leaving burners on. We tried to keep them on paper products b/c washing dishes was hard (even with a dishwasher) and when you drop something and it shatters, they would often cut and bleed all over picking that up. Even without stairs, daily activities can be a challenge. Much cheaper than a nursing home though.

      2. If they are in somewhat poor health, this makes sense to me. I could see a world where they need help with dishes and maybe even some light meal preparation and laundry. I know I spend at least the equivalent of a couple of hours, three days a week doing those kinds of things for myself.

        1. I am having my Grandma Leyeh self isolate to prevent her getting the virus until Dad can drive over Saturday to pick her up and keep her safe in LI. It is easier then me haveing to UBER up there to bring her food. Dad is opening the 4th bedroom up for her and Grandma Trudy to keep each other company with mom until this virus is over. He says this is the least he can do, and for the time being, I get to stay in my apartement, as he thinks the prices of apartments will tank and he will be able to buy a place for us in Manhattan for half of what it was in the Summer. Right now, all I care about is keeping well. I do not care if I stay here or not, but for now, I will stay and work from home. I have to check to see if my cases can be continued b/c I do NOT want to meet with opposing council or their cleint’s who may even be carriers. FOOEY! I did not sign up to get the virus when I passed the bar. DOUBEL FOOEY!

      3. Ugh. Why is this a question? It could be a million things – they could be old, infirm, disabled or just don’t want to spend free time cleaning and like a clean house? Maybe they have animals that shed. This response isn’t an answer to OP’s question and is just unhelpful. Just like yesterday, we don’t need a lot of “verbal defensive clutter” to explain to you why OP’s parents have this setup just to ask for feedback on the actual question.

    3. I would continue to have her come every second week. That should be enough to keep the home in good shape but still allow time to know if symptoms develop between visits.

    4. We’re not your parents’ age, but we’re not canceling our every-other-week housekeeper. She’s a small businessperson and if all her clients cancel on her I am not sure how she will make a living (ditto for her employees). She’s cleaned for us for 15 years and I’m not going to bail out on her right when the chips are down. If she develops symptoms (or we do), obviously we’ll cancel, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. I agree decreasing the frequency of visits for your parents might be a good idea.

    5. We’re Boomers and we’re definitely keeping our weekly house cleaner, who comes while we are at work (in our private offices with minimal contact with others). I feel like by definition she leaves the house cleaner and safer than she found it.

    6. If the housekeeper doesn’t have symptoms, washes her hands when she arrives, and follows basic hygiene, I think your parents are likely better off with her continuing to come. Of course, we can’t know all their circumstances, but if she does essential stuff to enable them to live at home with a reduce risk of falling or forgetting to turn off the oven or something, then it’s likely safer for her to come. (If she has other clients or has to take public transportation to their house, then I’d factor that into the risk assessment.)

    7. My mom who is 66 and immune suppressed due to chemotherapy asked the lady who cleans for her weekly not to come until further notice for this reason. My mom is paying her anyway because this is how the lady makes a living.

    8. I have the exact same question. Our service lady couldn’t come for last few weeks because she underwent a surgery. She sent a message this morning saying she has recovered and can come next week. I don’t know what to tell her. She has lot of clients, so she is exposed to a large number of people and we are in Northern California.

    9. The death rate for people over the age of 80 is about 10%. People can be asymptomatic but contagious for several days.

      I would suggest that she do one last visit (the virus has not spread very far yet), then pay her to not come.

      1. Yeah, I agree with this advice and am surprised to see so many people saying she should still come. A friend of mine who is a doctor said that because of lack of testing, the assumption should be that literally everyone has the virus. Self-quarantine sounds like a good idea for everyone, not just those who are already symptomatic.

  4. Ugh — Covid 19 officially is here in my county. And I live with a hypochondriac (my words) germaphobe (his words). Who about 50% of the time is “feeling like a cold is coming on” so takes a WFH day. I feel like now, you don’t keep illnesses quiet and then you take a WFH day yourself do not spread what they have. When I am sick, it’s unambiguous (and he has never caught what I might have, even when I’ve had pneumonia). At what point should I start staying home myself? People I work with know this about my partner, but how can I tell when he is really sick? Just asking him how he really felt this morning was an involved convo and then he called me to see if I wanted to discuss further. I feel like at some point if he is truly ill, esp. if he has it, I’d sleep on the couch. Oddly, I feel more isolated at work (largish office with door; car commute) than at home.

      1. OP here — yes — he has been scanning himself and no fever. I checked my temp just for peace of mind (I’m 98.6 at the moment) — eventually a germaphobe will actually be really sick. Need to google temp for covid worry to see if it is different from usual fevers from other illnesses.

        1. Everything I have read suggests a fever of 38 or higher (which is 100.4).

          4. I guess no fever = probably no bad COVID at the moment. Still could have something else though if you feel ill.

          1. That does not seem like sound advice. There are many reports of mild cases with low grade fevers and, to me, 100.9 is definitely a low grade fever.

          2. I’m not saying you shouldn’t self isolate if you start feeling poorly, but with the limited tests unless you are deathly ill or can prove you were in contact with a confirmed case, they want you staying home and dealing with it without a test. Obviously consult your doctor if you have serious symptoms in addition to a fever.

  5. Has anyone seen the new Peloton commercial where they say “Working out every day isn’t for everyone, but at $58 a month, Peloton is for anyone who wants it.” I get what they’re trying to do – respond to criticism about their price – but at the same time, the idea that “anyone who wants to” can afford $58 per month strikes me as so elitist and tone deaf. Does it strike anyone else that way?

    1. Yeah I feel the same way. But I don’t understand the Cult of Peloton in general.

        1. A bunch of 30ish co-workers of mine are Peloton devotees. It often comes with the first kid, when maintaining fitness becomes a big challenge.

          I am older (and better off) and don’t want to devote space to something so large (my parents have a Nordic Track from the late 1980s with about 30 years of dust on it). Instead, I pay for two gyms that I don’t use much (but that gets me priority registration and discounts for camps, so possibly a wash).

