Someone said I stink

[Jen871]

This is more like a rant. When I'm doing the school run I wear the same clothes as I work 12 hour nights 8-8 and my son starts school at 8.45. I wear the same clothes to work because I work in a factory and I don't want to ruin good clothes.

The other day I was waiting for the teacher to open the door with some other parents, when I heard one of the parents say to the other that I stink. This annoyed me but I didn't say anything.

The annoying part is that these women don't work. They drop their kids off to school and then god knows what, they have no idea the 12 hour shift I've just done and how hard me and my husband work to be able to afford the luxuries we have.

I don't want my son picked on at school because parents are going around saying I stink. It's annoying as hell. I can't get changed after work because there just isn't time.

So you work 12 hours then come straight to pick up? Of course you shouldn't get fully changed but what kind of work is it? Are you sweating at work or do your clothes get contaminated with anything?

Take 5 minutes in your morning routine to have a quick wash (with soap and a flannel) of your "face, pits and bits" as my nan used to say. Bit of deodorant to follow and buy a few school-run t-shirts and throw one on. It will take all of 5 minutes to do that and you won't stink.

You must smell pretty bad if other people are commenting.

Could you use wet wipes and a bit of spray and maybe a clean hoodie or coat to go over whatever you're wearing? Even just a cheap primark one. You don't want the other kids picking up on it they can be cruel.

Sorry, pressed enter too soon.

If you're sweating are you wearing deodorant to work? Can you reapply some or body spray before you get to school? TKe some baby wipes and just have a quick wipe down depending on how much time you have?

If you're smelling of work, could you change the dirtiest but or wear something over the top you can remove? Or try body spray.

It's shit of them but ultimately its worth trying to do something for your sons sake

@SleepingStandingUp

So you work 12 hours then come straight to pick up? Of course you shouldn't get fully changed but what kind of work is it? Are you sweating at work or do your clothes get contaminated with anything?

It's a meat factory, I clean the machines so it does get messy.

Fuck Em. I'm sure most of them enjoy their steaks and chops.

@BeQuietBrenda

Take 5 minutes in your morning routine to have a quick wash (with soap and a flannel) of your "face, pits and bits" as my nan used to say. Bit of deodorant to follow and buy a few school-run t-shirts and throw one on. It will take all of 5 minutes to do that and you won't stink.

You must smell pretty bad if other people are commenting.

Not as simple as that. I finish work at 8 and it's takes half an hour to drive home. My son jumps in the car and I have to quickly get to the school. :(

Whatever the background story on your aroma, they are utter arseholes.

When you consider the background, they are even bigger arseholes.

At least you can shower. They will always be arseholes.

@icelolly12

Could you use wet wipes and a bit of spray and maybe a clean hoodie or coat to go over whatever you're wearing? Even just a cheap primark one. You don't want the other kids picking up on it they can be cruel.

I clean the machines in a meat factory, it takes more than wet wipes to get clean. :( I don't want him picked on because of it.

Can't you just spray a LOT of spray on yourself. It is horrible when someone smells bad and the smell of meat would be pretty bad

I honestly wouldn't worry about it, you know why you're not smelling fresh in the morning and know it's not usual for you and due to your job. Ignore em.

@SummerHouse

Whatever the background story on your aroma, they are utter arseholes.

When you consider the background, they are even bigger arseholes.

At least you can shower. They will always be arseholes.

Thank you. ❤ unfortunately it's all I can think about.

So are your clothes covered in blood and meat? Do you not wear overalls or something at work?

IF oyu are wondering around a primary school with bits of blood and gore all over your clothes I think that is a bit unreasonable.

I can imagine it being pretty unpleasant, and don't think it's that hygienic to be driving your car in those clothes (is it not all over your upholstery now?).

BUT they're very rude, and shouldn't be making comments like that. It doesn't set a great example for their kids.

@Sleepyquest

Can't you just spray a LOT of spray on yourself. It is horrible when someone smells bad and the smell of meat would be pretty bad

I wish it was that simple. I just wish people would understand that although their day has just started, mines not and I've been busy. :(

Can’t you just swap your work clothes into something simple and clean like a tracksuit and use a squirt of deodorant at the end of your shift? Would take no more than a minute.

I’m sorry but if you work in a meat factory then you must smell. It’s obviously noticeable if people are commenting. Primark sell basic shirts for £2.50 so you could buy a couple to change into and then spray some perfume. It’s not difficult and shouldn’t take long. Also them not working isn’t relevant. Your ability to smell other people doesn’t depend on your employment status

@percypants

I honestly wouldn't worry about it, you know why you're not smelling fresh in the morning and know it's not usual for you and due to your job. Ignore em.

Thank you very much. ❤

Why not challenge them next time? Say what you’ve put here. That you’re sorry they are offended by your odour but you’ve come straight off a 12 hour shift and have to drop your child off before you can get in the shower?

I’m sure much of this comes from ignorance. If they understood the situation better then hopefully they’d keep their mouths shut.

@Seeline

So are your clothes covered in blood and meat? Do you not wear overalls or something at work?

IF oyu are wondering around a primary school with bits of blood and gore all over your clothes I think that is a bit unreasonable.

I wear overalls at work but mainly the smell just lingers because of what I've been doing. There's no blood or anything on my clothes, it's cooked meat I clean.

I understand, I worked in a similar place and a good soak in the bath or shower is the only thing that will shift the smell. Would you employer let you reallocate 5 minutes from your lunch or break time to get changed into clean clothes and spray on some perfume immediately before you leave? The other mums are bang out of order and very rude to point it out though.

Aw. You know what you do and why.

However, if it is bothering you, can you shower at the factory before you leave?

I sympathise with you as you must feel very down, working so hard overnight and then going straight to the school run.

The good news is this is very easily resolvable. Is there a loo you could quickly change in after your shift is finished. Plus deodorant / body spray. Shouldn’t delay you much more than 2 mins. Ignore the bitches and they will soon stop when they realise you DONT smell.

@Lookwhoseinsideagain

I can imagine it being pretty unpleasant, and don't think it's that hygienic to be driving your car in those clothes (is it not all over your upholstery now?).

BUT they're very rude, and shouldn't be making comments like that. It doesn't set a great example for their kids.

I have a cover for my car seat and I have no choice, it's a half an hour drive away. Thank you, its really annoyed me.

I work 12.5 hour shifts and change at the end as I’m in scrubs so can’t wear them to school or the shops etc for infection control reasons.

Every one of my colleagues does the same. This is what I’d do if people were commenting - it’s extremely rude of them but I’d be mortified.