Problem with smoking Co-worker!

[Liz704]

Ok I wasnt sure where to really put this. Hopes its in the right place. I guess you can't go wrong with general discussions!! Sorry, Anyways I have a question (I'll get to it one day, LOL). I work Mon-Fri 8:30-5:00. I work for a computer database management company. I pretty much do nothing as I am the bosses personal secretary. I'm just here if anyone needs me. So thats the reason I am on the internet ALL DAY! I am sooo bored. Anyways since the day I found out I was pregnant I quit smoking totally! Before that I had ben smoking since I was 12. Which I am 21 now. The smell of smoke makes me sick now. I can't believe how terrible cigg's smell. I could never smell it when I was smoking but now I smell it and ewwwww, was I crazy?!!! LOL!! Back to my question. Everyone pretty much at my work smokes. I work in a very small company. There are only 8 people besides me here. There is one women who will light up in her office knowing I am right across the hall. Now the building isnt very big so smoke travels fairly quickly! She knows I have quit smoking for the health of my baby and me. I just can't get up enough nerve to ask her to plase stop smoking in the building. She has been working her 2 more years than me so I feel she has more authority and cause I am the youngest working here. I don't know how to approach her. I would think she would have enough respect to not smoke in the building when I am here. I can't go to my boss. He is rarely here, always on business trips and he has been rude to me about my whole pregnancy thing anyways. Meaning he knows I'm preggo and hasnt said a SINGLE word to me. If it was anyone else he would have. Kinda hurts my feelings but he thinks I'm young is what I'm guessing. He decided to have kids when he was 35. He waited 10 years after he was married. Also my other boss smokes in the building. But not as bad as my co worker! What should I do? See I am the type of person that can't speak up to someone. I feel stupid because I'm so young and they are so much older. You would think they would know by now having kids themselves. But anyways sorry this is sooo long. I was pretty much complaining in the whole post! SORRY!! I just feel sooo walked over and I can't do anything!! Please if anyone had ANY suggestions I would love to hear them!! Thanks sooo much!!

[TLCDad]

I know what you mean. I quit smoking a few years ago myself and now I can't stand the smell of smoke on someone. Just think I used to smell that way! Yuck!

Hard to really say what to do in your situation since I do not know the people involved and if she is the kind of person who would show an "attitude" to the request not to smoke. But, I would just kindly ask her not to smoke where smoke would reach your office. Tell her not only for the health of your baby, which is VERY important, but to help your tempatation since you just quit (not saying you are tempted of course). Let her know that going outside to smokle would be a nice break... was for me when I smoked. Ask some of your non-smoking coworkers to help too. They could in passing mention you know you really should not smoke in the office since Liz is pregnant. I know that was common where I worked. Definitely don't give in... Second hand smoke can be just as bad as smoking yourself.

You could also ask your boss if he would purchase a air purifier for your office. Or if he refuses purchase your own. We have one in our office and in the baby room. The one in our office is pretty small and was not expensive -- of course theres the filters you have to buy 2-3 times a year

[madaise]

Hi Liz,

Congrats on your pregnancy, and on quitting smoking. I know how terribly hard it is to quit... took me a few tries to finally get it done. Smoking made me sick in the beginning of my pregnancies also.. Nasty, icky stuff.

I wouldn't take your boss not saying anything to you about your pregnancy personally. Is he married? Does he have kids? Even if he does.... I've heard that dad's don't really let the pregnancy sink in until us moms are 3-4 mos along... by the time it's time for baby to come, and we are SOO more than ready, they guys are just really getting use to the idea that there really will be a baby. I swear that's why we always hear them say (in movies and irl) "Now!? It's time NOW?" They are really saying, but I thought we just got pregnant! We feel it almost immediately and so it's very real and obvious to us... That said, I'd do as TLCDad suggested and see if your boss wouldn't spring for a nice air filter for you.

And, I'd consider asking your boss, and any others that work there, if they could implement a smoking policy.... if your co-workers really need to smoke, maybe they could close their doors... of course, the better option would be to make them smoke outside.

Good luck!

[Liz704]

Thanks for your suggestions!! There are a few co workers here that don't smoke! Maybe they will be willing to help! Or even I could ask them how they metioned to the smokers to not smoke near them. And the air purifier is a GREAT idea. I actually think I will buy one today after work. I can set iton my desk! Can't hurt!! Thanks soooo much TLCDad!! I think you solved my problem!! LOL!! Thanks!

[TLCDad]

You welcome Liz, Glad I could help.

When you get one of the air purifiers. I recommend one that is an air filter (Hepa) and not one of those Ionic ones that supposed use no filters, etc... I heard those create Ozone so I am not sure what the effects would be on you or your baby -- I am reluctant t try any of them even if they are so quiet etc... Just don't like the idea the air in my home is being ionized. I could be paranoid but until I see long and complete research I will be concerned.

[Liz704]

Thank you soo much Madaise! I know exactly what your saying! And its VERY true! Guys are like that arent they? Not that I am experienced, but it does make ALOT of sense!! My boss is married with 2 young children but he isnt a real personable person! Which is fine but I know if it was anyone else in the office that was pregnant (and older) he would at least congradulate them! But thats OK ! I'm just complaining! Should be greatful I have a job!! LOL!! Thanks sooo much for your suggestions!! WOW and all the quick replies! I can get use to this!! hehehehe!!

[Liz704]

Thanks for recommending a good airfilter!! I am VERY paranoid myself (you'll see, its bad, LOL!) and its good to know I'm getting a good one!! Yeah, I don't mind if its loud as long as I'm breathing in good air!! Thanks so much!!