NationStates Jolt Archive


Is this your life?

Tactical Grace
27-07-2006, 22:31
Is this what you see every afternoon? (http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41937000/jpg/_41937810_sandwich_203.jpg)

Apparently, "lunch" for most people in the UK is a rushed sandwich eaten at their desk. Wherever you are, are you a member of this downtrodden class? Or are you lucky enough to be able to go to a sit-down cafe to have a long leisurly break from work?

Do you feel a minimum of one hour for a lunch break out of office should be guaranteed in labour rights legislation where you live?

Poll included.

(Sadly, I get 30 minutes to fetch a sandwich, which I then consume at my desk) :(
Ieuano
27-07-2006, 22:32
that is a rubbish sandwich, if your rushing one for lunch at least make it a good 'un
Khadgar
27-07-2006, 22:33
I never eat lunch, haven't for atleast 10 years.
Kazcaper
27-07-2006, 22:33
I'm not working at the minute, but in all but one of my jobs to date, I made sure I was out of the office for the entire period of lunch. It was mainly to avoid having to converse with my colleagues.
Philosopy
27-07-2006, 22:33
Is this what you see every afternoon? (http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41937000/jpg/_41937810_sandwich_203.jpg)
No way. I'm not having someone else's half eaten sandwich.

Apparently, "lunch" for most people in the UK is a rushed sandwich eaten at their desk. Wherever you are, are you a member of this downtrodden class? Or are you lucky enough to be able to go to a sit-down cafe to have a long leisurly break from work?

Do you feel a minimum of one hour for a lunch break out of office should be guaranteed in labour rights legislation where you live?

Poll included.

(Sadly, I get 30 minutes to fetch a sandwich, which I then consume at my desk) :(
I don't know why I'm even trying to answer this question. Being a student I'm woefully unqualified to talk about hard work. :p
Khadgar
27-07-2006, 22:35
Being a desk jockey, while stressful and annoying at the best of times is not hard work.

People who do hard work get a proper lunch break.
Rotovia-
27-07-2006, 22:37
I use the term 'wrok' very loosely. I get paid to tell people they look fat in jeans and invoke the right to a one hour restaurant lunch.
Romanar
27-07-2006, 22:37
None of the above. I have a 45 minute lunch break (which isn't what I call "long") and eat in the cafeteria at work away from my desk.
JuNii
27-07-2006, 22:37
Is this what you see every afternoon? (http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41937000/jpg/_41937810_sandwich_203.jpg)

Apparently, "lunch" for most people in the UK is a rushed sandwich eaten at their desk. Wherever you are, are you a member of this downtrodden class? Or are you lucky enough to be able to go to a sit-down cafe to have a long leisurly break from work?

Do you feel a minimum of one hour for a lunch break out of office should be guaranteed in labour rights legislation where you live?

Poll included.

(Sadly, I get 30 minutes to fetch a sandwich, which I then consume at my desk) :(I eat at my desk, sometimes it's a sandwich, most times it's a plate lunch. and because we tend to eat at our desks (and work at the same time), we are 'forgiven' if it takes more than 30 mins...

I heard of rumors that some people also get 2 breaks of at least 15 minutes... is that true?
Lansce-IC
27-07-2006, 22:38
In a proud American tradition I took an hour lunch and had a double swiss cheese, mushroom, bacon burger with spicy potatoe wedges. Hot damn it was good.
Farnhamia
27-07-2006, 22:40
Not a sandwich but I do have some microwave soup for lunch. And :( I do work through lunch. That's so I can get out of here at a reasonable hour (sometime before 5:00 PM, say) so I don't mind that much.
Philosopy
27-07-2006, 22:41
My fianceƩ is a nurse, and has just finished two night shifts on the trot. 13 hours each, from 7:30 in the evening until 8:30 the next morning, and she gets one half an hour break, at about 4:00.

