'My meeting takes precedence': Remote-working couple juggle sharing computer monitor between their two jobs

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Remy Millisky • Writer and Editor
Apr 25, 2023 3:00 PM EDT

A remote-working couple is stressing each other out, writing, "This is very petty, but we need some help."

Working remotely is heaven on Earth for most employees! In-office work has it's perks, like getting to talk to your coworkers in person, and making you focus on your work, since you're in that type of environment. But if you've ever done remote work, you know the amazing feeling of working while chilling on your couch in sweatpants, comfy and unbothered. 

Then again, if you live with a spouse or kids, it's a whole different story. Remote work isn't perfect when you have to share your "office space" with your husband or wife. This couple knows that all too well, because they're squabbling over a computer monitor, which they both need for their online meetings. The OP shared this story, which you can read below, and commenters unanimously claimed they were NTA. 

After that, check out this teen's unbelievable story of uninhibited malicious compliance at their workplace, a smoothie store. 

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  • 01
    Font - r/AmItheA u/Stressydepressy31 AITA for prioritizing my work over my partner's. Posted by This is very petty but we need some help. I work fully remotely, and my partner is hybrid. We have two desks, one with a monitor and one without. Through their job, my partner gets funding to buy home office electronics (like second monitors) and priced them out, but then never bought one. It's been nearly six months. They're "perfectly content using mine" when they're at home.
    via u/Stressydepressy31
  • 02
    Font - But here's the problem - I need the second monitor regularly. My laptop doesn't have a camera, so I have to take meetings from that specific desk. But they also need the second monitor for their work.
    via u/Stressydepressy31
  • 03
    Font - Today, we have overlapping meetings, and both want the desk. I said I need it. It's my second monitor from my job, and we are having a big meeting with our project funders. My partner also needs it. They have a big meeting with another dept. I basically said, tough luck, this is why you should have gotten a second monitor. They said, let's find a way to compromise.
    via u/Stressydepressy31
  • 04
    Font - They're right, of course, we should find better ways to compromise in the meantime. But long term? I think they should get their own second monitor. And today? My meeting takes precedence. My boss and project partners expect me to be on camera using the office tech that they provided when I went remote.
    via u/Stressydepressy31
  • 05
    Font - I know it's going to make my partner's life harder, and I do feel a little harsh. So. Am I the ? a
    via u/Stressydepressy31
  • 06
    Font - Filosifee Parta ipant [3] NTA - you're not prioritizing your work over your partners. Your partner has failed to prioritize their own work for the last half year and is being piy because you're setting a boundary today.
    via u/Filosifee
  • 07
    Font - SDstartingOut Commander in Cheeks [252] NTA. If I understand this right - the equipment you are fighting over was provided by YOUR company. You are absolutely right; and depending on your company's IT policy, you may even be violating it by letting your partner use company equipment. (if it's considered company equipment)
    via u/SDstartingOut
  • 08
    Font - OkeyDokey234 A Enthusiast [5] Your company paid for it? Then your job takes priority. Absolutely no question. This isn't an emergency situation where your partner's monitor died at the last minute. They've simply been too lazy or whatever to get one. Which is unfortunate for them, but is not your company's problem to solve. And as others have pointed out, they could easily go to the office today.
    via u/OkeyDokey234
  • 09
    Font - cametobemean That's what I was thinking. Where I work, letting my husband use even my company's monitor would get me fired as soon as they found out. It's just a no-no. NTA, at all.
    via u/cametobemean
  • 10
    Font - His Dukka Partassipant [1] ΝΤΑ The monitor is not yours, it belongs to the company which employs you and expects it to be used for you to do your job. Bf is an adult who needs a lesson in personal responsibility. He chose not to obtain the necessary tools to do his job correctly. Not your problem. He fed around and found out. Natural consequences are the best teachers. Tell him he needs to order a monitor today. End of discussion.
    via u/HisDukka
  • 11
    Font - RandomizedNameSystem Aficionado [15] A ΝΤΑ This is like someone saying, "I'm not hungry, I'll have a bit of yours." No - get your own meal. I'll pay for it.
    via u/RandomizedNameSystem
  • 12
    Font - CheeseAndPasta97 Certified Proctologist [29] NTA. Tell your partner to stop being lazy and get the second monitor that their job funds. Your second monitor is for YOUR job.
    via u/CheeseAndPasta97
  • 13
    Gesture - Horses77 "They said, let's find a way to compromise" Is the compromise in question you letting them use the monitor? NTA
    via u/Horses77
  • 14
    Font - melancholtea Well well well if it isn't the consequences of THEIR actions. It's you and your work's monitor. Your partner's negligence isn't your responsibility. edit: NTA
    via u/melancholtea
  • 15
    Font - Ok-Carpet5433 ΝΤΑ I'm also curious how your partner's employer would react if they find out that your partner cannot do their job as required because they didn't buy the necessary equipment with the money that was provided by the employer.
    via u/Ok-Carpet5433

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remote jobs work stories work monitor computer partner
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