I'm grumpy because my mouth is on fire. |
(Let
me start this little rant by stating that I have nothing against
people who smoke. Everyone has their own addictions and vices that
make their lives complete and it yours is sticking a burning roll of
paper and plant matter into your mouth and breathing toxic smoke into
your lungs, more power to you. My own personal vices include
Caffeine and Chocolate so who am I to judge? Now having said that
bit of nice nice, onwards with the rant!)
So
as most of the people who read my blogs (all four of you) know, I
recently started a seasonal job working in retail. Since it is my
first job of any kind in five years, I am very happy with this turn
of events especially with the holidays coming up. For the most part,
the two weeks I have worked so far have been very enjoyable and more
than a little amusing. However, Friday Morning (Black Friday) I had
to work from 1am to 7am alongside a young lady and found myself
getting more and more annoyed.
Now
before I go any further, I have to state that this young lady is a
very hard working individual. She works a full time job and two part
time jobs while attending law classes and raising an 8 year old
daughter. For the most part, her work ethic seems to be exceptional.
However, her actions last night reminded me of one of my most
intense pet peeves when it comes to Smokers. During the 6 hours we
worked together, she left the kiosk area no less than 8 times for at
least 10 minutes at a time to go outside “for a smoke.”
Folks
I have news for your smokers out there who seem to think that the
world has to pause so that you can feed your addiction. Stepping
outside to fill your lungs with smoke is not a right. It isn't a
Federally Mandated Break. You don't have the right to stop working
and leave just because you need a nicotine fix. You either need to
wait till it is time for your break (if you get one) or wait till you
get off work. It is that simple. The few times I have been
management or owned my own business with employees, if I caught them
skipping work to puff up, they would have been disciplined.
I like smoking because it makes me feel pretty. |
Smokers
who seem to think they deserve smoke breaks would be highly put out
if I said, “Whups, my caffeine levels are dangerously low. I need
to find a coffee machine and brew myself an espresso. I'll be back
in 15 minutes.” Hell, I actually had a smoker complain during my
last seasonal job when I had to stop and check my blood sugar levels
because I was feeling horribly ill. Keep in mind he had already
stopped for three smoke breaks in the four hours we had been working.
Duct tape optional |
This
is a free country, folks and you have the right to ruin your health
with whatever vice or addiction that you chose. Go for it! If you
want to mainline Drano, then more power to you. If you want to shove
gerbils up your bum, have fun. However, don't expect the rest of the
world to give a flying flick about it or your fellow employees to
compensate while you go do it. Most organizations give a half hour
to hour lunch and at least one fifteen minute break for full time
employees. Wait till one of those breaks to go indulge your
addictions. If you don't get breaks, then suck it up and wait till
your shift is over. Your withdrawal is not my problem or concern.
End of Rant
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