Some choosing to work from home as gas prices soar over $4
Some employees will not be going into the office on Wednesday morning. It's not because of the coronavirus pandemic but rather because surging gas prices are forcing employees to find other options.
Workers said it's best to use lessons learned during the pandemic and simply work from home right now.
"The cost of gas has doubled and the cost of my commute has doubled," said financial advisor Phillip Barton.
Barton said he drives from the Rocky Mount area to Raleigh. Last month, his weekly gas budget was about $85. Now, it's jumped to $140.
One day last week, Barton said he decided he would work from home.
"I had one day where I needed to meet local clients ... I stayed in the area, looked at my tank and realized I was getting down to the last quarter.”
In some cases, drivers said they have never paid this much for gas.
"I don't know what the middle class will do if something doesn't change," said Megan Allen, who sells insurance.
Allen said her weekly gas bill has gone from $35 to $45. Since she has the option, Allen said she's decided to work from home.
"A lot of us don't make a lot of money. Our little extra is being used in gas," she said.
Barton and Allen said they realize that everyone doesn’t have the option to work from home. Yet they hope it is something employers will consider to help those struggling with the rising cost at the pump.
"If there is anything positive about COVID, it taught us how to work from home," said Allen.
