To open my window on the bus

[notknowledgeable]

It seems to be a mission for some people to fight to have all the windows on the bus closed, for all of every journey? Why? Before covid this wasn't an issue - now it seems people have a point to make.

I get there can be a chilly draught, but just put your coat on, or put your hood up?

I am immunocompromised, and wear a mask and open the window on my way to and from work. Every single time I get ill, ( currently a couple of times a month) my classes are left with non specialist agency staff. I take all the precautions I reasonably can to keep from catching anything, but this constant battle on the bus every working day is really wearing my down.

Bet they were gutted having to be cold again, thank heavens it’s warming up.

In terms of 'window etiquette' on public transport, I'm of the belief that passengers already on board call the shots over those who get on further along the route. First come, first served and all that!

So if 10 people are already on the bus with the windows shut, it might be considered bad form for one person to get on 30 mins along the route and start opening windows. At the very least, that person should ask if the others passengers mind.

This of course works the other way, too: if the windows are already all open and one person gets on, decides it's cold and wants to close them all. That would be me - and I would just have to suck it up!

A car or a taxi perhaps? So it's just you and max. one other person. But certainly not the petri dish that is public transport!

I believe someone actually gave a list of medical conditions exacerbated by the cold upthread. Like anemia, joint pain etc.

Basically OP, if you get on the bus and the windows are open, then consider it your lucky day. But, if they're closed, it's tough titties I'm afraid!

well, for a start, I am normally one of the first on the bus and secondly, even if I am not, I still need ventilation. Anyway, I am sure you will all be relieved to hear I have resigned, as I cannot continue to put my health at risk on the bus. This is medical advice. There is limited risk to continuing to teach, but an unacceptable risk travelling on the bus. I know I wont be replaced, so hundreds more teens every year will be going without a specialised teacher in a core subject. Still, this is the case for so many thousands in the UK now, that a few more hundred hardly seems to matter.

My friend I travel with who is undergoing chemotherapy has stopped chemotherapy early now, as she feels it is the lesser risk, having seen me nearly die of flu in the last few months.

Thanks for the people who suggested looking into a mobility scooter, I did look in to it, unfortunately there isn't one that can do this journey, it is too far, too steep and the terrain is too rough.

do you honestly think I didn't consider all options before jacking in my whole career? I can't drive and the cost of a taxi is several universes beyond what could be considered - I would be working at a loss

And there is one less experienced specialised teacher in the country now, so if you have children- the tough titties are on you and them, I am afraid.

I am going to have an early retirement, and easy life, and find a local non teaching job I can walk to

That's a real shame for the kids but quitting is probably the best decision. Your health must come first.

This is the most ridiculously dramatic thread that has been going on for too long...

As if the conclusion is that a teacher quits their job and abandons 100s of kids and someone else quits Chemo

Because of a bus window

because of a bus window which is life changing or life threatening if closed, and mildly irritating if left open

I read all the OPs posts and then the ones from name change onwards. She totally shifted my opinion. Previously I was supportive of her having windows open, by the end I was completely 100% on the side of shutting the windows. The constant harping about being a subject specialist and how that must trump everything else was absolutely ridiculous. Shut. Those. Windows.

Open windows / cold air can be life-threatening for some conditions e.g. if it triggers an asthma attack

Well that not actually true op.

i have a circulation disorder which is massively affected by changes in temperature or for example being stuck in the cold draught caused by an open bus/car window (or the stupid cold from air on on train buildings but that’s not for this thread)When it’s bad due to being triggered I can amongst many other symptoms be in huge pain, sometimes be unable to use hands properly or have degradation in skin etc. and yes time off work sometimes.

I’m not saying you’re wrong or right about the windows it’s not my place to decide someone’s need that’s opposite to my need is less important.

im only bringing it up to highlight that you don’t actually know others circumstance's and while I’m not saying you are wrong I think that maybe you are potentially making some assumptions in a situation where you can’t actually know that someone else doesn’t have a need that’s opposite to you.

on a good note though @notknowledgeable the weather soon will hopefully mean it won’t be an issue for you soon as all the windows will be open! 😉 doesn’t help just now though!

I did want to add though. I’m sorry you’re so ill, it must be very hard for you. I hope things at least stay stable for you.

Nope

No one could possibly need them closed or be more important than the OP

😒

If you are as much of a self important self obsessed sanctimonious pain at work as you are about a bloody bus window then dont expect much in the way of a leaving gift. Very big party at work the day after though......