negative job environment

[Happy107]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this site and decided to join b/c of the great, supportive responses I read. I need some advice. I currently work in an office in a cubicle and I have only worked here for about three months (used to work at a public accounting firm, with an hour commute and crazy hours). The issue is I work in a very small office with extremely close minded people that are CONSTANTLY making comments about how I eat, even though I only mention it when necessary. I don't like what I am doing and am in the process of changing careers. But due to my mortgage and other bills, I am kind of stuck at my job for the moment (I do get paid very well for my age) and I can't really leave until I pay down my debt.

So I need some advice on how to deal with being in such a negative environment. I feel as though it is eating away at me. I know I am letting them get to me but it is hard not to when i am around it 8 hrs a day.

Any suggestions/advice etc is welcome!!!

Thanks=)

[Eva]

What a tough situation... But doable! I left an environment that was not ideal and now teach people about raw foods. I was making a ton of money and had to cut expenses because now I'm making a fraction of what I did.

Our house is not too expensive and fully paid. Not many people have that luxury, including yourself. I really empathise with your situation as we have many friends in a similar boat. Some have lost their houses after losing a job. It could be worse (or better, depending on how you look at it, I suppose!)...

I'd make sure you take time out for yourself, during and after the workday. Do something alone right after that recharges you, like run, walk, bike, swim, pray, sing, whatever. During the workday, take breaks as often as a smoker would. You're entitled to breathing space.

And recognize that it is temporary, and that (if you choose to) you can enjoy even the most challenging environment. Force yourself to smile. Open yourself to whatever growth and learning you can find. It WILL benefit you when you're "out." I promise!

[ruffsongraw]

hi & welcome,

if you say "as little as possible" i would say even less. really NONE. if you were met with interest/open-mindedness, i would say to share if you wanted to, but if you are met with that attitude then it's really pointless to share and receive that energy of them being negative/nono-receptive/judgmental.
what you eat is nobody's business but your own. period. and in the work place, after only 3 months, when you dont really intend to stay longer than you have to---i would stay to myself and not respond or discuss your own personal eating habits, which are none of their business.
where i work the 2 other ppl in similar positions to mine are not negative about what i eat, b/c i keep that time of the day (1 hour) to myself, doing my own thing-- if it's errands or eating my fruits/salad in my own space. but they are negative about other things and i have to to try to not let that hurt my feelings. it's only 8 hours, they are not family and ultimately their oipinion of me isnt relevant to my life. it woudl be nice to all get along and be happy/cheerful, but sadly most places are not that way.

if you are friendly with them in other ways but only this way is negatively reacted to by them, thne you can always nicely say "our dietary choices are our own to make, so let's not make *my* choices the topic of conversation please".

: /
goodluck!

jen

[rawrawks]

when you are totally good where you are and with what you eat, it wont matter what they say.....and leave mentally when this happens, if you cant physically.

[margoss]

they may feel guilty about themselves so they come down on you..kwim? Try to leave the office at lunch even if it's to go eat outside in the open or your car. Leaving the place for just a short time can lift you up. YOu'll feel better walking in, look better. This may get them more, but honestly try to let it go. I know it can be hard. My family is very negative about life in general especiallly me. I also worked with people like this. When they are ugly, just smile & comment something like, "we all make our own choices. I don't judge your decisions." I'm sure most of it is jealousy. That's such an ugly habit. Hope you get something else soon!!

[EZ rider]

Maybe you could throw them off course by taking a box of donuts to work. You don't have to eat any just show that you are OK with their food choices and maybe they will be more tolerant of your garden food choices.

[spicyfull]

when you are totally good where you are and with what you eat, it wont matter what they say.....and leave mentally when this happens, if you cant physically.

I totally agree with you, although you PHRASED it SO WELL because I could have sumed it up in 2 little words. Thanks...........

[Happy107]

thanks everyone!! this is great advice!! i actually do leave every day and walk to a park close by that has a beautiful pond and eat my salad in peace while reading. I am working hard to let it go and just do my work. My fiance and I are very close to getting our debt down (we have already cut out all unnecessary stuff that we realized we didn't need). So seeing the light at the end of the tunnel is really helping matters.

Thanks again!!