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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think that in certain professions, you shouldn’t be openly discussing work in public?

34 replies

gfv12 · 07/01/2026 11:12

Trying to keep the title concise but here’s the scenario:

On a fairly busy train. Two women loudly discussing a child services related case / tribunal. No names disclosed of course, but what he said, she said, the next bit of the process, etc. Some whispered phrases (probably the identifiable information).

Now I’m usually a mind your own business person but my headphones died and it was loud enough to be the verbal equivalent of reading an article in the Metro.

I know the chances of figuring out who this is about or anyone of relevance overhearing are slim, but I can’t help feel there are some professions in which you’re bound by confidentiality and you apply common sense and not discuss such things in public.

YANBU - plenty of more appropriate places to discuss (go to your office)
YABU - mind your own business

OP posts:
Purplecatshopaholic · 07/01/2026 13:22

Totally inappropriate in my book. I’m in HR, you do not discuss work in public, lol, it’s just fucking common sense.

SoloMumJustMuddlingThrough · 07/01/2026 13:20

YANBU. It isn't even a question. Some people are stupid.

givemushypeasachance · 07/01/2026 12:04

If it was totally anonymised and no one, not even the parties themselves, could have identified the people involved, then it wouldn't be a breach of confidentiality. But that seems unlikely unless it was all so vague as to become meaningless.

A lot of people seem to think that if you just don't mention names, you've magically protected their personal data. But if you're talking about an 8yo child from so-and-so school who's mum has XYZ medical condition and a new baby, there are a bunch of people who would know exactly who that is.

Abra1t · 07/01/2026 11:24

Just before Christmas I sat behind someone with a whole lot of documents open relating to the security for her organisation. I could see the details very clearly as I put down my table and adjusted my iPad to read my book. If I’d been interested I could have photographed shift timings and number of security guards etc. I didn’t say anything. I find the boggling stupidity of people on public transport too exhausting. I had already told a man to turn the volume down on his music or wear headphones.

Notmymarmosets · 07/01/2026 11:21

No. You are allowed to discuss work/cases as long as it's anoymised. If its identifyable then no obviously.

Original poster
gfv12 · 07/01/2026 11:20

@Agix agree, but that’s a little different. Privacy of your own home, in person with someone you trust. In public though? If anyone reported me for discussing a disciplinary process on the train I’d be sacked!

OP posts:
Agix · 07/01/2026 11:18

You are bound by confidentiality in regards to identifiable information. If the individuals are not identifiable, the case can be discussed.

Many people in those confidential professions need to vent to friends and family about what they have experienced at work, for their sanity.

And of you've had a funny medical issue, chances are good your story has been told at dinner parties by doctors and nurses. Not identifiable, of course.

Original poster
gfv12 · 07/01/2026 11:18

@NewYearNewMee same! I think maybe that’s why I’ve sat there thinking WHY

OP posts:
NewYearNewMee · 07/01/2026 11:18

We’re literally taught this at work, not to talk about sensitive information in public. I’m sure most companies teach the same!

Sometimes I think people are doing it for attention, sometimes I think they’re just stupid and don’t realise that everyone can hear. Also how boring that people can’t think of anything else to talk about whilst commuting!

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