          1. Oh my god, the Nordic Track with 30 years of dust is a fixture in our house too.

    3. I don’t know . . . it has always seemed to me that Peleton is a firmly middle- to upper-middle class activity. So they’re just appealing to their customer base. Of course not “anyone who wants to” can afford $60 a month. But neither can that same person afford . . . lululemon workout clothing, eating out a few times a week, etc. That doesn’t stop those companies from advertising.

      1. But LuLu Lemon and other companies like that don’t advertise by saying anyone who wants it can afford it. It’s fine to sell luxury goods. It’s weird to act like your luxury good is affordable to everyone.

        1. Aha! OP here – I couldn’t quite put my finger on what was different – this is it, thank you!

    4. I pay multiples of that for my phone, which makes me miserable and probably wastes 2x the time I’d love to spend exercising. I’m sure paying for classes can be just as pricey (if not more). But it is too much of a cult for me and after getting ordered around at work, I don’t want an instructor giving me more commands.

      #tenniscourtsarefree #butitisalwaysraining

    5. It’s definitely elitist and tone deaf but a lot of people probably wishing they had a peloton in this age of social distancing.

      1. Riding a bike outdoors is a great way to get fresh air and not be close to other people!

        1. Yes, this. My husband and I ride outside – spinning just doesn’t do it for me, I like to be outdoors – and the great thing is even now, we don’t have to adjust our riding at all. I don’t think we’ll pick up Coronavirus from other people we pass on the trail going 18 mph.

        2. Honestly, I never understood the appeal of Pelaton until I had a kid. Kid now almost 2yo and goes to bed at 7:30pm. It would be so nice to just be able to go into the basement and exercise for a little bit. Unfortunately, cost of daycare precludes cost of Pelaton…

        3. Riding a bike outdoors is also a great way to breathe polluted air while getting rained on and having to dodge oblivious drivers.

          I kid, but it’s not like people who get a Peloton are unaware of the fact that there is an outdoors and one can ride a bike in it.

          1. Okay, yeah, that describes my commute, but it’s not a big deal. Better than an overpriced clotheshanger taking up space in my teeny living room.

          2. Nobody’s coming to take away your road bike and cram a Peloton into your living room in its place. Commute away!

            My point is only that “Peloton is dumb since you could have a REAL bike” is silly, because it’s not as though anyone chose to buy a Peloton out l ignorance that bicycles that can be ridden outside exist and if only they knew they’d be out riding mountain trails instead.

    6. Yeah but anyone they are offending isn’t going to buy the product anyways….I get what they are doing from a marketing perspective, trying to present their product as affordable to their target demographic which certainly isn’t “everyone” but it’s also not just super rich people.

    7. I feel like there were those commercials in the 90s for some “save the children” charity (maybe Foster Parents Plan) that was saying you could save a life for just $1/day (the cost of a cup of coffee). Taking inflation into account, I am not sure slightly less than $2/day for a Peloton is so over the top as to cause outrage.

        1. Haha. Seriously. I think she was trying to make the point that the actual cost is less per day than a cup of coffee but probably not the best analogy to compare charity with an exercise bike

        2. Sorry, obviously not. My point was that if $1/day more than 20 years ago was suggested to be within reach of the average person from a financial perspective, that $2/day in 2020 is not that much of a stretch of affordability. If Peloton’s ads said “everyone can afford it – it is only $12/day”, that would be way more tone deaf.

    8. Eh I think it’s a little tone deaf but I also think this is an example of faux outrage. Anyone who can’t afford an optional item that comes out to like $2/day probably has larger problems than being upset at a luxury brand for saying they can afford something. It’s clearly just a marketing ploy to get people to reframe a bike that costs more than 2k as something they could afford

    9. So basically, if you don’t want to pay for it, you just don’t want it badly enough? Rude.

      1. How is this rude? Or do you mean don’t want health badly enough? Because there are a lot of things I don’t want badly enough to pay for them (e.g., Eileen Fisher pants, Rothys, safari in Africa…).

        And, I am old and have no kids and a good job, so I recognize the privilege, but I pay more than twice that for my gym membership and group training class.

    10. The part I don’t like is the smug “working out every day isn’t for everyone.” That pisses me off more than the price issue.

      1. I’m confused by this. Why is that smug? Plenty of very fit people don’t work out every day…

        1. It’s a faux-understanding but actually deeply elitist approach to acknowledging that many people are NOT in a position where they can work out every day. Would you say to a single mom working three jobs “can’t exercise? well it’s not for everyone” as if exercise just isn’t right for her instead of damn near impossible for her? When the major health organizations recommend exercising every day, it’s slimy for Peloton to act like it’s “not for everyone!” as if people who don’t choose it are just lazy and unmotivated.

          2. IDK — working out time is a hotly negotiated thing in our house (winds up being 2ish hours out of the house). If I could just go to a basement once the kids are in bed I might be in. But the peloton demands the loveliest room in the house, no? No dank basement for it!

          3. Eh it’s an ad campaign designed to get people to buy a product. Of the millions of ads targeted at women in particular with the angle of you aren’t x because you’re lazy this seems to be very low on the list of offenders. At least this is targeted at encouraging healthy habits like exercise rather than trying to get me to buy beauty products to “catch a man”

    11. Yes, it’s elitist. But they are deliberately trying to draw a comparison to a gym membership. Where I live even the Y is like $75/month for a couple, and fancier gyms are more. They are targeting people who already can afford a gym membership (which, yes, is its own privilege) and trying to lure them to buy a peleton instead.

      I’m staying away from gyms for the foreseeable future and am considering buying one. Yes, I could ride outside, but not very easily while watching kids. I could do this in the early morning/late at night at home.

      1. If there were a recumbent Peloton, I might be game, but I like recumbent bikes to ready on while I low-intensity exercise (can go for hours!). But I loathe exercise bikes otherwise and like an actual bike outside for that sort of forward-oriented exercise on my keester.