So you don't have it that bad. :p
Gartref
27-07-2006, 22:43
I take an hour lunch. Today it was a Quiznos prime-rib sandwich with onions and peppercorn sauce, Lays regular chips and a large Coke. Damn tasty.
Jello Biafra
27-07-2006, 23:00
I work nights, so I don't eat what's traditionally called lunch, however I do eat somewhat hurriedly. The alternative to this would be to have a longer lunch break, but at the same time I'd have to spend more time at work, so I'll just take the breaks that I have. Also, it's unlikely that the labor legislation would actually make it so that the lunch break is paid; I wouldn't want an unpaid break, for the most part.
Xandabia
27-07-2006, 23:20
I take an hour lunch. Today it was a Quiznos prime-rib sandwich with onions and peppercorn sauce, Lays regular chips and a large Coke. Damn tasty.

i think there may be a poll for you going on at the moment
Sumamba Buwhan
27-07-2006, 23:32
I cant afford to buy lunch every day - I bring leftovers from dinner and eat at my desk.
The Tribes Of Longton
27-07-2006, 23:32
I always cook my own meals for my lunch, and they're generally as large as my tea. Then again, I'm an unemployed student...
Not bad
27-07-2006, 23:35
Is this what you see every afternoon? (http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41937000/jpg/_41937810_sandwich_203.jpg)

Apparently, "lunch" for most people in the UK is a rushed sandwich eaten at their desk. Wherever you are, are you a member of this downtrodden class?

Oh FFS now even people with desks are downtrodden and abused by everyone in sight. Gizza chance to get out and have a proper lunch Guv or we shall get huge bed sores upon our arses and our bum hairs will grow into our seat cushions. The NHS will have your head over it.

Do most workers in the UK have desks? Who does the actual hands on work rather than the office work? Is there any actual hands on work left in the UK?
Is it now a nation of people at desks scurrying paperwork and digital files about to keep track of all the people sitting at desks transferring information about?
Pure Metal
27-07-2006, 23:52
i need an "other" option on the poll. i take about 30 minutes but work from home, so i generally make a nice sandwich or cook something quick (like pasta or leftovers)

probably contributes to the stomach :P



as for labour rights, i don't know. too tired to think, heh
Compulsive Depression
28-07-2006, 00:22
I generally eat a sarnie at my desk, but my sarnies are not normal sarnies; they are legendary. 3" thick would be a small one.
I do make sure I get my full hour, though. I ain't paid for it, so I ain't working. I usually browse the web, play a game like Civ 4 (my work PC's only got an x600), or read a book.
'Course, that's what I'd do at home, so all is good.
Les Drapeaux Brulants
28-07-2006, 01:20
Is this what you see every afternoon? (http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41937000/jpg/_41937810_sandwich_203.jpg)

Apparently, "lunch" for most people in the UK is a rushed sandwich eaten at their desk. Wherever you are, are you a member of this downtrodden class? Or are you lucky enough to be able to go to a sit-down cafe to have a long leisurly break from work?

Do you feel a minimum of one hour for a lunch break out of office should be guaranteed in labour rights legislation where you live?

Poll included.

(Sadly, I get 30 minutes to fetch a sandwich, which I then consume at my desk) :(
Even if I eat in, I make sure I don't eat at my desk. Too many people come by and think that you're working, rather than having lunch.

I prefer to eat my own food, but I usually go somewhere nice to eat it.
Les Drapeaux Brulants
28-07-2006, 01:22
I take an hour lunch. Today it was a Quiznos prime-rib sandwich with onions and peppercorn sauce, Lays regular chips and a large Coke. Damn tasty.
We've got a good sandwich shop that isn't a chain. It's called Evelyn's and they actually steam the sandwiches instead of broiling them to a burnt crisp.
Vetalia
28-07-2006, 01:23
In college, I've got enough free time most days to have a 4-hour lunch. My schedule goes from 8:30-11:18 most days with a few afternoon classes on Monday/Wednesday/Friday. Nothing earlier than 2:18 and nothing later than 5:38.
Posi
28-07-2006, 01:29
I get one fifteen minute break, two if you work more than six hours. If you work eight hours, you can ask for up to an extra half hour of break time, but it is up to the supporvisor (they usually say yes).
Meath Street
28-07-2006, 01:30
Apparently, "lunch" for most people in the UK is a rushed sandwich eaten at their desk. Wherever you are, are you a member of this downtrodden class? Or are you lucky enough to be able to go to a sit-down cafe to have a long leisurly break from work?

