crap at work for wearing "Gym clothes" and eating at my desk

lasarabande

A little about myself:

I work in a business district where everyone at my work dresses business casual, here in SoCal weather. It is common practice to see people running around in the streets with gym clothes, casual, business clothes with running shoes.

I just finished the Biggest Loser competition at work (10 weeks) in first place but I'm still somewhat continuing my normal routine. I usually go for a walk or jog during lunch and then eat at my desk right after. I work in IT so I can't wear heels as a lady who may need to haul some equipment. I have to be wearing comfortable enough clothes. I have a workout buddy during lunch and she has been working here for 10 years. I just started last year. She wears a t shirt for longer periods of time than I do but she didn't get crap for it.

I wear something like this to work:

(sorry this picture was taken online but it was the best description I could find)
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UL3nAuiQRrI/Uj92EfOG4FI/AAAAAAAAAuk/uXGG2K1y_To/s640/blogger-image-1859456157.jpg

I walk outside and remove my sweater. I come back inside for 5 minutes and cool off every time. Then I put my sweater back on. I never wore shorts to work (absolutely against the rules), and my boss told me just recently that someone told him that I was wearing gym clothes to work on a day he wasn't here. I never change how I dress. He's fine with how I dress but he told me that I should look into this.

On top of that I was told to stop eating at my desk while I work (everyone does this all the time) and to hide my gym shoes where it can't be seen. I have a good relationship with everyone in my office but I don't know why I got this crap from anonymous people.

I know I may be overreacting but it really hit me hard since no one has told me and it just hit me like someone was super offended by the way I dress like in that picture. How should I approach this? I'm trying to brush this off but it made me so upset I skipped out on gym last night (I usually go every day).

mrsmarit

On top of that I was told to stop eating at my desk while I work (everyone does this all the time) and to hide my gym shoes where it can't be seen. I have a good relationship with everyone in my office but I don't know why I got this crap from anonymous people.

I know I may be overreacting but it really hit me hard since no one has told me and it just hit me like someone was super offended by the way I dress like in that picture. How should I approach this? I'm trying to brush this off but it made me so upset I skipped out on gym last night (I usually go every day).

I too recently received grief at work about eating microwaved foods at my desk as they "smell" (yeah smell delicious.) So now I spend 15-20 minutes in the morning eating in the break room because someone didn't like the smell of my breakfast sausage.

rieann84

Someone sounds jealous that you won. Maybe consider changing from gym shoes into work shoes at the car? Don't let it get you down or make you stop what you're doing. Life is going to throw obstacles at you all the time and you have to roll with the punches. Just don't slack and keep vigilant about looking "proper" or whatever for a while and hopefully this will all blow over.

TriShamelessly

Sounds like petty jealousy - perhaps from one of the BL contestants who didn't finish first. Comply with your boss' directive, but don't let that stop you from your routine. If you do let it interfere, the other person won. So kisk some jealous *kitten* and get back to the gym, jog, whatever. Best wishes!

RoughDiamondUK

I too recently received grief at work about eating microwaved foods at my desk as they "smell" (yeah smell delicious.) So now I spend 15-20 minutes in the morning eating in the break room because someone didn't like the smell of my breakfast sausage.

What you may find delicious, others may not. The smell of tea makes me feel sick for example -- if someone was sat next to me and drank it, I would have to move away. Maybe your microwaved food has the same effect on one of your co-workers as tea does on me. Or perhaps someone just doesn't want you to eat at your desk (are you a noisy eater?) and mentioning the smell was seen as a nicer thing to say than the real reason.

(Edit for typo. Apparently I have Easter on the brain!)

enterdanger

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UL3nAuiQRrI/Uj92EfOG4FI/AAAAAAAAAuk/uXGG2K1y_To/s640/blogger-image-1859456157.jpg

ugh, where do you work? Concrete walls and drop ceiling. Looks like an institution. They should have no beef with your clothes if that's the ambience.

