Please or to access all these features

Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Just a rant, I am at work and need to vent.

92 replies

Sarcelle · 04/02/2020 09:27

Just been issued with laptops at work which means carrying back and forth. About 5 years ago we had to do this, but they withdrew them after a few years when they put permanent devices on hotdesks with meant you could leave your laptop at home. So now we are back to schlepping back and forth with heavy laptops, albeit they are lighter than the ones used before. The old ones we had at home had to be returned so if you are in the office you need to bring your laptop.

I and most colleagues commute and of course it is cumbersome and you have to keep your eye on it.

One of my male colleagues, a caring sharing one, said how you getting on with your new laptop. I said the laptop was fine but a pain to carry back and forth. He said, its not too bad. I said it is if you are a smaller person, which I am. He said come off it, you are not much smaller than me. He is about a foot taller, a couple of stones heavier and his arm/reach is longer. Talk about seeing things from your own perspective, the minimising twat.

I had to leave my desk and type this out. Otherwise I am ready to tell somebody/anybody to fuck off.

And breathe.

OP posts:
Babieseverywhere · 04/02/2020 10:08

Could you leave laptop at work?

FenellaVelour · 04/02/2020 10:08

Ah just seen you also work from home sometimes.
In that case if you are really struggling and have an injury, I’d go back and ask either for a second laptop or for a decent backpack or trolley bag.
I carry my laptop everywhere but it’s a smaller, lighter model. I use a backpack.

FenellaVelour · 04/02/2020 10:06

Can they not provide a locker at work so you could leave it there?

NotHereToMakeFriends · 04/02/2020 10:03

We have to carry our laptops home and to client meetings. My suggestion is to get a decent backpack. This will reduce the strain, I know as I also carry my gym kit, lunch and breakfast to work and without a backpack, I would really struggle. My backpack from Fact Fiction is amazing and I really couldn't do without it. So much space and it doesn't pull on my neck like others.

blackteaplease · 04/02/2020 10:01

If you have specific physio requirements can you put forward a case so that you can have a lighter laptop or two laptops? One for home and one kept in a locker in the office? Would your physio provide a letter for you?

Sarcelle · 04/02/2020 09:55

Its a done deal. They brought it in despite objections. They won't be going back. The Invisible Woman book came into my head as soon as the arse said it.

I have a shoulder injury, but that fell on deaf ears! I am going to use a Bag for Life. It is by far the lightest option. I don't care about the laptop or what it looks like. A trolly bag can also be difficult for commuting. A backpack/shoulder bag are out for me at the mo due to shoulder. I need a light back with handles I can carry straight down.

My DH laptop is half the weight if the new ones they have issued at my work, they all differ. I am half the weight of the twatty colleague, we all differ! But not according to him.

OP posts:
woodencoffeetable · 04/02/2020 09:54

my work laptop isn't heavier than a book that size but too heavy to carry on one shoulder.
but I am tall and a backpack suits me. plus it enables me to work from home occasionally, which wouldn't be possible without the work laptop.
you colleague is still an arse.

AbsintheFriends · 04/02/2020 09:49

Laptops are not that heavy these days!

They are also not a standard weight. I have a MacBook air which is light enough to carry around quite easily. My husband's work laptop is like a concrete block and I would absolutely not want to carry that on a public transport commute.

I would raise the issue with the decision makers, OP. If they've changed the system before and this is newly implemented they might be willing to change back, or allow some flexibility? If this isn't forthcoming, maybe take in a copy of INVISIBLE WOMEN by the brilliant Caroline Criado Perez.

PityParty4one · 04/02/2020 09:48

There are 13 in our team and so far 3 women and 2 men are currently having physio (paid for through a work scheme) due to shoulder/back injuries caused by humping laptop bags/backpacks/pulling trollies all over the place.

We work in different offices across the city and are encouraged ordered to use public transport to reduce our environmental foot print.

Just because he has no issue with it doesnt mean you are not allowed to be. Hes an arse.

woodencoffeetable · 04/02/2020 09:43

op with your injury can you speak to oh to ask for a contribution towards a trolley bag?

Sarcelle · 04/02/2020 09:42

The point of this thread was not a whinge per se about laptops, but the minimisation.

OP posts:
Sarcelle · 04/02/2020 09:41

I don't want a back pack, shoulder injury at the mo. Work have provided a protective sleeve but no other bag, so I am going to carry it in a tote or a Bag For Life!

HeresWally is another minimising twat. And patronising too.

I find it heavy, and so do other female colleagues. We all experience life differently. It's ridiculous if you think your experience of the world is the only way.

OP posts:
SugarPlumFairyCakes · 04/02/2020 09:40

Colleague is wrong. My laptop and bag is so heavy and really strains my back, not fun with osteoporosis. Backpack one is similar, plus you have the added security nightmare of someone reaching in and trying to take it whilst you are standing on the bus/train etc.

BigFatLiar · 04/02/2020 09:36

The company provided either a backpack or a trolley bag for us. Trolley bag was big enough for all my stuff and could even be used as carry-on luggage when travelling.

littlewoollypervert · 04/02/2020 09:35

Laptop bags are a pain to carry, and are as heavy as the laptops themselves. I've a sleeve for mine and I put it in a big handbag that has long enough straps to go over my shoulder.
(colleague is an idiot by the way)

woodencoffeetable · 04/02/2020 09:31

get a backpack or ask company to provide one.
your colleague is an arse.

TheresWaldo · 04/02/2020 09:29

Sorry but you are being ridiculous. Laptops are not that heavy these days! Just get a decent backpack.

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

This thread is closed and is no longer accepting replies. Click here to start a new thread.

Swipe left for the next trending thread