      2. Whereas I acknowledge that their marketing department seems to have issues, I have to say that I absolutely LOVE my Peloton. It does exactly what you describe – you can jump on it for 15 minutes of serious cardio whenever you have time, and it’s not as boring as having your own routine because the workout changes for every class. I also really appreciate being constantly reminded on form and to stretch. I’ve NEVER stretched pre/post workout this much in my life and it’s made a huge difference!

    12. I actually wish I had one right now. I can’t justify the cost and I’d have nowhere to put it, but I fantasize about having a big house with a home gym, and a hydrow and a peloton, and light settings similar to those at spin studios . . .

    13. Peloton gets zero of my money and Aviation gin gets… well some of my money, but you get the point. Brilliant advertising in response to Peloton obnoxiousness.

    14. I mean, $58/month is lower than the cost of most gym memberships, and I don’t think anyone thinks joining the YMCA or Gold’s Gym is outrageously elitist. It’s less than cable TV, which isn’t elitist. Etc. I think the point isn’t to show that $58 is insignificant, but that it’s equally affordable to other recreational products that people readily buy.

  6. How are you coping with anxiety and cabin fever during this time? It’s been one day WFH and it seemed endless and eerie. I already live alone, which I usually love because I get all my socializing out in the world. But not now… I can’t imagine months of this. Any tips or ideas to structure the day or make it feel less isolating?

      1. Haha better get some tonic with quinine as well and while you’re at it, throw some gin in there ;)

        1. Nah, add some tequila and salt and make some margaritas! Works for me every time!

          1. With climate change, more and more regions will see endemic malaria! So you’re doing well to be prepared.

    2. Well, on the plus side, we’re moving in to the time of nice weather (except for the pollen, of course). I plan to spend a lot of my WFH working outside on my deck. Also, my cats are thrilled I’m here all the time, so I recommend a pet.

      1. Our forcast is for rain. And I bet on Monday our schools will close. 900 sq ft. Wish me luck!

    3. Have lunch with your friends virtually – facetime a set friend or family member for each day of the week. They are or will be soon WFH as well and looking forward to a chat.

      1. That’s what I’m planning also. Very regular social check ins with friends and family.

    4. I was just thinking about this and I think I will use the time to do some deep cleaning around the house. Things I can never get to, but do need to be done once in a while. Not exciting, but at least I will feel like I used my time well.

    5. I’ve been thinking of hosting Google hangout parties, which could be cool because you could do them with anyone anywhere, you’re not limited to local friends.

    6. I’ve been thinking about this. I usually prioritize NOT hanging around my house because it makes me depressed and unproductive. I need to be out of my house, even if it’s to a coffee shop. So this being-in-the-house-all-the-time is going to be really bad for me.

      Have a therapist, on meds, etc, this is just not a good situation.

      I think the google hangout parties are a great idea though!

  7. Does any pear have any good new Athleta pants purchases? I have a gift card and ordered some where were to straight-sized (seat/thighs were snug and waist was already large, so can’t size up to fix). I thought of the post earlier this week re “saddlebags”. Thanks!

      1. It has really good reviews! But OMG I just can’t. The sash waist giant bow thing just needs to stop.

      2. It has really good reviews! But OMG I just can’t. The sash waist giant bow thing just needs to stop.

  8. Good morning hive! I am drafting the HR portion of my company’s COVID-19 response plan. My organization is already entirely remote so we have an effective, fully resourced virtual workplace. Any suggestions for how to approach the issue of parents working at home while kids are home because of school cancellations? I’m not sure what to write other than some version of, “do the best you can.” I’m an empty-nester so I’m not dealing with it myself. Thanks! (I tried to post earlier so apologies if this ends up a double post)

    1. Maybe if your company has “core hours,” (for instance, in my organization, everyone’s work day must cover the core hours of 9:30am-3:30pm) consider relaxing those and allow workers to put in hours before/after kids are in bed, or piecemeal while kids are occupied.

    2. Have you reviewed the shrm website? They have lots of recommendations and resources right now.

    3. Honestly, “do the best you can” is the kindest and most useful thing you can say. Let this be a moment for employees to see they are trusted and valued as full humans.

  9. I work in city government in an agency that’s directly involved in our COVID-19 response. Working 12-16 hour days, 7 days a week, etc.

    What are your best self care tips during these crazy work periods? Being an emergency manager, I’m no stranger to crazy responses, however this one is way crazier and way more stressful than other operations I’ve worked.

    Trying to manage my life not falling apart and keeping my sanity (and maybe even still seeing family/friends/doing hobbies). I’m already eating terribly, hardly sleeping, physical stress reactions (breakouts and stupidly tight muscles), haven’t done anything relaxing or fun or healthy all week.

    I know people here work crazy hours with crazy stress regularly, how do you manage?

    1. Pare your home tasks down to the essentials but do make sure you’re eating and sleeping. When I know I’ll have a busy time coming up I stock up on things like the packs of frozen edamame that you can steam in the bag and eat in 2 minutes. You want boring, easy, healthy food so your nutrition needs are being met. It’s so important to take care of your basic needs when you’re very busy. Sleep as regularly as you can. See if you can fit in 30 minutes of exercise (even a brisk walk around the block can really clear your head).

      I keep a list on my phone of all the things I’m looking forward to doing once this is over. Light at the end of the tunnel, whenever it comes. Be kind to yourself and others. It’s miserable but projecting that outward just makes it worse for everyone including you, so recognize that your fuse may be shorter than normal and be forgiving. Good luck.

    2. I don’t have any tips, but I wanted to say that I so appreciate people like you who work in government and who are slogging away on the response to CV19. Thank you for all of your hard work.

    3. Literally relax all your standards. As long as you and your family members are housed, clothed, and fed, you are doing fine. Your number one goal right now is resting when not working, because there are only higher chances that you get sick (of Covid19 or just about anything else) when your immune system is down due to stress and lack of sleep.
      When times get rough, social appointments are dropped, volunteering doesn’t exist, house gets to be a mess.

      1. Unfortunately that was all dropped days ago! “Lucky” to be child free / pet free and single.

        Have been relying on the vending machine and clif bars for my meals. Wear my agency polo and cargo pants when we activate like this. Laundry just get done soon bc I only have 2 of each.