I'm kind of a jerk, but I would ignore everything until the source of the complaint rears its ugly head and then take my revenge. It sounds like 1 or 2 people have a grudge against you. They'll out themselves eventually.

Plus, how dumb is it to mess with someone in IT. Guess they don't like having email and the internet.

tibby531

haters gonna hate.

I wouldn't stop doing what you're doing. it sounds fine. your boss has no problem with the way you dress. it's just people probably thinking you're trying to show off instead of just trying to take care of yourself.

I would, however, suggest that if the "gym clothes" complaint is made again, it should include a picture of you, in your gym clothes, in the office. the proof is in the pudding.

stay strong! don't let them win. your health is worth a little hassle.

best of luck!

StaciMarie1974

People get jealous of others. Could be they are jealous of your success - or you indirectly make them feel guilty about their own choices.

jeschauvin

Sounds like some people are jealous. If it wasn't jealousy they would have come to you personally to air their grievance. Sometimes people give me a hard time about things. Someone told me I was going to become "one of those weird people" because I said I was weaning myself off sweeteners. If that's weird I welcome myself to that club.

I love that green cardigan.

juggernaut1974

I too recently received grief at work about eating microwaved foods at my desk as they "smell" (yeah smell delicious.)

I don't know...I have to sort of agree with this. I guess depending on your office environment.

I'm a CPA, and I have clients in my office often and don't particularly appreciate having someone's "reheated leftover Chinese" smell wafting through the vents as I'm trying to discuss taxes. Especially if you have a designated break room available.

Then again, I'm not petty enough to squabble over it either.

iuhoosiergirl25

The same exact thing happened to me at work. It affected me so much I still think about it and it was 12 YEARS AGO! It really bothered me because I didnt know anyone felt that way...and to complain to my boss!!! Grrrr. I dont have any solution other than keep calm and carry on! Some people are weird and you cant do anything about it. And no matter what....DO NOT let it stop you from working out or staying on track. Dont give these idiots your power! Go to the gym when you are upset, the endorphins will make you feel better !

Zaftique

On top of that I was told to stop eating at my desk while I work (everyone does this all the time) and to hide my gym shoes where it can't be seen. I have a good relationship with everyone in my office but I don't know why I got this crap from anonymous people.

I know I may be overreacting but it really hit me hard since no one has told me and it just hit me like someone was super offended by the way I dress like in that picture. How should I approach this? I'm trying to brush this off but it made me so upset I skipped out on gym last night (I usually go every day).

I too recently received grief at work about eating microwaved foods at my desk as they "smell" (yeah smell delicious.) So now I spend 15-20 minutes in the morning eating in the break room because someone didn't like the smell of my breakfast sausage.

To be fair, my BF eats those lil jimmy dean breakfast sausage muffin whatevers, and they make me wanna hurk if I'm trapped in the car with em. Something about breakfast meats... I can eat bacon, but I let other people cook it.

I also have the benefit of my desk being reception, i.e. I have the entire lobby to myself to stink up as I please, muahahahaaa..

To OP: It looks like you wear what I see pretty much everyone wear in our building, but here is a question - do you not change your shirt when you do your lunchtime exercise? Taking off/putting on a sweater won't really help if your actual shirt gets a little fragrant, and sometimes you really do need another set of nostrils to tell; we're surrounded by our own scent, so we're not always the best judge if it ripens somewhat. We have people who bike to work, and they bring a fresh shirt with them.

sway1080

Ugh it drives me crazy how some people act in offices. The way you look is fine in your picture. I work in the same kind of business casual office..people complained because I burn't my popcorn once..now I have to make sure I don't eat popcorn or barely pop the bag to make people happy. Sounds like this person in your office doesn't have enough to do..don't worry about it though there's people like this in every office.


People need to mind their own business. Keep goin' and don't let it getcha down (Cause you look GREAT. Probably some person who is jealous of your success)

mrsmarit

I too recently received grief at work about eating microwaved foods at my desk as they "smell" (yeah smell delicious.) So now I spend 15-20 minutes in the morning eating in the break room because someone didn't like the smell of my breakfast sausage.

