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Any particular reason you can't handle incidents while out and about? I know it varies by situation. When I've been on call I've been able to mostly go about m

Any particular reason you can't handle incidents while out and about? I know it varies by situation. When I've been on call I've been able to mostly go about my life. I just had to keep my laptop close, stay in cell signal, and accept I would sometimes have interruptions (typically brief). We fought to keep them infrequent enough that they didn't ruin our lives.

cdnthrownawy39 2y ago
Not the GP, but I was in a similar situation. It was a requirement to be able to get to the office if the situation required the lab to diagnose the problem.
dkdbejwi383 2y ago
I do long(ish) distance running as a hobby - it's not feasible to take a laptop out on a two hour run. If I want to go meet a friend for a drink or food, I have to lug around a backpack, keep an eye on it to make sure it's not stolen. If I wanted to have a beer or wine, I can't because I may need to work at any point. Favourite band is performing? I suppose you could take a backpack and the laptop to the venue, but again there's a chance it's pinched, and they'll make you check it at the cloakroom for the performance.
- 9rx 2y ago
  I use my pocket computer if something comes up. It's not nearly as pleasant to use, granted, but way more pleasant than carrying a laptop everywhere. But I also wouldn't hesitate to have a beer if the desire arose. Perhaps I'm just not as committed to my work as you.
- jobs_throwaway 2y ago
  > If I wanted to have a beer or wine, I can't because I may need to work at any point. One beer or glass of wine renders you incapable? I'd be totally comfortable having 1-2 drinks on call.
- dharmab 2y ago
  > If I want to go meet a friend for a drink or food, I have to lug around a backpack, keep an eye on it to make sure it's not stolen. If I wanted to have a beer or wine, I can't because I may need to work at any point. If this is a stated requirement from your employer, talk to a lawyer. This is a common litmus test for whether you need to be paid while on call, even if you aren't actively working. Depending on the jurisdiction you may be entitled to pay (or trigger a relaxation of your company's policies).
  - smadge 2y ago
    Does that apply to salaried/FLSA-exempt workers?
    - dharmab 2y ago
      Depends on the jurisdiction, talk to a lawyer to find out.

cdnthrownawy39 2y ago

Not the GP, but I was in a similar situation. It was a requirement to be able to get to the office if the situation required the lab to diagnose the problem.

dkdbejwi383 2y ago

I do long(ish) distance running as a hobby - it's not feasible to take a laptop out on a two hour run. If I want to go meet a friend for a drink or food, I have to lug around a backpack, keep an eye on it to make sure it's not stolen. If I wanted to have a beer or wine, I can't because I may need to work at any point. Favourite band is performing? I suppose you could take a backpack and the laptop to the venue, but again there's a chance it's pinched, and they'll make you check it at the cloakroom for the performance.

9rx 2y ago
I use my pocket computer if something comes up. It's not nearly as pleasant to use, granted, but way more pleasant than carrying a laptop everywhere. But I also wouldn't hesitate to have a beer if the desire arose. Perhaps I'm just not as committed to my work as you.
jobs_throwaway 2y ago
> If I wanted to have a beer or wine, I can't because I may need to work at any point. One beer or glass of wine renders you incapable? I'd be totally comfortable having 1-2 drinks on call.
dharmab 2y ago
> If I want to go meet a friend for a drink or food, I have to lug around a backpack, keep an eye on it to make sure it's not stolen. If I wanted to have a beer or wine, I can't because I may need to work at any point. If this is a stated requirement from your employer, talk to a lawyer. This is a common litmus test for whether you need to be paid while on call, even if you aren't actively working. Depending on the jurisdiction you may be entitled to pay (or trigger a relaxation of your company's policies).
- smadge 2y ago
  Does that apply to salaried/FLSA-exempt workers?
  - dharmab 2y ago
    Depends on the jurisdiction, talk to a lawyer to find out.