Just Got A New Job! Woo Hoo!

[Sweetfudge]

So I start tomorrow...I was pretty much handed the job, which was great!

Anyway, my question is, where do I have to be careful in an office environment? Obviously goodies are an issue, as well as envelopes. What about gloves? Anything else?

[happygirl]

Sweetfudge,

Congratulations! Woo hoo! That is great!

I can't really think of too many other things. If you eat make sure your desk is safe from crumbs (if other people eat there). If it is a joint fridge, make sure that your stuff is clearly labeled (I once came in to find someone squeezing my flip top mayo, hidden in the back, onto their sandwich).

I would say to make sure that people know that you can still be active, and engage in all the sorts of social activities people in the office do, you just have food "modifications." Sometimes when you meet new people, all they want to focus on is your differences (i.e., your food issues!) I tell people that I am normal, I just eat differently, and I do all the things they do.

Good luck and congratulations, again.

Laura

[Phyllis28]

Congratulations. Below is how I handle and view the world of office work:

I pack my lunch with two blue ices and keep it under my desk (I don't want to be obligated to clean the refrigerator). Also, everything in my lunch is in either a container, a plastic ziplock bag or in it's original wrapping. I also bring snacks. I eat at my desk, but this is normal for everyone since the lunchroom does not have table. I agree with Laura, if you eat in a shared space watch those crumbs. I assume you know never to use the communal toaster. I don't drink coffee so someone else will need to address that issue.

Participate in the social activities that occur during work hours. Where I work food is brought in for any reason anyone can find. I choose only to participate in the social piece since I can never eat what anyone brings. Any after hours socialization is optional because not everyone can participate to begin with.

If the social occasion involves eating at a restaurant, follow your normal routine to verify if you can safely eat there. For our Christmas Luncheon I looked at the menu being offered and called the restaurant. The restaurant bent over backwards to accommodate me. If the restaurant had not been able to provide a gluten free meal I would have eaten beforehand and joined everyone for lunch.

Be aware of when you might have to work overtime. I work in a department where overtime is the norm at certain times of the year. If you know overtime will be needed pack your dinner. If an employee provides dinner is almost always pizza. You might consider keeping gluten free snacks at your desk just in case until you know if there will be any overtime requirements.

Best of luck in your new job.

[NoGluGirl]

So I start tomorrow...I was pretty much handed the job, which was great!

Anyway, my question is, where do I have to be careful in an office environment? Obviously goodies are an issue, as well as envelopes. What about gloves? Anything else?

Dear Sweetfudge,

Congrats on the new job! The powdered gloves often have wheat starch. Be careful about those. The coffee maker is something that is kind of tough one. My father and I both drink coffee, but my mother often eats crackers over near there. She gets them on the counter, then Dad lays the basket down, and of course, I have to scrub it and the caraffe before making more coffee. This is really labor intensive. I am exhausted from spending half the day cleaning everything. I am thinking about switching to instant to be on the safe side. That way, no one will be able to get crumbs in there! Envelopes are definitely a concern. Gluten is in the seal. I always tape mine. It looks weird, but oh well! The prophy paste made my the Henry Schein Company is safe, all flavors are g.f.!

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[Guhlia]

I don't have any advice on working in a dentist's office, but congrats on the new job. Here's a really nice cooler that would allow you to avoid the office fridge...

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