What you may find delicious, others may not. The smell of tea makes me feel sick for example -- if someone was sat next to me and drank it, I would have to move away. Maybe your microwaved food has the same effect on one of your co-workers as tea does on me. Or perhaps someone just doesn't want you to eat at your desk (are you a noisy easter?) and mentioning the smell was seen as a nicer thing to say than the real reason.

It's not how loud I eat... I think it's the fact that my bosses are vegetarians and they don't like the smell of meat in the office. However I have to deal with our CFO and her smelly nasty incense that gives me a headache.

And they made it a department mandate.. not just me but I know I am the main reason. They rule also doesn't seem to apply to the other departments though. I see them microwave stuff all the time and take it back to their desk to eat.

It's just an annoying situation.

Kimdbro

Sounds like petty jealousy - perhaps from one of the BL contestants who didn't finish first. Comply with your boss' directive, but don't let that stop you from your routine. If you do let it interfere, the other person won. So kisk some jealous *kitten* and get back to the gym, jog, whatever. Best wishes!

^^This X1000

sway1080

Plus, how dumb is it to mess with someone in IT. Guess they don't like having email and the internet.

This!! XD

loriq41

Sounds like mean people..hell, I have to endure my coworker who sits behind me knowingly making sure she "mmmmmmmmm's" and "ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh's" over the great smelling calzones and other fattening things **** that she eats in front of me (I think she does it on purpose)...but as much as that is torturous, when she is in front of me and I see her *kitten* is getting fat..well i feel better...hahahahahahahahaha

Collier78

A little about myself:

I work in a business district where everyone at my work dresses business casual, here in SoCal weather. It is common practice to see people running around in the streets with gym clothes, casual, business clothes with running shoes.

I just finished the Biggest Loser competition at work (10 weeks) in first place but I'm still somewhat continuing my normal routine. I usually go for a walk or jog during lunch and then eat at my desk right after. I work in IT so I can't wear heels as a lady who may need to haul some equipment. I have to be wearing comfortable enough clothes. I have a workout buddy during lunch and she has been working here for 10 years. I just started last year. She wears a t shirt for longer periods of time than I do but she didn't get crap for it.

I wear something like this to work:

(sorry this picture was taken online but it was the best description I could find)


I walk outside and remove my sweater. I come back inside for 5 minutes and cool off every time. Then I put my sweater back on. I never wore shorts to work (absolutely against the rules), and my boss told me just recently that someone told him that I was wearing gym clothes to work on a day he wasn't here. I never change how I dress. He's fine with how I dress but he told me that I should look into this.

On top of that I was told to stop eating at my desk while I work (everyone does this all the time) and to hide my gym shoes where it can't be seen. I have a good relationship with everyone in my office but I don't know why I got this crap from anonymous people.

I know I may be overreacting but it really hit me hard since no one has told me and it just hit me like someone was super offended by the way I dress like in that picture. How should I approach this? I'm trying to brush this off but it made me so upset I skipped out on gym last night (I usually go every day).

FIFY

AllOutof_Bubblegum

I too recently received grief at work about eating microwaved foods at my desk as they "smell" (yeah smell delicious.) So now I spend 15-20 minutes in the morning eating in the break room because someone didn't like the smell of my breakfast sausage.

What you may find delicious, others may not. The smell of tea makes me feel sick for example -- if someone was sat next to me and drank it, I would have to move away. Maybe your microwaved food has the same effect on one of your co-workers as tea does on me. Or perhaps someone just doesn't want you to eat at your desk (are you a noisy easter?) and mentioning the smell was seen as a nicer thing to say than the real reason.

This. I happen to find the smell of breakfast sausages, (along with the looks and taste of it) absolutely repugnant. I would have complained, too.

lilawolf

You jog at lunch without changing your shirt? Maybe the problem is that you smell bad, but they didn't want to be rude? I certainly would stink if I ran/sweated in my work clothing and then just threw a sweater back over. If that is the case you ARE working in your workout clothes (since you worked out in them).

