Comments on: Please, Don’t Talk About Work at Lunch

By: Christine

Christine — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:04:00 +0000

My problem is my co-workers do not invite me to lunch. There is one co-worker I will ask to go to lunch with and she always says no. But then I find out the ones that don’t invite me, invite her and she goes! So finally, I did go one day with one of the “nicer” girls that is in the clich. We went with another co-worker from another building. Well, all they did was complain about their personal lives. It was horrible. I tried to change the subject, but no use. So like today, I found out they all went out and included the one that never goes with me. I don’t feel so bad now because I know all they are going to do is complain and grip about their personal lives and gossip about work. I will say that it does hurt not to get invited and I can say no, but I just keep the other stuff in the back of my mind.

By: Brent

Brent — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:20:50 +0000

I agree with you. I am constantly having to remind those that I go out with to keep it light. I believe it might stem from a uncomfortable-ness with silence, and really the only thing they have in common to talk about is work, so that is why it always comes up as a discussion point.

By: Veronica

Veronica — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 10:35:49 +0000

If you discontinue talking regarding job during lunch, then you might most likely use that time blogging? But this not a good idea too I think so. Just forget everything and have good time having your lunch.

By: StrangeRover

StrangeRover — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:34:10 +0000

Good advice - with one exception.

If I have work conversations at lunch (or dinner), I can deduct a portion of the meal cost from my taxes. I don't abuse it, but it's a real consideration.

I have a colleague who jokes, "Ask me how work is going, so I can write this off on my taxes." I also know he doesn't abuse it, but it's part of the whole picture.

By: Nathalie Lussier from Billionaire Woman

Nathalie Lussier from Billionaire Woman — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:39:12 +0000

That’s something I wish everyone at work would realize. Maybe it’s time for a quick mass email to the office newsgroup. :)

By: Mike Solara

Mike Solara — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:40:27 +0000

I firmly believe everyone who is able should leave work for lunch (preferably without people from work). The break has a rejuvinating effect on you and this way you can split your day into morning and afternoon work--not just one big blob of working all day.

Leaving work without work people results in no talk about work, if you stick to it yourself with others.

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 01:53:15 +0000

I just stopped going to lunch with my coworkers. They don’t even invite me anymore. I am more than okay with that.

By: Thomas

Thomas — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:34:55 +0000

"But how do you –œgently– tell people this without hurting their feelings?"

Answer: Post it on a blog and hope they run across it. Lol

By: Michael@ Awareness * Connection

Michael@ Awareness * Connection — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:08:17 +0000

Wow. Looks like you've got a consensus on this one. Beautifully simple and relevant idea.

The people who have trouble with doing this either A. Don't know they do it as much as they do, or B. have difficulty inhibiting their impulse to do so. Making it a pretty overt rule, I think, helps with that.

By: Aman Chaudhary

Aman Chaudhary — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:00:33 +0000

My mom used to always give this advice!

Making outside lunch dates is also a great move.