diff --git a/src/file.c b/src/file.c
index ba3a1ee..fa60950 100644
--- a/src/file.c
+++ b/src/file.c
@@ -331,7 +331,12 @@ static int new_filedir(GETSDIR_ENTRY *o_dirdat, int flushit)
     return -1;
   } 
 
-  rval = chdir(work_dir);
+  /* chdir success doesn't guarantee that directory is readable */
+  if(access(work_dir, R_OK) == 0)
+    rval = chdir(work_dir);
+  else
+    rval = -1;
+
   if (rval == 0) {
     /* was able to change to new working directory */
     free(prev_dir);