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AIBU?

'I'm a key worker' is the most overused phrase atm

341 replies

Imakeyworker · 10/05/2020 09:20

Like a badge of honour. I heard one woman say it to 3 different people in a shop yesterday.

Technically I am a key worker.

Should I be letting everyone know about it?

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Boomclaps · 10/05/2020 09:20

Me too. I’m not shouting about it!

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BullshitVivienne · 10/05/2020 09:21

On here as well. Apparently you can do what you want at the moment if you're a key worker.

(I am one, on maternity leave).

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BullshitVivienne · 10/05/2020 09:21

And I see the irony of me sharing that.

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Isleepinahedgefund · 10/05/2020 09:22

As per the definition given by the govt a few weeks ago, we are practically all key workers, even if we don't have jobs.

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mooching · 10/05/2020 09:22

Technically I am too but I haven't uttered the phrase once. I've just said 'I'm off to work', key does not need to inserted in the sentence!

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mooching · 10/05/2020 09:23

Although 'be' did need to be. Sorry!

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ArnoldBee · 10/05/2020 09:23

I am a key worker. I don't tell anyone except for this as who needs to know?

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Dragonsanddinosaurs · 10/05/2020 09:23

I can see why people feel he need to shout about it TBH. Most key workers are in roles that have never been appreciated, and are currently putting themselves at risk on a daily basis. Can you really blame them if some of them want everyone to know it.

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OscarWildesCat · 10/05/2020 09:23

Yip, everyone and their dog is either a key worker or works for the NHS at the moment, its getting old hearing it everywhere Confused

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Macncheeseballs · 10/05/2020 09:23

Yeah especially when its incorrectly used

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Alocasia · 10/05/2020 09:24

I’m a ‘key workers but currently furloughed. So spending all my days in the house. So I’m definitely not deserving of any of the praise being directed towards key workers!

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Ginfordinner · 10/05/2020 09:24

And "unprecedented" is the most overused word right now.

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Imakeyworker · 10/05/2020 09:24

And I see the irony of me sharing that.

Don't worry! I've changed my username to reflect the fact that without me, the world would end...

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ScubaSteven · 10/05/2020 09:25

I think it’s unavoidable really, people seem to need to justify their every move because of judgemental comments made questioning why people are out of their house or why they are buying certain things. It’s used as a defence, which is awful that people should feel that way. I think it highlights insecurities too, being a key worker is scary for some people at the moment.

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Floatyboat · 10/05/2020 09:26

What about frontline key workers?

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Butterbeeeen · 10/05/2020 09:27

I'm a key worker. The fact I havnt been to work in nearly 8 weeks (Ds had a cough before lockdown) is irrelevant. I think we are all key workers to be fair.

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Imakeyworker · 10/05/2020 09:27

Dragons
Good point.
It's about time some workers get the recognition they deserve.
I for one wouldn't be able to do my 'key' role without the site staff, cleaners, delivery drivers, warehouse workers.

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lotusbell · 10/05/2020 09:28

"I can't stay at home, I'm a key worker" profile picture overlays on Facebook. Nothing wrong with taking pride in your work and wanting to feel appreciated at times like this, but I won't be made to feel bad because my job is not considered essential.
There seems to be a slight condescending mentality of "you do your but and stay at home, so that is important people fight the battle"

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Imakeyworker · 10/05/2020 09:28

Floaty
What about them?

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Imakeyworker · 10/05/2020 09:31

Scuba
It’s used as a defence, which is awful that people should feel that way. I think it highlights insecurities too

Yes, you're right!
I hadn't thought of it that way.

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JustOneSquareofDarkChocolate · 10/05/2020 09:31

I’m a key worker. Smile
What I find most hilarious/irritating, depending on my mood, is local Facebook posts where posters manager to work it into every post eg:

“I’m a key worker, anyone got any idea where I can get some yeast at the moment?”

“I’m a key worker, anyone know where I can buy compost?”

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VerticalHorizon · 10/05/2020 09:32

My mate works at a Timpsons kiosk. Apparently he is a key worker.


(I'll get my coat)

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AntennaReborn · 10/05/2020 09:32

I'm technically a key worker, but I am not frontline and although my role contributes heavily to maintaining the economy I would not say to anyone IRL that I am a key worker.

I have been WFH in comfort, and am sheltered from any risk. In my mind, "real" key workers are the ones actually going out of the house and dealing with the public (HCPs, shop workers, delivery drivers etc.)

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IDefinitelyHaveFriends · 10/05/2020 09:33

22% of the working age population according to the IFS, and 26% of working age women, though of course that doesn’t force you to bang on about it.

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DateandTime · 10/05/2020 09:34

Technically all four of us in this house are keyworkers Grin

One is currently furloughed, the rest wfh, 2 with very reduced workloads.

That said, I've never actually claimed to be a keyworker out loud.

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