        Literally haven’t done anything except work and crash this week!

        1. Can you also add in some protein-rich snacks like hardboiled eggs (buy them premade), beef jerky, or canned sardines? I find that I’m more likely to get sick if I over-rely on carbs, but there are good quality protein-heavy snacks now that are no more inconvenient. Thanks for all that you do!

        2. I would probably order grocery delivery with frozen fruit, big tubs of yoghurt and some nuts to have easy breakfast. Also try to get outside 10 minutes in the middle of each day, regardless of the weather.
          Thank you for all you do!!!

    4. Take a few minutes several times a day to stretch out muscles and take some deep breaths. Even 60 seconds can give you a few good stretches. Practice centering yourself during these moments.

      Also stay hydrated.

    5. In what little time off there is, prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise. If a full blown exercise session isn’t possible or isn’t your thing, do some stretching and take a short brisk walk or do some yoga. Most of all, thank you for what you do.

  10. My daughter is in a ballet/hip hop class where they can either wear a leotard or black leggings with a baggy t shirt. She wants to wear the latter, but we don’t have any “solid” color baggy t shirts.

    Anyone have ideas? Target had them for adults but my kiddo is 8. The kids department is either logos or very snug fit tops.

    1. Go to an crafts store (Michael’s, JoAnn). They have plain t-shirts in every color imaginable and all sizes.

    2. I’m in Canada, so this might be specific to here, but the craft store Michaels sells tonnes of plain coloured t-shirts in all sizes for crafts/decorating.

    3. Is there a Michaels near you? They have tons of solid shirts in kids/adult sizes.

  11. Someone mentioned Noom on yesterday morning’s thread – if you’ve used it, can you tell me about it/your experiences with it? Is it worth it? I feel like all the reviews online are paid for so they’re not reliable.

    1. I’ve used it. They kept trying to keep me to a 1200 kcal/day diet (although some of the workout and nutrition stuff was useful). I quit because I yoyo’d back to more than my original weight every time I tried it, even though I was getting exercise 3×/week.

    2. I used it and quit because I really did not like it. I’m back to weight watchers which works better for me. The thing with Noom was that all the daily info and nudging made me think about food ALL THE TIME which for me led to more eating and anxiety, not less. I have to say that they did not give me a hard time about quitting which I appreciated.

    3. I found their calorie count to be really low, with no good way to adjust it, and my ‘coach’ was either a chatbot or someone who was spread so thin that she may as well have been. They also make canceling difficult (or at least they did last fall when I stopped using it) because you need to initiate it as a chat with your coach via the app, and then there was another step after that that I missed initially.

    4. I used it and liked it. The daily “tasks” that I was checking off worked for me psychologically, so I found myself tracking food and hitting step goals more often. I didn’t get much out of the coach or group, so at some point it was just a really expensive calorie tracker, but I did find it worked for my psyche.

    5. Seconding the comments above – I thought the coaching was not helpful and the food database wasn’t as extensive as myfitnesspal, so I switched back to that for free. They also emphasize cooking your own meals and that wasn’t helpful for me as someone who travels for work.

      1. I agree with the two comments above. For me, it was tracking the calories that made the difference. Using their color coded system did result in my changing some of the food that I eat. It was also useful to see how sedentary my job is. It kept me at 1200 cal which is totally doable. I exercise to bump the calories up a bit. I was able to cancel without a problem and still use the app, which is now free. I think I will be tracking everything for the foreseeable future. I recommend it. But you do have to be in the mindset that you are serious about changing your habits.

    6. I signed up for the social aspect but that ended up being the worst part – at least in the group I was assigned there was a ton of negative body image talk and some encouragement of disordered eating (think 700 calories a day) that our coach did not shut down. I was more concerned about feeling better (more nutrients, fewer sugar crashes, bringing down my blood pressure) than specifically losing weight as an end to itself so it was a bad mismatch.

  12. For anyone wondering how crap the U.S. is in its testing. I was tested for Covid19 three days ago based on two doctor recommendations. I called the emergency room to ask where can I call to get test results or when they may come in, they said they do not know, have not received any results, and to call the city health department for more information.
    The city health department said to call the emergency room/testing facility. I told her the emergency room were the ones that advised to call the city – I was put on hold. Then told “if it was sent in for testing you will be informed within 48 hrs of the result” and even if she knew she couldn’t tell me as a city employee because of HIPAA. I then asked “so I know that the hospital sent the test in – is there any way to know if it was actually tested, despite the hospital negotiating to get me tested for five hours (this is the truth, that is how long I waited while they went through the questionnaire with the CDC) – the city employee’s answer – “no there is not, just wait for someone to call and stay in quarantine until then”.
    There you have it guys – America at its greatest, a pandemic and no one knowing anything and losing tests.
    People are complaining about all these events being shut down but that is literally the only defense we have right now do to the sheer incompetence of our governing system.

    1. The UK equivalent seems to be ‘if you have symptoms, assume you have and stay home, don’t call us unless it gets bad.’ Which… okay.

      1. That is . . . not good. I feel like the UK is several weeks ahead of this compared by me (SEUS big city).

    2. I’m curious, why do you want the results? What will you do differently, day to day, if you have them? You should only be going to the doctor right now if you are very ill and think you may need to be hospitalized. If you aren’t very ill, then you are taking time and attention that could be better spent on people that are. You may actually be part of the problem.

      1. Because if you know you have it, you can warn anyone you may have been in contact with?

      3. This is stupid. Obviously she wants the results so she can know whether she’s exposed others, how high the risk might be, etc etc. Save your ire for the people who are really “part of the problem” – the Trump administration.

        1. +1 I’m OP. I want to know if I can go around my 80+ year old Grandma, pregnant relatives, or my senior parents for the next three weeks (since the virus apparently sheds for a while). This is very much a “I care about other people” issue, not like all the selfish people saying “I’m young and healthy so whatever”.

          1. It is entirely selfish to get a test you don’t really need so it doesn’t impact your visit to your grandmother.

          2. @ Anon 1:53 You’re clearly a troll and being absurd.

