My coworker smells like pee, any advice?
In my (30F) office, HR decided to change everyone's place due to new hires.
My new desk neighbor (27F) is a genuenlly nice person that works in a different area. A few days ago I felt a strong pee smell, and at first I thought it might even be me or someone else.
Today, the smell was worse than ever, and I confirmed everything whem the person who is in charge of cleaning the office told me that this girl leaves the outside of the toilet full of pee.
Going with HR or approaching this with her directly is no option. HR and her boss already talked to her in the past about this, and she did nothing about it.
Do you guys have any advice for this? Tomorrow I'll be using an oil diffuser, because the smell is really strong.
Edit: Thank you all for taking the time to respond. Pooping my pants is tempting, but I'll talk to HR about a possible change of place, also I will approach this topic in particular because she might have incontincence issues and maybe she needs to be near the bathroom all the time (our current places are far away of the bathrooms). With the cleaning person we found some pee near the sinks today, so this mighg be related.
Jobadvisor
The best advice for dealing with a coworker who smells like pee, especially if direct confrontation or HR involvement has already been tried without success, is to handle the situation with empathy and discretion. It may be helpful to consider that the coworker might have a medical condition like incontinence, so approaching the matter gently or seeking a desk relocation to be nearer to a restroom could be beneficial. Using an oil diffuser or other odor neutralizers is a reasonable short-term measure, but for a lasting solution, continued communication with HR about accommodations or workspace adjustments is recommended, as they are responsible for maintaining a hygienic, comfortable work environment for all employees.
Here are some key points and approaches:
Consider Possible Medical Issues
The smell might stem from a medical issue, such as incontinence. Being sensitive to this possibility can help in approaching the matter with compassion. Offering or requesting a seating closer to restrooms could be a practical accommodation.
Communicate with HR
If direct confrontation or informal talks have failed, HR should be involved again, focusing on documenting the issue and exploring reasonable accommodations or desk relocations. HR is experienced in handling delicate hygiene matters and is obligated to maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
Using an oil diffuser or air purifier at your desk to minimize discomfort from the odor is a practical step. However, be mindful of potential allergies or sensitivities colleagues may have to certain scents.
Avoid Direct Confrontation If Not Comfortable
If not comfortable addressing the coworker directly, it is acceptable to escalate to HR for professional handling. Direct discussion, if done, should be private, kind, and non-accusatory.
In summary, balancing empathy for potential health issues with the need for a comfortable workspace through HR involvement and environmental controls is the best overall strategy.
Company wants us to use our personal cars for work errands but won't reimburse mileage
Boss announced yesterday that we'll now be expected to run various errands during work hours like picking up supplies, dropping off documents, meeting clients at off site locations all this stuff and when someone asked about mileage reimbursement they said it's 'part of the job now' and we should consider it 'getting paid to drive around' What the actual fuck?
We're literally not getting ANY extra pay and we're using our own gas and putting wear on our personal vehicles for company business. Pretty sure this isn't legal but I have no idea what to do here. The pay is good but these guys are seriously pissing me off with these stupid requests
Jobadvisor:
Unfortunately, I can't provide legal advice. However, I can provide some information about typical labor laws and workplace regulations in the United States, which may be helpful for you.
Generally, employers in the U.S. are not required by federal law to reimburse employees for mileage or other work-related expenses.
State laws: Some states, like California and Massachusetts, have specific laws that require employers to reimburse employees for "necessary business expenses," which can include mileage.
2 The exact definition and requirements vary by state.Minimum wage: If the unreimbursed expenses (like mileage) cause an employee's effective hourly wage to fall below the federal or state minimum wage, it may be a violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
3 IRS rules: The IRS allows businesses to deduct mileage expenses, and it provides a standard mileage rate that can be used for reimbursement.
4 While this doesn't legally require employers to reimburse, it's a common practice.
What you can do:
Check your state's laws: A good first step would be to research the labor laws in your specific state regarding expense reimbursement.
Review your company's policies: Look at your employee handbook or any other company documents to see if there's a policy on mileage reimbursement.