Do you feel a minimum of one hour for a lunch break out of office should be guaranteed in labour rights legislation where you live?
In my last job we were in the country at an archaeological site, so it was half an hour with all my colleagues in a canteen cabin. I ate only sandwiches and pasta and all cold. Which is fine in the summer.

You don't need to take long for lunch but I think it is much healthier to get away from the place you're working in the rest of the day.

(Sadly, I get 30 minutes to fetch a sandwich, which I then consume at my desk) :(
Fetch? It's better, healthier and cheaper to make your own at home the night before. Doesn't take up valuable time either. Why consume it at your desk? You don't need a cafe to go to, just sit outside.
Meath Street
28-07-2006, 01:35
Oh FFS now even people with desks are downtrodden and abused by everyone in sight. Gizza chance to get out and have a proper lunch Guv or we shall get huge bed sores upon our arses and our bum hairs will grow into our seat cushions. The NHS will have your head over it.

Do most workers in the UK have desks? Who does the actual hands on work rather than the office work? Is there any actual hands on work left in the UK?
Is it now a nation of people at desks scurrying paperwork and digital files about to keep track of all the people sitting at desks transferring information about?
Probably. I know that in my country, Ireland, 6 in ten people work in offices. 1 in ten works in construction, leaving the remaining one million people to work in places like shops, pubs and hospitals.

I generally eat a sarnie at my desk, but my sarnies are not normal sarnies; they are legendary. 3" thick would be a small one.
What's a sarnie?
Monkeypimp
28-07-2006, 01:39
I'm a university student, so it's 12.38 in the afternoon and I'm currently eating breakfast.
Dinaverg
28-07-2006, 01:44
I use the term 'wrok' very loosely. I get paid to tell people they look fat in jeans and invoke the right to a one hour restaurant lunch.

I don't use the term 'wrok' at all.
Peisandros
28-07-2006, 01:48
I hardly have any lunch these days. We get like 50 minutes or an hour for lunch at school, not sure which one though. Somedays I'll have a few pieces of fruit or a muesli bar.. Other days I'll have nothing. Other days I'll have some money so I can buy a pie or some lollies.
Yea I'm not much of a lunch eater.
Pure Metal
28-07-2006, 01:48
Oh FFS now even people with desks are downtrodden and abused by everyone in sight. Gizza chance to get out and have a proper lunch Guv or we shall get huge bed sores upon our arses and our bum hairs will grow into our seat cushions. The NHS will have your head over it.

Do most workers in the UK have desks? Who does the actual hands on work rather than the office work? Is there any actual hands on work left in the UK?
Is it now a nation of people at desks scurrying paperwork and digital files about to keep track of all the people sitting at desks transferring information about?
yes. and people chasing money about the system like a dog chasing its own tail.
and iirc 60% of the UK commerical economy is now services rather than industrial/manafacturing or agricultural. which is quite a lot.

though lol @ that first paragraph :p
Terrorist Cakes
28-07-2006, 01:49
Today my lunch was a rushed bun, quarter canteloupe, and peanut butter cookie between scenes, in the green room. That's Tech Rehersal for you!
The Nazz
28-07-2006, 01:52
Is this what you see every afternoon? (http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41937000/jpg/_41937810_sandwich_203.jpg)

Apparently, "lunch" for most people in the UK is a rushed sandwich eaten at their desk. Wherever you are, are you a member of this downtrodden class? Or are you lucky enough to be able to go to a sit-down cafe to have a long leisurly break from work?

Do you feel a minimum of one hour for a lunch break out of office should be guaranteed in labour rights legislation where you live?

Poll included.