RoughDiamondUK

I walk outside and remove my sweater. I come back inside for 5 minutes and cool off every time. Then I put my sweater back on. I never wore shorts to work (absolutely against the rules), and my boss told me just recently that someone told him that I was wearing gym clothes to work on a day he wasn't here. I never change how I dress. He's fine with how I dress but he told me that I should look into this.

On top of that I was told to stop eating at my desk while I work (everyone does this all the time) and to hide my gym shoes where it can't be seen. I have a good relationship with everyone in my office but I don't know why I got this crap from anonymous people.

I know I may be overreacting but it really hit me hard since no one has told me and it just hit me like someone was super offended by the way I dress like in that picture. How should I approach this? I'm trying to brush this off but it made me so upset I skipped out on gym last night (I usually go every day).

I really like your outfit and don't see a problem with it. I think that someone is jealous of your success and is trying to undermine you. Don't let them win. If the weather is nice can you eat outside somewhere, instead of at your desk? Hiding your gym shoes I don't see as unreasonable -- even if you don't have members of the public see where you work it just creates a less professional image having gym kit hanging around. Even if others eat at their desks and leave their kit hanging around, take the high road and lead by example. Show the rest of them up -- including whoever is trying to sabotage you -- by being better than them.

tigersword

Gym clothes aren't "business casual." Maybe you should worry more about adhering to the rules, and worry less about what other people are doing.

geebusuk

You work in IT?
Go check through their emails and see what you can find .

I was recently asked a) not to eat my ready meal at my desk then b) not to eat my packet of cooked chicken breast at my desk.
I'm doing programming and IT stuff, but am sat in the front-office of a small business where customers come in.
In the end, they're the ones paying me, so it's their rules. When I've been the boss, I make the rules .

krawhitham

Definitely jealousy and/or sexism. A lot of times men can dress down while women in the same work place are expected to wear dresses, skirts etc... Either way, you're dressed totally fine. I wouldn't change anything if I were you.

Train4Foodz

People get jealous of others. Could be they are jealous of your success - or you indirectly make them feel guilty about their own choices.

^^ This ^^

bethanycopley1980

I keep a pair of sneakers under my desk and pack gym clothes with me, so that hasnt been a problem if I wanted to walk or something during lunch. Get some cleansing cloths for sweat and a little powder for hairline and change out of your clothes back into business wear when you are done.

MizTerry

That's what I wear to work normally because I work in a warehouse. I change clothes for the gym though because yeah, I glow a lot when working out.

There have been some changes in our office rules lately and one of them is no eating at our desks. I can kind of see not eating at the desk due to crumbs and such getting in the keyboards. It may not be the smell of your food, it could be the keyboards are getting icky...not you personally, they just have to set an across the board rule.

blondageh

Is that a dude in a t-shirt and shorts behind you? :laugh: I think you look perfectly acceptable in an IT crowd. Had you not posted that picture, I wouldn't have thrown out the "jealousy" card, but I honestly cannot think it is anything else other than that. You have lost about 35lbs and look good! Whoever has a problem with this and mentioned it to your boss is pretty darn petty. You do you girl. I wouldn't change a thing.

lasarabande

Thanks for the insight guys!! btw I mentioned that picture was from the internet I did a google search on. It's not me! It's just the best picture I could find that fits the description of what I wear at work.

As for the food thing, I eat veggies, a shake, and green tea for lunch. None of them smell at all.

ren_ascent

Sounds like some people are jealous. If it wasn't jealousy they would have come to you personally to air their grievance. Sometimes people give me a hard time about things. Someone told me I was going to become "one of those weird people" because I said I was weaning myself off sweeteners. If that's weird I welcome myself to that club.

I love that green cardigan.

I have to say it. Your abs are so awesome! You must work your *kitten* off to get them like that!

thavoice

Listen to your boss.

Plain and simple.


If someone is petty and jealous, and if there are more than 1 woman working there it is probably true, then that is their own issues.