            Anyone with a fever and a dry cough in a city with community spread should be getting a test and results within 48 hours. That’s a decent quality of medical care. One that most European countries and Canada are providing.

          3. Do not be around your grandmother. Even if you test negative now, you could get exposed before you see your grandmother.

      4. Because if she is positive she needs to identify any potential contacts she has had during the incubation period so they can be tested. If she is negative she can have a giant weight removed from her shoulders (although continue to monitor symptoms).

      5. In addition to identifying contacts, COVID-19 has a much longer contagious period other illnesses. If she’s negative, she can go back to work when her symptoms stop and she feels better. If her test is positive she needs to remain in isolation until she tests negative twice. That can take 30+ days even in people who don’t develop severe illness. Nobody wants to be quarantined for a month if they don’t have to be, but also nobody wants to spread a deadly illness to others unknowingly. It’s important for her to know the results.

    3. Horrible! I have posted a few times but I am on day 12 of a low grade fever varying between 99-101 degrees (was higher early on) that started a few days after domestic travel. Have gone to the dr 3 times now (not the ER), at a facility designated by my state to diagnose and treat the virus. I tested negative for the flu. On my last visit they treated me as a hypochondriac and told me there is zero cause to stay home/isolate anymore, and that I should go about my normal life, and yet I keep reading about positive cases of COVID-19 that have no other symptoms but a lingering low grade fever.

      1. This is almost exactly my story. On day 7 of a lingering lo grade fever and fatigue with negative tests for flu and strep.

      2. Many of my coworkers, myself included, have been getting the “flu” for the past couple of weeks. All of us test negative for the flu. I’ve heard the flu test isn’t the most accurate, but I find it suspicious that all of us test negative. I called our county’s COVID-19 hotline, and the nurse told me that because I haven’t traveled recently I shouldn’t be tested. So frustrating. The county just to the east of me has community transmission.

  13. Recs for a good sale tracker for online shopping? I’ve found a few trackers that only work with Amazon/Walmart/Best Buy/Ebay. I’d like to track items at Anthro, Last Call, Revolve, The Fold, Bloomingdales, etc. Right now I have my eye on this dress for a wedding this summer but I’d love to catch it on sale.

    https://www.revolve.com/elliatt-pallas-dress-in-red/dp/ELLI-WD285/?d=F&utm_source=facebookpaid&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dom_P_112719_TopBrands_LAL_BrandInterest_FBIG_Dynamic_Reengagement&fbclid=IwAR185SsslG2rmlF3xS96qFK6MVZV-gtNezi6NwYaBnaSvcuM_Bk-idr0UzM

  14. I’m going to buy a car this weekend (I know, social distancing, but I’m pregnant and can’t put this off for another month if I want to be able to physically get the babies home from the hospital).

    We have narrowed it down to basically 4 vehicles (2018-2019 used Honda Odysseys) all from different dealers relatively close to each other. We can pay cash, and probably would prefer to.

    Do you have any tips?

    1. Is 2018 the year of the redesign? If it is, I’d go to the 2019 b/c presumably that is the model year where they worked out the redesign kinks.

      I have a 2011 model (first year of the prior redesign) and love it. No issues with any kinks (or whatever they worked out in the 2012 models). I have black and like that I can fix scrapes with a black sharpie (people are always nicking it in the parking lot of daycare / office / grocery store). I have leather seats — easier in the diaper-blowout / potty training years to have something that wipes clean. I got the liner for the trunk area. And also the roof racks (never used) and towing package. Got mine new but would have gotten one used.

      I love mine and would definitely get another when mine dies (which will probably be never).

    2. Can you set up appointments at each of the dealerships to do your test drives? Do them like 1-1.5 hours apart, make it clear when you go to each appointment that you’ll be doing the test drive and then need to leave for another appointment so they don’t try to negotiate/go full sales pitch right there. But also make it clear that you’ll be making the decision the same day and will be back if it’s the vehicle you want.

      If possible, rank order them as you do the test drives. Is the second one better than the first? Great, it goes to the top of the list. Third one is fine but missing a key feature the second one had? Cool, it can’t take the top spot. Don’t wait until you’ve done all four to decide that you were more impressed with one than another. Also decide whether you or spouse gets veto power in case you disagree – probably whoever is going to drive it. I did this ranking process when deciding where to go to college and it narrowed me to my early decision choice very easily. Once you’ve decided, go back to that dealership and let them know theirs is your first choice, what are they offering. Make clear you will walk away and go with one of the other vehicles if you can’t agree on terms (even if really there isn’t a close second option, it’s a negotiating tactic).

      Good luck!

    3. I bought a used Pilot in in cash in the past year, and they were not willing to negotiate at all (almost, I maybe knocked off a couple grand) in price because the margins are so thin for used vehicles. I would sort those that currently fit your budget at the top and rank from there keeping in mind any maintenance packages you might want to tack on like extended warranties or whatever. IME, all the major dealerships are offering about the same thing so once you pick a top one or two that fit in your budget try those first. Then just rank off of features. The listings were very accurate for the cars I looked at, as were the photos. Your decision and research should be 90% complete before you go to the dealer. Just test drive it, make sure it has the key features you were looking for, and have a number in mind. That’s all assuming you are using a reputable dealer who does a thorough used car inspection, which most of the Honda dealers should. You can probably find info about what systems they check before buying/selling used cars on their site or while you are there.
      And like someone said above, be willing to walk away. I ditched a Highlander and ended up with the Pilot because of a firm price point.

    4. We just bought a new 2020 odyssey touring. We went to one place. Told them what we wanted in what color. Got their best price. I called around and nobody could match it. We bought it.

      We probably could have saved $500 shopping around. I work for myself and charge $250/hr. We have 3 kids (hi minivan) that we needed a babysitter for to buy the car @ $20/hr.

      As my husband put it “we spend nearly that in wine every month. If you are worried that we missed out on $500, stop drinking such nice wine for a month.”