(Sadly, I get 30 minutes to fetch a sandwich, which I then consume at my desk) :(
The beauty of academia is that outside of the time when you're teaching classes, you get to make your own schedule. I usually eat during my office hours, but it's not like my department head is hovering outside my office making sure I'm being academic the whole time (which is just as well, quite frankly).
Les Drapeaux Brulants
28-07-2006, 02:26
The beauty of academia is that outside of the time when you're teaching classes, you get to make your own schedule. I usually eat during my office hours, but it's not like my department head is hovering outside my office making sure I'm being academic the whole time (which is just as well, quite frankly).
Don't you have students visiting during those? I only did office hours twice a week and I almost had to pass out numbers for the line that gathered.
The Nazz
28-07-2006, 02:29
Don't you have students visiting during those? I only did office hours twice a week and I almost had to pass out numbers for the line that gathered.
Only when they have a paper due. Other than that, I generally have the time to myself, unless I've scheduled conferences, which I usually do twice a semester. I get a lot of reading (or posting) done. ;)
The South Islands
28-07-2006, 02:44
The beauty of academia is that outside of the time when you're teaching classes, you get to make your own schedule. I usually eat during my office hours, but it's not like my department head is hovering outside my office making sure I'm being academic the whole time (which is just as well, quite frankly).

I thought eating was academic! :confused:
Gartref
28-07-2006, 02:54
Is this your life?


And you may tell yourself
This is not my beautiful Lunch!

And you may ask yourself
My god!...what have I done?


Same as it ever was...
Theoretical Physicists
28-07-2006, 03:57
I set my own hours and I don't work much, but I usually only eat what I can find in the fridge at home.
Derscon
28-07-2006, 04:06
I'm going into the eleventh grade at an American public HS...

I worry not. :D
Slaughterhouse five
28-07-2006, 05:31
what is this thing you call work?

i fly to any city that catches my interest in my private jet for lunch. why dont you guys?

[/ends fantasy]
Dosuun
28-07-2006, 05:33
I'm fine with gulping down a sandwich in 10 minutes.
Derscon
28-07-2006, 05:44
Lunch is a privledge! You wouldn't have money for food if it wasn't for us! *cracks whip*

Get back to work, prole!
Cannot think of a name
28-07-2006, 05:49
When I work my lunch is catered. Small perk
Dinaverg
28-07-2006, 05:51
When I work my lunch is catered. Small perk

Are you a caterer?
Gartref
28-07-2006, 05:57
Dinaverg is wearing my lunch.
Daistallia 2104
28-07-2006, 06:07
I work 29.5 hours a week, a schedule that the company I work for set up to get around the 30 hour minimum for enrolling employees in the National Health and Pension plan*. This usually works out to 4 6-hour shifts and 1 5.5-hour shift. Local labor laws only require breaks for shifts longer than 6 hours.

(*The lovely little union has just reached a setlement to have all employees who want to be enrolled allowed to do so, in exchange for a 30 minute increase per week. We're also getting about US$850 in back paid overtime.)
Tactical Grace
28-07-2006, 07:42
Oh FFS now even people with desks are downtrodden and abused by everyone in sight. Gizza chance to get out and have a proper lunch Guv or we shall get huge bed sores upon our arses and our bum hairs will grow into our seat cushions. The NHS will have your head over it.

Do most workers in the UK have desks? Who does the actual hands on work rather than the office work? Is there any actual hands on work left in the UK?
Is it now a nation of people at desks scurrying paperwork and digital files about to keep track of all the people sitting at desks transferring information about?
Actually I do spend some time doing wiring inside server cases and the like, but I have a desk too. And yes, you will find that most people in the UK have desk jobs, because the country is basically a bank, and everything else is a bunch of support functions required to keep it open.

EDIT: My sandwich is a freshly made baguette sandwich by the way, not a limp triangle in a plastic box, as suggested by the stock photo. Still, it's not really ideal, is it?
Dinaverg
28-07-2006, 07:44
Actually I do spend some time doing wiring inside server cases and the like, but I have a desk too. And yes, you will find that most people in the UK have desk jobs, because the country is basically a bank, and everything else is a bunch of support functions required to keep it open.

