Every time I go to the breakroom at work, a different coworker tries to sell me something.
By @ineslol · Work
Our office has slowly turned into a marketplace for side hustles. I can't even get a cup of coffee without getting a sales pitch for leggings, supplements, or meal prep kits.
The full story
About six months ago, our company updated its policies to be more 'supportive of employee entrepreneurial spirit,' which I think was corporate-speak for 'we can't give you a raise, so figure it out.' At first it was fine, just one person who sold custom-printed mugs. Kind of cute. Now, it's a full-blown bazaar. My manager's wife makes artisanal candles, and he leaves a catalog on his desk. The guy from accounting sells protein shakes and corners you by the water cooler to talk about 'investment opportunities.' A woman in marketing has a legging 'business' and is constantly complimenting my outfit before asking if I've ever considered 'the comfort and freedom of her brand.' I'm all for people making extra money, I truly am. But it's becoming impossible to have a normal, non-transactional conversation. The other day, I was visibly stressed about a deadline, and a coworker told me her essential oil blend could help with my focus, and that she had a starter kit in her car. I just want to microwave my lunch without having to awkwardly decline a business proposal. I feel like saying something to HR would be a massive overreaction and paint me as 'not a team player,' but the constant, low-grade pressure is driving me insane. Do I just start bringing a thermos and never enter the breakroom again?
How people voted
- Totally Cooked — 33% (8 votes)
- It’s Complicated — 38% (9 votes)
- You’re Fine — 29% (7 votes)
Readers are split: “It’s Complicated” leads with 38% — 24 votes and 5 comments so far.
What people are saying
@brynnkindof — Have you considered just saying 'no thank you'?
@mel — What are the odds you've accidentally shown interest and now can't figure out how to say no?
@reeseyk — A man's breakroom is his castle; that's the bottom line.
@welpokay — Cooked.
@claireb — This sounds like my personal nightmare.
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