  15. Another WWYD…my sister-in-law’s funeral is on Tuesday, in the southeast of England. To get there, we’ll have a 4.5 hour train, tube across London, and another hour on the commuter train. We’re staying in a hotel. Cases are fairly low at the moment in Scotland, but increasing dramatically every day. My toddler is staying at home with my mom, so it’s just me and my husband. We’re young and relatively healthy, although I have lupus so immune system is compromised. I expect both our workplaces will be fully WFH by early next week and schools are likely to follow suit.
    Do we go? My husband’s aunt and uncle have cancelled but they are elderly.

      1. This. If you are immunocompromised you should stay off public transit.

        And I’m sorry for your loss.

    2. Immunocompromised and dirty trains full of people is not a good combination. Do not go. I don’t know what your government is recommending, but here people with compromised immune systems are being asked not to travel.

    7. Sorry for your loss.

      On the transport front – clearly completely a risk-based decision for you, but (for what its worth and based only on my experience this week) public transport and commuter trains in London have been pretty empty and on my commute into the City over the last couple of days I managed to (a) keep at least a metre from other people; and (b) not touch anything (other than a steadying elbow on a handrail!). Is it possible to defer the decision until next week when there might be more clarity on closures etc? This will have an impact both on feasibility of the trip but also on busy-ness of transport e.g. if museums, offices, shops etc close, tubes will likely be quieter.

      Can you rent an airbnb instead of hotel to mitigate some risk there?

      1. Agreed. It’s nice that you want to pay your respects and support your family, but these are not normal circumstances.

    9. Rent a car. Wipe down with cleaning wipes on pick up. Stay at hotel, again wipe down common surfaces. Do not have the room cleaned by staff while you are there. I would consider only doing limited contact. E.g see your BIL and MIL but maybe do not attend wake or funeral itself.

    10. I would go. It is a very close relative and a very sad time for the family. How does your DH feel? I would rent a car and go if it’s important to him.

    11. No,
      cases in Spain started to spread after a funeral in Navarra. After that 45 new cases in one day and thoses villages where all that people live in Navarra and La Rioja isolated. Avoid crowds.

    12. I’m in Scotland and I would not go. If you are compromised and there will be elderly people me there it is extremely high risk for everyone. If you absolutely feel you have to go, then drive rather than train would cut the risk for you, but not for others if you have it but not showing symptoms, and there are cases across Scotland

  16. So Trump has been exposed but isn’t going to get tested. How selfish and deluded do you have to be?

    1. Very deluded and ignorant. And I won’t let my mind start thinking about “what if we end up with President Pence”, which imo would be even worse.

      1. Thing is, though, no way President Pence would be reelected so that would be a good thing.

        1. Sure he would. Trump’s base would never vote for Biden, and a lot of conservatives/moderates who hate Trump would feel better about Pence.

          1. This. I’m actually praying that Trump stays healthy as Biden has a way better chance against Trump then he does against Pence. Pence and Biden are both non-crazy sounding white guys to many middle American white guys who went Trump or stayed home last time. They’d stay home for Trump but might come out for Pence.

          2. Yeah Pence seems more electable to me? He appeals to all the pro-life Catholics who are uncomfortable with Trump’s s*xist, racist rhetoric.

      2. Nah if Trump has it, Pence has been exposed as well. But maybe Pelosi is still safe . . .

        1. Silver lining of Pence’s ridiculous no meetings with women rule, the women should all be safe!

          2. Of course I know he has meetings with women but it’s not ridiculous to make a joke about his stupid no closed door/one-on-one meetings/no dining out with them/no touching them rules. He’s been socially distancing himself from women before social distancing was cool.

            Thanks for calling me a moron, though, I hit my corporette troll bingo for the week because of you! Have a lovely weekend!

    2. Isn’t the same going on with Justin Trudeau since his wife tested positive? IDK, is there some national security advantage to not making public testing and/or test results? But, at the same time, can we isolate them the way we do with average citizens?

      3. And he’s probably trying to figure out how she likes her eggs and making chicken soup and trying to braid their kid’s hair without asking her for help…sorry, sad American who wouldn’t mind him as our head of state.

    3. Is it possible that they are being tested and their test results are not being reported? Like, they don’t want to say “we are testing P and VP every day” in case they do test positive because they don’t want the publicity? It is literally insane to me to think that they are not being tested (this goes for Trudeau as well)!

      1. If we see Trump disappear from the public eye for a few weeks, we’ll know he’s sick.

      2. He is finally ready to announce a national emergency. I think that’s the tell. He is positive. .

        2. They just asked him at the news conference and he deflected and talked about how he had no symptoms.

  17. I’m not an anxious person by nature. Of all my friends, I’m the “tough chick”, the one who has all her ish together and knows where it’s at. The corona virus hasn’t hit in my part of the state, although there are a few places that have been shut down for precautionary reasons and a few people where I work who have traveled (domestically) recently are being quarantined out of an abundance of caution. Our governor has requested we avoid large crowds and going places like gyms, movies, and stores, and I’m as prepared as I can be. I’ve always kept a well-stocked freezer and pantry, and I’ve got cleaning supplies on hand, so I’m good. I’m ready if we’re told we have to go on lockdown for several weeks. I’m not worried about cabin fever – if I’m stuck at home, I’m planning to take advantage of the time and do my spring cleaning since any WFH will be really slow.

    That being said, I am an anxious hot mess. I’m not so much worried about getting sick, I’m more upset about the absolute irrational behavior I’ve seen from people in stores and the fear and freaking out I’ve seen from friends and co-workers who normally have it together as well. Little by little, things I’ve had planned over the next couple weeks are being canceled, which I’ve expected to happen, but it just feels a bit apocalyptic to me. I’ve started having panic attacks if I think of any of my close friends or family getting sick and dying (some have respiratory issues that do put them at high risk.) Is anyone else feeling like this? I really need to get a grip.

    1. Wow. Why does it all matter this much? It’s just advertising. Much of which, by many companies, is silly, or overstated, or out of touch, or tone deaf or offensive to someone. But honestly . . . it’s just advertising copy. That’s all it is.

