18:07 here: Sorry if my comment seemed overly dismissive. I totally get that walking by yourself at night is nerve-wracking. It's hard to get over that fear, even if you know it's irrational. But I still try to remind myself not to worry so much.

OP, good luck getting your work done.

OP here-thanks for the comments. While I would love for my husband to pick me up, someone has to stay with our two kids! I know that my chances of getting mugged are low, but it makes me nervous nonetheless to walk by myself in the middle of the night when there is basically no one around. We don't have security and we're not the type of office where people are routinely burning the midnight oil. So, it's just me tonight! I decided to park in the garage since it is secure and protected by a keycard. I think I just watched too many CSI and Without a Trace episodes where everything bad happens in the "deserted parking garage." Anyway, I'm here now and my biggest problem is not getting my head in the game and actually do the work! Thanks again.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just relax and stop worrying so much. The chance that anyone will bother you on the way to your car is incredibly low (much lower than the risk of being killed or seriously injured during your drive home on a normal day, which is a risk that you never even think about).

Uh, really?!? Let's see, I personally know three people who were mugged and two that were sexually assaulted, while they were walking to their car. Are you from this area?

The OP isn't working in Anacostia, she's working in Fairfax County. I grew up in one of the worst parts of Fairfax County, and no one I know has ever been harmed on the way to his/her car there. I'm sure it has happened, but it's really rare. People are way too paranoid.

Anonymous wrote:Just relax and stop worrying so much. The chance that anyone will bother you on the way to your car is incredibly low (much lower than the risk of being killed or seriously injured during your drive home on a normal day, which is a risk that you never even think about).

Uh, really?!? Let's see, I personally know three people who were mugged and two that were sexually assaulted, while they were walking to their car. Are you from this area?

My husband would come and pick me up

Just relax and stop worrying so much. The chance that anyone will bother you on the way to your car is incredibly low (much lower than the risk of being killed or seriously injured during your drive home on a normal day, which is a risk that you never even think about).

Is the above-ground parking right next to your building? Do you have the option of moving your car at some point during the evening so you are in the spot closest to the building entrance (and therefore most likely well-lit)? I can see why you'd be more comfortable in the open. Agree with keeping one hand free, even if it means using a wheeling briefcase and a backpack.

I also vote for the garage. Some former co-workers in similar situations always chose garage parking over street parking. And as PP suggested, have someone escort you if possible. Also, call DH just before you leave your office and have him call you a couple minutes later to make sure you got to your car safely and are on your way home.

does your building have security? Can you ask them to escort you?

I'd park in the garage.

I'd park in as well lit place as possible, with the shortest walking distance. Carry your papers in a tote or bag you can manage with one hand. Carry mace ready to fire in the other. I used to have it attached to my key ring when I worked evening shift at the Baltimore City Jail. Vary the times you leave.

I have major trial prep tonight and will be in the office until after midnight. My office is not in the city but in a part of Fairfax County that is pretty dead during non business hours. So, I have the option of above ground parking or a garage that is locked and is only opened through a key card. My husband says to park in the garage since it is secure but I feel much more comfortable in the open. Its a pretty safe area but I definitely am a little nervous of leaving since I will literally have my hands full of papers, files, etc. I'd be curious what anybody else has done?