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Original poster

WFH or drive to work 18 miles away

71 replies

Notyouthful · 09/01/2026 06:24

In my previous jobs in the past 20 years- they were walkable when it snowed. 2 miles away max.

About 4 inches of snow has fallen here. I’m unsure if I should drive to work or WFH.

Firstly my car is parked at the far end of blocks of flats’ residential parking in my own allotted parking space.
80% of my journey are on A roads. Then the problem with snow is the increase in accidents and bumps due to drivers’ inability to drive in snow. This week the county council didn’t grit parts of the road as could feel driving over ice.
Then there is the problem of what happens with the weather whilst at work.

Going on the bus isn’t worth it as needs three buses each way and walking 5-10 mins between each bus stop.

So if you were in my situation would you WFH or brave driving. I would need to leave around an hour’s time

OP posts:
Fiftyandme · 09/01/2026 08:01

WFH

JudyMoncada · 09/01/2026 07:59

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You would look for another job because of an occasional snow day making it tricky to get in?

RedRiverShore6 · 09/01/2026 07:52

So, this is a job where WFH isn't the norm, maybe you should have mentioned this in the OP. It sounds like one of those jobs where they let you wfh in certain circumstances, I would say that 18 miles would be perfectly reasonable to wfh

WeAllHaveWings · 09/01/2026 07:49

I would wfh, because I regularly do anyway. But if it was necessary for me to be in office (rare face to face meeting which don’t happen often as my team is geographically spread, I would go into office)

Grumblies · 09/01/2026 07:47

Notyouthful · 09/01/2026 07:41

Update:
My team leader rang about ten minutes ago saying people who live beyond a certain area have been asked to WFH. I didn’t ask what the certain area is.

There's no way the manager rang and just said people who live beyond a certain area and didn't actually clarify what that area was. Hmm

PrettyBigThings · 09/01/2026 07:47

Is this a wind up? Why on earth did you not ask what the area is? And if you can wfh without a problem, why aren’t you just making the decision? Will you get in trouble if you do?

HelloCheekyCat · 09/01/2026 07:46

Are you new to this job or team? Surely the first question should be what the "certain area" is!

Coffeeburp · 09/01/2026 07:44

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GnomeDePlume · 09/01/2026 07:44

I would WFH. One of my fears is turning up on the local news with my car stuck in a ditch because I didnt heed the warnings.

Original poster
Notyouthful · 09/01/2026 07:41

Update:
My team leader rang about ten minutes ago saying people who live beyond a certain area have been asked to WFH. I didn’t ask what the certain area is.

OP posts:
MadamCholetsbonnet · 09/01/2026 07:38

WFH

Zanatdy · 09/01/2026 07:37

Notyouthful · 09/01/2026 07:01

There is no backstory. I feel an idiot if I hear people that work in my office block drove into work where they live similar distances away from work and got similar amounts of snow.

Also it rained heavily before turning into snow and spent £600 on my car last month.

Show quote history

Surely driving in snow when you don’t need to is more idiotic

Zanatdy · 09/01/2026 07:35

I’d WFH. No brainer.

JustMyView13 · 09/01/2026 07:28

Tell your employer (don’t ask) that today you will be wfh as it is unsafe for you to travel into the office in the current weather conditions. They have a duty of care so can’t really say very much other than offer to send you a taxi to be collected (which they will not do).

Chasingsquirrels · 09/01/2026 07:25

If WFH isn't a problem then I would.

KabukiNoh · 09/01/2026 07:25

Well you know what your job is and the implications of wfh, so can probably judge much better than randoms on the internet not party to this information

Coffeeburp · 09/01/2026 07:21

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

somanychristmaslights · 09/01/2026 07:19

Notyouthful · 09/01/2026 07:01

There is no backstory. I feel an idiot if I hear people that work in my office block drove into work where they live similar distances away from work and got similar amounts of snow.

Also it rained heavily before turning into snow and spent £600 on my car last month.

Show quote history

Stop worrying about other people. If your company allows you to wfh, then this scenario is ideal!!

Luddite26 · 09/01/2026 07:15

If I could WFH I would and keep off the roads if you don't have to. Keep them clearer for those that have to be out.

Jerseymilkshake · 09/01/2026 07:14

Personally I'd drive in, 4 inches of snow isn't that much.
But I feel comfortable driving carefully in the snow as I'm used to it.

If you don't feel comfortable driving then its the perfect opportunity to work from home given you have the option.

RedRiverShore6 · 09/01/2026 07:09

Did you just want to start a thread about WFH v Office

Grumblies · 09/01/2026 07:04

Notyouthful · 09/01/2026 07:01

There is no backstory. I feel an idiot if I hear people that work in my office block drove into work where they live similar distances away from work and got similar amounts of snow.

Also it rained heavily before turning into snow and spent £600 on my car last month.

Show quote history

Why would you feel like an idiot? Your company allows you to work from home, yes? So what's the problem with making use of that perk?

OnlyLittleOldMe · 09/01/2026 07:02

I was in walking distance of my workplace but thee is actually a great risk for not even walking in or home. Especially if there has been melting and refreezing involved. Pavements rarely get cleared or gritted unless the snow has been around for at least a week. As far as WFH is there a problem with this? If there isn't why ask for an opinion.

Mumtobabyhavoc · 09/01/2026 07:02

I'd start my day WFH and monitor the traffic reports to decide if driving later would be feasible.

Original poster
Notyouthful · 09/01/2026 07:01

Grumblies · 09/01/2026 06:38

Agreed. Surely if it's an option given in your job they would be expecting staff to work from home today. It seems an odd question to ask.

Show quote history

There is no backstory. I feel an idiot if I hear people that work in my office block drove into work where they live similar distances away from work and got similar amounts of snow.

Also it rained heavily before turning into snow and spent £600 on my car last month.

OP posts: