My uncle said I should never talk about politics at work, and he was right

He told me this about six months ago when I started my new job. I figured it was fine to mention a news story during a break last week. Now two guys from shipping won't even look at me when I hand them the daily sheets. It's been awkward for days. Anyone else have a simple rule they ignored and paid for it?

3 comments

3 Comments

vera_murphy1mo ago

My uncle gave me the same advice when I started at the hardware store. The thing is, I don't think the rule is to never talk about it... it's more about knowing your audience. I can chat with my manager about local stuff because we know each other. But I wouldn't bring up a national news story with the guys in receiving I barely know. It's about reading the room, not total silence.

loganthompson1mo ago

Yeah but reading the room feels like a full time job on its own. Sometimes you just want to talk about what's happening without doing a whole risk check first. Feels like we're making small talk way too serious, like it's some high level skill. Most people just want to get through the day without drama.

phoenix3311mo ago

Yeah I used to think that kind of advice was overly cautious, but after watching a casual comment turn my lunch table into a war zone I totally get it. Live and learn I guess.