      1. I think you meant to reply to the Peleton conversation?

        OP, it is stressful. I am an anxious type and all this isn’t helping. All I can do is try to stop looking ahead and disasterizing and try to take things one day at a time. I’m pretty sure I will be teleworking for the foreseeable future, and lots of fun things have been cancelled, but right now I’m just focusing on this weekend – laundry, maybe take some walks outside, do some baking… Maybe it’s putting my head in the sand, but focusing on the short term and not OMG I will go nuts if I can’t go anywhere for weeks!! helps me a little.

        And I need to convince my elderly parents that having my brother and his kids, who live in a heavily hit area, visit them is not a great idea…

    2. You sound a lot like me. I know that you say you aren’t anxious by nature, but I kinda want to push back on that a little. You sound like you probably do have anxiety that you manage extraordinarily well by being super well-prepared for all things. You’re really prepared and in control, so you have nothing to be anxious about! And that is awesome. (This is exactly how I am and I was in denial that I might have anxious tendencies for a long time.)

      So what you’re feeling is probably very unfamiliar – you aren’t in control right now. You can’t control if your friends and family get sick, so now, that anxiety that you usually manage really well has no way to be managed! And that is ok too – it’s normal for anyone to be upset by all of this. When this happens, I try to say, ok, if the worst thing does happen – what will I do? Even though I can’t control what is happening, having a plan for the worst helps my anxiety subside. Also, guided meditation can be helpful on refocusing your thoughts.

      Hugs! This is tough for everyone right now!

      1. This, to a T! I am also anxious, but I manage to be well prepared all the time so almost no one knows!

        1. +1 – I’m anxious but try to cope/deal by being extraordinarily prepared for most outcomes (which, is also a side effect of being the child of alcoholic/unstable parents – best to be prepared if you never know what you’re coming home to!).

      2. Thanks for this! This is me, I literally just realized that I’m an anxious person but manage very well such that I don’t believe I”m an anxious person.

    3. It’s okay to be scared, there’s nothing wrong with that. You don’t have to be the “tough chick” all the time.

    4. For me, being the “tough chick” who didn’t deal in silly weakness and twaddle like everyone around me meant that I hadn’t developed the ability to navigate difficult and painful emotions (I just controlled them). So when life got really hard, I didn’t have anything to draw on, and I would fall apart. That’s all I had: tough it out or fall apart.

      Over time, I learned to respond to life differently. (Not gonna lie — it took a process that required me to open up and be vulnerable with other people, facing pain that I’d rather not have faced, and counseling.)

    5. I felt the same way yesterday. All schools in my city are closed for the next three weeks. I got to the store and see empty shelves. I understand what you mean about it feeling apocalyptic. I’m 42 and have never experienced anything like this in my lifetime. It doesn’t even seem like 9/11 had such a huge societal, worldwide impact.

      Having said that, I did my normal menu planning for the week and got what I needed at the store. I have plenty of TP, soap and food for my cats. I went for lunch at a local restaurant and saw people out and about. So these little things helped me feel a little more normal.

    6. Thank you all. I am so happy to know I’m not alone and that there are other tough chicks out there who are, or have, felt the same way. Oddly enough, anonymous at 1:27, I tried relating this to 9/11 and while I felt terribly sad then, I didn’t have the anxiety I do now. I think those of you who said it’s a control thing are probably very right. I’m used to having things in order. I’ve taken care of sick relatives. I’m the one my friends depend on in a crisis, so control over a situation is what I do. And I can’t do that with this situation. Going to the grocery store and seeing people panic-buying and hearing about things closing down makes me feel like everything is just hurtling out of control. I’m trying to maintain my normal routine and do what I normally do — going to get the oil changed in my car tomorrow — but I don’t know how long normal is going to last and that, I think is what is starting to wear on my nerves.

      Thank you to all you wonderful ladies for chiming in. I feel better knowing I’m not alone. Hugs to all of you (germ free hugs, of course!)

      1. I hope its not too late in the day for one more reply. I’m anon at 12:16. You’re definitely not alone! Lots of us tough chicks out here!

        I will say, while its fine to maintain your normal routine, and you absolutely should to the extent you can; please also give yourself the gift of making a plan for the worst case scenario, it can actually be really comforting to do that, and don’t deprive yourself of that if it’s what you need! (I am a lifelong resident of NOLA, and while this isn’t exactly the same, I have packed up my house more than once, and had to say, this might be it – the last time I’m ever here. And it can actually be comforting to address that head on and say, in a week, this might all be gone, and that is going to hurt, but I will get through it.)

  18. Any recommendations for a gray ponte blazer/ jacket for business casual that doesn’t look like a sweatshirt?

    1. I think that gray ponte is always going to look like a sweatshirt to some degree or other, alas.

    2. It’s possible that a darker gray without any heathering would look more blazer-like – maybe look for that?

    3. Talbots has some pique knit blazers (the aberdeen blazer?) that have a bit of stretch when you move / are comfortable but are decidedly in the lined, blazer category as opposed to the sweater / sweatshirt category

    4. I think the JCrew going out blazer is probably your best option for this. I’d try on in the store or order 2 sizes though – I found it about a size smaller than my normal size there.

  19. What are you guys using to clean your phones? I have lens wipes that aren’t a high enough alcohol content to disinfect. I wash the case with dish soap sometimes, but that’s not enough and my phone is definitely a “high touch” item.

    2. I have a stockpile of alcohol pads from IVF and they are getting put to good use now. Use one daily on my phone and then also on my keyboard and mouse as well.

      2. +1. We use them in the kitchen for our meat thermometer and now for phones and car keys…

    3. I have Clorox wipes at work (bought months ago to occasionally wipe my desk, only now am I actually bothering) and then I’ve just been spraying with Fantastik and wiping with a microfiber at home.

      1. Can one of you link to the wipes? The main result on Amazon doesn’t seem to specify alcohol content.

          1. The ones I have are bleach-free, the active ingredients are long chemical-y names and don’t appear to include alcohol either. They advertise that they kill 99.9% of viruses (including the human coronavirus).

