Reply #118: Well, where do we draw the line?

[phylny]

Let's not only look at the "danger" factor, but what about the productivity factor?

Say I work in a small book store, and I am supposed to start working at 4:30 p.m. until the store closes. I have to leave at 4 p.m. to get there on time. At 2 p.m., a friend brings over some pot. In the past, I've always come "down" and have been able to function realy well about one hour or so after smoking, so I partake. Since the "quality" or potency of the pot can vary (after all, it's not a prescription drug where I know the effects might last for a certain period of time), I'm taking a gamble, but I know myself pretty well, and I think I have plenty of time to spare before I have to drive into work.

Well, my friend has brought over some pretty great stuff, and I find that when I need to leave for work, I'm still a bit buzzed.

I have some options:

- Call in late and go when I can - I can't drive this way. Of course, I may be inconveniencing someone else who was supposed to go home and can't. Oh, and my boss who has counted on me may be one employee late, but I can't drive and I can't go in high.

- Call off - I'm too tired, and I'll be too late. I've just left my boss and my coworkers in a lurch.

- Drive in even though I'm not quite feeling like "myself" - risking possible injury to myself or others as I drive.

- Drive in - have a safe trip - but be less than clear-headed, less than productive for a while after I get to work. My boss expects a certain quality of work that I cannot deliver.

So, here's a job that's not really crucial - no heavy machinery, no people to fly around in the air, no criminals to capture - but my decision may possibly have an effect on someone.

So, where do we draw the line?