Telecommuting... The Pros of It - Part 2
by Susan Samson-Liebig
AWSS Newsletter, August 2000
Regarding my own experience, my husband, a researcher,
accepted a position with the ARS in Mandan, North
Dakota in August 1999. I work for NRCS in Lincoln,
Nebraska. When we realized that it was possible for
me to carry out my on-going duties from Mandan, I
pursued the telecommuting option. It was important
for my husband to begin his career and for mine to
accommodate his through changes in location. Office
space as well as lab space was offered at no charge
to my Agency. ARS viewed the situation as a grand
opportunity for two federal Agencies to come together
at this one location. Both Agencies could tap into
the other for information and contacts to help carry
out their respective missions.
It was a five-month struggle to get approval to participate
in the Federal Family Friendly Work Place. All kinds
of of reasons were given as to why not to participate.
Being a dedicated federal employee of 14 years as
well as a stubborn woman, I was determined to make
the management understand the benefits of such an
arrangement. After several denials, it was a terrible
feeling of thinking that I was not a valuable enough
employee to the Agency (otherwise they would approve-
correct?). I had spent the last 14 years of my life
dedicated to this Agency and now had to possibly face
losing it all. There was a feeling of lack of trust
of me as an employee. I have worked hard to help society
through dedicating years of Federal Service with NRCS.
As women, we face daily the issues of being working
moms, trying to stay in the workforce to help support
our families, and being a role model for young girls
and other women. These are important issues in today's
society. I was fortunate to have tremendous encouragement
given to me by my family, co-workers, those of ARS,
and other Federal Agencies. They gave me the desire
to pursue participation in the program. I am happy
to say that I do have an alternate worksite at the
ARS unit in Mandan. It is a wonderful arrangement
and ARS is excited to have me here. I am providing
a valuable link into NRCS. Also, I share my expertise
with those here and I am learning how NRCS can integrate
with ARS in work currently going on. Exciting possibilities
are a sure thing in the future. Attached to the alternate
worksite was a two-year detail. After two years, my
fight will begin again to be able to participate in
the program for the sake of my family and my career
as a soil scientist. Maybe in the near future, managers
in all Agencies will have a better appreciation for
the needs of their employees and see the benefits
received by all when participation in a telecommuting
program is encouraged and allowed.
