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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think that you should make phone calls outside your own office

34 replies

careerchangeperhaps · 16/08/2021 16:01

I work within a small complex of business units, each with their own entrance from the outside. There are only a few units (5) on the estate, all detached from each other and as we're rather rural, it's a peaceful haven with no traffic noise and hardly any pedestrians passing either.
Recently, new tenants have moved into one of the units and most of the staff from this business have taken to leaving their building to make their important phone calls that they don't want their colleagues to overhear, choosing instead to stand right outside my business unit. They are all men with deep booming voices and stand right by my window (presumably as we have a slight exterior porch - which the other units do not - so this offers some protection from the elements).
The business units are listed buildings in a converted former industrial complex and have single glazed windows so have terrible soundproofing. I can hear every word of what's being said of every conversation - they might as well come in as it sounds like they're in my building anyway.
I work in a creative role and am finding this horrifically distracting and it's so loud that people on the phone to me have commented asking if I had someone else in the office. I had a polite word a couple of weeks ago but they laughed at me and said I don't rent the outside space so it's none of my business.
AIBU to think that you just don't do this? Many of them also vape outside my window too, so my office has a near-permanent smell of tutti fruiti Sad.
Should I just suck it up or have another word?

OP posts:
Rainbowshit · 16/08/2021 22:35

I would join in the conversation. Give your opinion on whatever matter they don't want their colleagues to hear. They'll soon get the hint.

GrrrlPwr · 16/08/2021 22:42

NoviceNew has the most practical idea. Not the most entertaining though!!

Somuddled · 16/08/2021 22:52

Ah yes, the outside calls man. Sadly I used to live next door to one. Come rain or shine he took his phone calls outside and boomed away. I heard all about his annoyances, his bookings, bank conversations and his opinion on things that were none of his business. I once built up the nerve to send him a message letting him know I unwittingly hear lots of things I assume he would want private. He just ignored it and carried on. Idiot. I was so happy when he sold his house.

MrsPumpkinSeed · 16/08/2021 22:54

We have that minion blaster. Perfect Grin

OnTheBoardwalk · 16/08/2021 22:57

I like the air horn suggestion

And random man from other dept who used to pace behind my chair whilst on your phone you soon stopped when I started joining in

PlanDeRaccordement · 16/08/2021 22:58

I’d complain to the landlord on the basis it is affecting your clients and business. They can tell them to walk further away or not renew their lease.

SouthOfFrance · 16/08/2021 23:04

Penguin bollard outside your office?

SkiingIsHeaven · 16/08/2021 23:49

Tell the people in the office that they have been avoiding what is said during the calls. Or send their whole office a transcript of the conversation.

Justilou1 · 17/08/2021 00:46

Sprinkler on the ceiling - remote operated by you of course

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