Worker humiliated after 'odd food habit' is exposed during video meeting

A worker is considering quitting their job after their colleagues accidentally overheard them talking during a work-from-home video meeting.

They explain that they are fortunate to be able to continue their job as normal as there's no need to be in the office, but admit they have let some 'bad habits' creep in.

Arguing that 80 percent of meetings could just be an email, they say many people don't enable the video when they are asked to join a meeting on Zoom.

The anonymous worker revealed that if they are on a call they know won't be important, they mute the microphone and sit on the sofa, play video games and browse the internet. Or eat lunch.

The problem came about because the person said they have an 'odd quirk' which they do when eating alone, and it was exposed recently when they thought the mic was muted during a call - leaving them mortified.

"I talk to my food and to myself," they said. "On the day in question I had a sandwich and some pita chips with hummus. So, for example, I said something like 'Mmmmm, there's hummus among us!' Or when I had a chip I would say things like 'That's what I call a chip!' or 'Welcome to my mouth, Mr. Pita!'

And the sandwich, I pretended it insulted me, so I was like 'Did you just call me a b****? Hooo boy, you just buttered the wrong biscuit. NOM NOM NOM NOM!!!' Or later I would comfort it, like "Don't worry, had my fiber gummy, you're coming out smooth. Mm hmmmm'."

Paying little attention to the meeting, they realised their name was being said and it quickly set in that everyone on the other end could hear every word.

The manager demanded they muted the microphone as others laughed, and the worker mumbled an apology in embarrassment.

The manager sent a stern email afterwards and colleagues have been making fun of what they overheard on the work instant messaging service.

Panicking that it may have a negative effect on their career, others on Reddit were quick to reassure the worker when they revealed they were considering quitting the following day.

One person advised: "You probably find that it brought a ray of happiness to some people in this stressful time. Get in on jokes and take it on the chin, it could have been a lot worse.

"We all have our little quirks that we hide away."

Another replied: "I think if there was ever a time to slip up like that it’s while everyone is in isolation/distancing mode. Apologise, own it, and find a way to play it off.

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