How to deal with smokey environment as a nonsmoker

ValerieMartini2Olives
ValerieMartini2Olives Posts: 3,024 Member
in Success Stories
I quit smoking over a year ago and now I am repulsed to be around it. I cannot stand the smell. I can smell a smoker from a mile away. It is just a gross, vile habit.

I recently took a job at a casino that allows smoking. There is only one small section of nonsmoking, but it is only a slot section.

I have not been sick since I quit smoking. But since I started this job a month ago, I have already acquired a smoker's cough and had a cold which I cannot seem to shake.

Are there any tips to deal with a smoking environment as a nonsmoker?

Do not say "quit your job" because that is not an option. I worked my *kitten* off for nearly 2 months learning how to deal and paid a hefty sum to get my gaming license so I am seriously invested. And besides that, I make over $5 more an hour dealing than I did at my previous job.

Replies

  • 5ftnFun
    5ftnFun Posts: 948 Member
    Did you not know about the work environment before accepting this position? Good grief. :laugh:
  • Maidofmer
    Maidofmer Posts: 908 Member
    wear a mask with some scented oil rubbed in it. not meaning this as a joke. after I quit smoking, i'd have to wear one when ever I went to my grandparents house. the smell would just irritate me to no end. Still do on my yearly visits.
  • TracyFalk69
    TracyFalk69 Posts: 10 Member
    Do you have to move tables often? Would they allow and/or is there a plug to put a small air cleaner or purifier behind your table? That or a can of Ozium (http://www.amazon.com/Ozium-Eliminator-Office-Freshener-Original/dp/B008XNZZ7O/ref=pd_sim_hg_3)? They probably wouldn't let you wear a mask, but Vicks Vapo Rub under your nose to help with the smell? Good luck; I never smoked, but lived with my Mother who smoked herself to an early death from lung cancer and hate it with a passion! Congratulations on quitting and don't let all that smoke tempt you back to the dark side!!
  • casmithis
    casmithis Posts: 216 Member
    I know you said to not say "quit" but I encourage you to consider your health through all of this. Is $5 extra worth the health hazards of second hand smoke? I won't go into a lecture here but please do some research on second hand smoke. As a child of 2 chain smokers, i wish I had known the repercussions of second hand earlier. Now I have to deal with my own health issues.

    Otherwise, if you have long hair pull it forward under your nose every so often to filter out the smoke. I tell this to my kids whenever they are around smokers to do this. Yes, I'm obsessed about second hand smoke. I'm dealing with it.
  • kbbeale
    kbbeale Posts: 77 Member
    Exactly what ^^^^ she said. $5/hour isn't worth it.
  • allaboutthecake
    allaboutthecake Posts: 1,535 Member
    It sounds like your lungs can't handle the onslaught of smoke and your throat is irritate, causing post-nasal drip turning into a cough. Can you switch your shift around to less-traffic...(meaning less smoke)....or are you able to have a small fan to blow the smoke away? Probably not on the fan.....this really sucks for you especially after paying all that money. I grew up in 2nd hand smoke and had a lung collapse because of it. No warning, it just happened.

    I guess you have to weigh the consequences with this one.
  • ValerieMartini2Olives
    ValerieMartini2Olives Posts: 3,024 Member
    Yes I did know that this was a smoking environment. What I did not know was how quickly it would affect my health.

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