  20. Here’s a quick update re: my husband with the fed law enforcement re-certification travel situation. Like you all suggested, he was going to wait to see if it got cancelled but his local office head requested he decide by the end of the day today if he was going or not, so they could plan office coverage. He decided to say he was not going to go. Less than five minutes later, the national academy cancels the training. I think it shows he had common sense.

  21. I missed the opportunity to weigh in on the nonequity partner question the other day, but as someone who spent 3 years as nonequity partner I will tell you that it sucks. You don’t get anything close to the $$ that equity partners make, there’s no definitive timeline for being promoted, and the goals are a moving target. I was told I’m “on track” and that equity was “likely,” only to have the rug pulled out from under me when the equity partners told me they’d like to see “one more year” of strong performance. Then, the firm merged with another firm and changed their comp system to more heavily weigh originations and I was done. I felt like a second tier partner the entire time and had trouble building a book since I was still doing work for (and making a ton of $$) for the equity partners. I relied on my one power partner going to bat for me and in the end, I felt like he supported my becoming a nonequity partner, but didn’t actually want to split the pie further. So yes, I’m kind of bitter about it and ultimately decided to go to a firm that has only a 1 tier partnership. At my current firm, when they call you a partner, they mean it. I’m sharing my experience so you can make an informed decision – obviously other people liked being in the in-between stage, but for me it was not worth the trade offs.

  22. Those of you in Biglaw – taking an informal poll – have your offices issued any guidance or mandates about working remotely? Please provide your AmLaw size.

    AmLaw 200 here – firm is reluctant to make any statement on remote working although they’re working to get staff the capability. They are “wait and see”. (IMHO it is a poor decision not to have attorneys who can already work remotely do so, starting yesterday)

    1. I think NYC and Seattle are mandatory WFH, along with some foreign ones. We are optional WFH. Office populations will vary greatly if schools are open (if not, about 50% of people can’t come in, so office may be less germy than at home for some people).

    2. I believe my firm is AmLaw200. I want to preface this by saying attorneys are fully capable of WFH, and staff can be to with some minor modifications. Answer: None. We have gotten several emails that the offices around the country, including Seattle, San Fran, NY, Chicago are open and we are expected to come in if we’re not sick, and that we should wash our hands. I AM LIVID. We are getting more emails about timesheet/billing issues than about the global pandemic…

    3. AmLaw 100–we’re advised to take laptops home nightly and I expect an announcement closing offices any day. I wish the firm had prioritized supporting WFH previously as many of us are scrambling to add capability at home. Instead, two weeks ago when consulting our IT department for help on ordering components, I was told, this is at your expense and we’ll answer questions during business hours, but otherwise you’re on your own.

    4. I think we’re AmLaw 20? Large Chicago based firm. Our management committee apparently ahs been having daily meetings about what to do. So far, all staff/admins have been set up and trained on how to use Citrix to work remotely. Admins talked with attorneys about a few specific tasks admins can do remotely/start thinking of ideas. We were all asked to request any additional WFH supplies we might need. And starting next week we’re doing half the people in the office and half WFH (whatever that means). The office managing partner came around and talked to each attorney at lunchtime about what that means and any questions we might have. The underlying message is that if you want to work from home full time, do it. If you want to do the half and half, do that too.

      I think the response has been good from the firm. However, our office has always had (for attorneys) a very liberal work from home policy. I have given my admin a list of things she can work on (not all a high priority) so that she feels like she will be busy enough at home. So far, I am grateful that no one at my firm has talked about unpaid leave for our administrative folks nor making them take personal time. I know that is not an option for everyone.

    5. Canadian biglaw here. We were business as usual, but today they caved and we are now WFH until further notice. Client meetings are being turned into calls, closings are happening remotely, etc. Of course this doesn’t apply to staff – I told my assistant to WFH, but the senior partner I share her with asked to still come in so she can “print things”. Ugh.

    6. AmLaw10 or something – No mandatory WFH but all attorneys are allowed to WFH as desired. Staff is on some sort of weird rotation where we have a skeletal crew in office and others supporting from home. We’re getting lots of communication but none of it actually says much at all.

    7. Am Law 200. I was on a call today and was shocked by how many national and international firms are doing nothing more than optional WFH for lawyers. My firm was one of 3 taking the same precautions our clients are.

  23. Our office has a situation where one woman only rinses her hands after going to the bathroom. This has been known and gossiped about for months. This is a well-educated woman who has an advanced degree in biology (and thus likely knows more about bacteria/viruses than I do).

    Given the current environment, is it appropriate to raise this issue with HR? Her manager? Leave an anonymous note on her desk? Her habit has caused people to generally avoid her (prior to coronavirus). Thanks for any advice.

    1. Our office has bathrooms where even if you wash hands, you then need to let yourself out via a door handle you need to touch to unlatch the door. There is no trashcan nearby in case you want to take your hand towel with you for touching the handle. Do you walk through the office with your dirty hand/handle towel?

      I think we should all wear gloves and change them for eating and then change them after eating.

      1. Yes, I walk down the hall with the dirty paper towel I used to exit the bathroom door. then, i immediately toss the dirty paper towel in the lined trash in my office.

        1. This is what I do too now. Once a few people start doing it, everyone does because you don’t want to be the gross person who doesn’t

    2. What I think you should actually do is ignore it and continue washing your own hands. What I’d be tempted to do is leave the anonymous note.

    4. You could also do a general Note to all Employees and tape it on the bathroom mirror. Something like, wash your hands for soap with 20 seconds every time you’re in here, for your own health AND the health of your co-workers and family. Please and thank you! (sure, it’s passive-aggressive, but it might work)

      1. Print out the CDC hand washing guide & put it up. It is on every mirror in every bathroom & break room in my employer now. (Major academic medical center with lots of associated clinics)

    5. My office has not limited visitors. The result is that we now have people we don’t know using the washroom and not washing hands, then circulating in the office.

    6. Washrooms should all have signs prominently displayed with pictograms about the importance of handwashing and how to properly wash hands.

    5. I am so sorry. You are in Seattle if I remember. So am I. It is scary. Very sorry.

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