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Original poster

School run comments in work

429 replies

gocompare · 02/02/2025 08:42

In a meeting last month I said I wasn't available for Monday meetings at 3:00. I could do any other time before or after.

The most senior person in the meeting said "that sounds like a school run" I didn't really confirm or deny what it was.

It was said in a meeting full of men I was the only female if it makes a difference and I just feel off about it and I can't work out why but I don't think he should of said it.

Am I just being over sensitive as I have form for this.

OP posts:
TeenToTwenties · 02/02/2025 08:45

I guess it depends on whether it was the school run, and whether your employer allows you to take random time off in the middle of the working day.

Eldermillenialyogi · 02/02/2025 08:45

Has your employer agreed you can take time out of your working day to do a school run?

DJrocks · 02/02/2025 08:45

Why can’t you do 3 pm though? Are you doing the school run and if so has it been agreed with your employer?

mooncloud1 · 02/02/2025 08:46

I don't think you're being over sensitive, but were you going to be on the school run, and if so is this allowed? If you were and it is, ignore. If not he has a point.

biscuitsandbooks · 02/02/2025 08:49

Is it the school run? And do you have permission to just disappear from work to do it?

HPandthelastwish · 02/02/2025 08:49

They aren't wrong it does sound like a school run.

All the parents male and female nip off for the school (or after-school club run) at my work and finish off at home. It's a non-issue, however it has been agreed that we work in a flexible and agile way. If your employer hasn't agreed to this though then that's an issue. If it's not a school run then why not clarify, "No, Simon. It's a standing meeting with X client"

Original poster
gocompare · 02/02/2025 08:53

TeenToTwenties · 02/02/2025 08:45

I guess it depends on whether it was the school run, and whether your employer allows you to take random time off in the middle of the working day.

Yes I use my lunch hour it's allowed.

OP posts:
Original poster
gocompare · 02/02/2025 08:56

It's all informal. Some days I do both am and pm. It's takes no more than 45 mins to do both.

Some days I do none and some days I do one school run.

Boss aware. No issue with it for over 5 years.

OP posts:
Original poster
gocompare · 02/02/2025 08:57

It is the school run.

The person who asked is a superior to me but sane level as my boss.

OP posts:
Greenbottle123 · 02/02/2025 08:58

I don’t understand the point of this thread. They said it sounds like school run. You’re allowed to do school run. What’s the issue?

Completelyjo · 02/02/2025 09:00

If someone asked and it was agreed that you use your lunch at 3 for the school run then what’s the issue with confirming that?

Chemenger · 02/02/2025 09:00

You made this an issue by being coy about why you weren’t available. If you are allowed to take your break at that time then just say so.

BarbaraHoward · 02/02/2025 09:01

Why didn't you just say that yes it's the school run, you flex your lunch with your manager's agreement?

JimHalpertsWife · 02/02/2025 09:02

Why be secretive about it? I currently have my 30mins lunchbreak scheduled in my calendar at 3pm. Its clear as day as I have nothing to hide.

DysmalRadius · 02/02/2025 09:02

Was anyone else questioned about their availability?

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 02/02/2025 09:03

BarbaraHoward · 02/02/2025 09:01

Why didn't you just say that yes it's the school run, you flex your lunch with your manager's agreement?

Yes I would have said this too

Original poster
gocompare · 02/02/2025 09:03

HPandthelastwish · 02/02/2025 08:49

They aren't wrong it does sound like a school run.

All the parents male and female nip off for the school (or after-school club run) at my work and finish off at home. It's a non-issue, however it has been agreed that we work in a flexible and agile way. If your employer hasn't agreed to this though then that's an issue. If it's not a school run then why not clarify, "No, Simon. It's a standing meeting with X client"

I didn't want to clarify to him tbh.

It's already something that my boss is fine with.

My flexi agreements are not really anyone else's business on that call. There were a few people on it.

He could have asked me privately maybe?

I don't know. It's just made me feel off about it

Maybe I am over sensitive about it.

OP posts:
Original poster
gocompare · 02/02/2025 09:04

Greenbottle123 · 02/02/2025 08:58

I don’t understand the point of this thread. They said it sounds like school run. You’re allowed to do school run. What’s the issue?

The only point to this is stop me overthinking if possible

OP posts:
MelisandeLongfield · 02/02/2025 09:05

It wasn't appropriate. He happened to be correct in his guess that it was a school run, but it could easily have been something much more sensitive - e.g. regular counselling appointments. If he wanted an explanation for your unavailability, he should have asked you privately or asked your manager.

Eldermillenialyogi · 02/02/2025 09:05

Is it actually allowed to take your lunch hour at 3 pm when there's a meeting on though? It doesn't sound like it.

Can you get wraparound childcare or after school club?

clarepetal · 02/02/2025 09:05

If it's been agreed with your boss, then the person in the meeting is a prick.

MelisandeLongfield · 02/02/2025 09:07

Eldermillenialyogi · 02/02/2025 09:05

Is it actually allowed to take your lunch hour at 3 pm when there's a meeting on though? It doesn't sound like it.

Can you get wraparound childcare or after school club?

That's not relevant to what's happened. Even if it's not allowed, the way to raise this is not by inquiring into it publicly in the middle of a meeting,

mewkins · 02/02/2025 09:08

DysmalRadius · 02/02/2025 09:02

Was anyone else questioned about their availability?

I think this is it. It would feel off to me as well and I would probably be thrown off guard. Because I am 'allowed' to do the school run. As the only woman in a meeting sometimes it does feel like you are held to different standards than men. And when a comment like this is said (in front of others) you feel it a bit more.

Original poster
gocompare · 02/02/2025 09:10

Eldermillenialyogi · 02/02/2025 09:05

Is it actually allowed to take your lunch hour at 3 pm when there's a meeting on though? It doesn't sound like it.

Can you get wraparound childcare or after school club?

It's been fine for the last five years. Yes we are allowed to do this.

OP posts:
SnapdragonToadflax · 02/02/2025 09:11

If it's permitted then you reply 'Yes, I'll be doing the school run as agreed with X - someone has to pick them up!' And don't apologise if that's your working arrangement.

If you're being invited to meetings after 3pm though, perhaps you need childcare?