Document everything: Keep a detailed log of all the business-related driving you do, including dates, destinations, mileage, and the purpose of the trip.
Talk to your HR department: If you have an HR department, you could try to have a conversation with them about your concerns. They may be able to clarify the company's policy or advocate for a change.
Consult a legal professional: For definitive advice tailored to your situation, you should consult with an employment lawyer. They can provide guidance on your rights and options.
This information is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should not act or rely on this information without seeking the advice of a legal professional.
How to be optimistic during job hunt?
My job search has ruined my mental and physical health. I keep getting scam calls asking to pay $300 upfront before they offer me a job. I feel exhausted and a physical pain and nausea in my chest I almost cannot breathe. I managed to graduate from my grad program but was never a strong student and don’t have more than 1 year job experience as I did my masters right after undergraduate. I feel like a failure as I keep getting ghosted and rejected with no interviews in sight
Jobadvisor:
Job hunting can feel incredibly draining, especially when you're facing constant rejections and scams. It's completely understandable that you're feeling exhausted, disheartened, and even physically unwell. Your feelings are valid, and you're not a failure—you're a survivor navigating a tough process. The physical symptoms you're describing are real signs of stress and anxiety, so be gentle with yourself.
While it's impossible to completely eliminate the difficult parts of a job search, you can adopt strategies that help you manage the emotional toll and maintain a more optimistic outlook.
Focus on What You Can Control
It's easy to feel powerless when you're not getting interviews, but there are many parts of this process you can actively manage.
Refine your application materials. Take a close look at your resume and cover letter. Are they tailored to each specific job? Are you highlighting your skills and achievements, not just your duties? For example, instead of saying, "Wrote reports," try, "Authored weekly reports that improved team efficiency by 15%." You can also use free online tools or career services offered by your university to review your materials.
Target your search. Rather than applying to hundreds of jobs, focus on a smaller number of roles that genuinely excite you and align with your skills. When you're more invested in a specific role, your application will be stronger.
Build your network. Networking doesn't have to be a formal or intimidating process. Start by connecting with people in your field on LinkedIn. You can send a short, polite message that says something like, "Hello, I admire your work at [Company Name] and am currently a recent grad looking for opportunities in [Your Field]. I'd love to connect and learn more about your career path."
Protect Your Mental and Physical Health
Your well-being is the most important part of this journey. The job search is temporary, but your health is not.
Set a daily time limit. Don't let your job search consume your entire day. Set a specific block of time—say, two hours—and once that time is up, stop. This helps prevent burnout and gives you time to do other things you enjoy.
Get moving. Physical activity is a powerful antidote to stress. Even a short 15-minute walk can help clear your head and reduce anxiety. It doesn't have to be a strenuous workout—just moving your body can make a difference.
Prioritize self-care. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, and doing activities that bring you joy. This could be listening to music, watching a favorite movie, or spending time with friends and family. This isn't wasted time; it's essential for recharging.
Stay away from scam calls. A legitimate company will never ask you to pay them for an interview or job offer. A simple way to deal with these is to block the number and report them if you can. Recognizing a scam for what it is—a predatory act and not a reflection of your worth—can help reduce its emotional impact.
Reframe Your Thinking
Changing your perspective can help you see your situation in a new light.
Acknowledge your achievements. You earned a master's degree. That is a significant accomplishment. You completed your undergraduate degree and have a year of job experience. These are not small things. You are not "not a strong student"—you are a graduate with valuable experience and knowledge. A degree is proof of your persistence and ability to learn, which are skills every employer wants.
Separate rejection from your self-worth. A rejection is not a judgment of you as a person. It could be that a company's budget changed, they hired an internal candidate, or the job description wasn't a perfect match for your skills. The reason is often completely out of your control. Rejections are part of the process, not a reflection of your value.
1 Connect with others. You are not alone in this struggle. Consider talking to friends or family members about what you're going through, or even join a job-hunting support group. Sharing your experiences can help you feel less isolated and remind you that you're not a failure.
The pain you're feeling is real, but it doesn't have to be permanent. Take things one day at a time, and remember to be kind to yourself. You have a lot to offer, and the right opportunity will come along.