New job, viruses, venting, etc.

[alexikiss]

I just started a new job and in the span of a week, it has really been testing my emetophobia.

I'm a hostess in a restaurant so obviously that means coming into contact with a lot of people, as well as working with various types of people who have children, etc. My first freak-out came when I learned that part of our hostess duties are to check the bathroom every hour and make sure it's stocked, wipe up the sink, and pick up any trash on the floor. I was thinking, um, I didn't sign up to be a janitor. People are nasty and as we all know, they will throw their used sanitary products on the ground, amongst other nasty things. I'm expected to pick this up? Needless to say, so far I've just signed off that I've done it (when I haven't) and if I do check it, I really don't touch anything. I figure there's no way for the manager to really prove I haven't done it, since any mess could have taken place afterwards. Regardless, I'm willing to take the risk. I don't even like breathing the air in a public restroom. If it comes down to it, I will have to tell the manager that I cannot and will not do it. If I have to leave the job, so be it. I only took the job to get out and meet people in my new area. The manager is more than 10 years younger than me and I'm not about to let her belittle me.

The second freak-out came when this young couple showed up with their child who was clearly ill. The child looked sleepy, glassy-eyed and kept coughing. It was extremely annoying. Fortunately, they chose to sit outdoors but unfortunately, that is also where the hostess spot is stationed. So I had the pleasure of listening to this child's hacking cough for over an hour. I initially feared the child would end up getting sick, but thankfully nothing happened. I made comments to my coworker about how I was disgusted and she was "shush-ing" me. She also said she didn't care about things like germs. (!!!!)

The third and fourth freak-out came when I was about to leave yesterday and a coworker was arriving after having called out the other day. I heard her explaining to the manager that she "couldn't keep anything down" and that she must have gotten it from one of the kids. Then just now, I received a mass e-mail from another coworker, asking someone to please cover her shift tomorrow morning because her son is throwing up and the sitter will not take him like that. Is this damn virus still going around?!

I haven't checked here in a while and I had a feeling that this new job would eventually fuel my emetophobia. I've had tried to avoid working outside of the home for quite some time but not only was it not enough income, it was turning me into a hermit and thus wearing on my mental health. Standing outdoors for my entire shift makes me feel better because I'm out in the fresh air and I think that's the only thing that eases my mind.

I thought of the people on this board in general when I had to listen to the child cough and when I first learned about the bathroom duties. I was pretty sure some of you would react the same way. So I'm posting this for everyone to either give their thoughts on it or add their own stories.