I thought Luxembourg was the bank.

Also, recommendation: Grilled cheese sandwiches, two preferably.
Not bad
28-07-2006, 07:46
Actually I do spend some time doing wiring inside server cases and the like, but I have a desk too. And yes, you will find that most people in the UK have desk jobs, because the country is basically a bank, and everything else is a bunch of support functions required to keep it open.

EDIT: My sandwich is a freshly made baguette sandwich by the way, not a limp triangle in a plastic box, as suggested by the stock photo. Still, it's not really ideal, is it?

I refuse to think how Lil' Chefs fit into the safeguarding of the Bank's money. I might blow out a frontal lobe or something
The South Islands
28-07-2006, 07:46
All this talk about "Lunch", "Sandwiches", and "Proles" is making me hungry.

*rummages around in mini-fridge*
Tactical Grace
28-07-2006, 07:47
I thought Luxembourg was the bank.
No, it's a vault.

The UK remains afloat on the back of the financial services industry and associated functions. Our economy would be fucked if we weren't paid so much to manage other people's money.
Citta Nuova
28-07-2006, 09:12
I think lunch times are very culture dependent. I currently live in Italy and we always go to a restaurant for lunch to eat pasta...:cool: Doesnt that just fit everyone's prejudice? But it is true though. And in good ol' Italian style, it is quite common to take about 1 1/2 hours off for lunch...:D

But honestly, before I moved to Italy, I didnt eat lunch at all...
Cannot think of a name
28-07-2006, 09:20
Are you a caterer?
I think the caterers get paid more than I do.
Isiseye
28-07-2006, 09:37
I get 1hour 10mins for lunch. I eat it in the conference room, go for a walk if its not raining or go up to the main campus (I work in a college) if I haven't made lunch and eat in one of the 7 rests.
Citta Nuova
28-07-2006, 10:05
6 X I get 1hour 10mins for lunch. I eat it in the conference room, go for a walk if its not raining or go up to the main campus (I work in a college) if I haven't made lunch and eat in one of the 7 rests.

You get a total of 6 hours and 60 minutes (aka 7 hours) for lunch????:eek:
Compulsive Depression
28-07-2006, 10:34
What's a sarnie?
A shortened form of "sandwich". Sorry, thought it was in common use :)
Cameroi
28-07-2006, 11:04
i've never had a desk jockying job, except for the last six months of my two years and a little bit in the airforce when that was how i got out of being sent to viet nam in the late 60s.

i aggree that stressful occupations are a form of social abuse.
i feel that shifts should be short enough to not require lunch breaks.
all of the work that really needs to be done could get done that way and everyone who wanted to would have a better opportunity to participate.

i believe in an entirely different system then anything that has ever been tried since indiginous life ways were over run and discredited.

i have worked as heavy equipment opperator and as kitchen help. as well as in a number of odder and even more diverse occupations.

i currently consider myself a dreamshaper and artecnicist, and while that may sound either trivial or officious, depending on your point of view, i do take what i do seriously. without invoulving the circular illogic of little green pieces of paper directly in it.

it is moraly wrong for anyone to damand anyone else compromise their health and well being for an aggrandisement of little gratification to themselves.

of course it is also desireable not to disrupt workflow more then neccessary.

sufficiently short shifts with sufficiently long time between their being permitted to be demanded could and would in most casses satisfy both issues.

=^^=
.../\...
Dobbsworld
28-07-2006, 12:26
I'm permitted an hour away from my desk, but this is also frowned upon. Mostly I manage half an hour away from my desk (but I won't eat at my desk, no).
Kanabia
28-07-2006, 12:28
At uni, I generally dont bother, and at work, I only get 15 minutes which isn't long enough for much more than a drink. So I don't eat lunch.
Les Drapeaux Brulants
28-07-2006, 12:37
Only when they have a paper due. Other than that, I generally have the time to myself, unless I've scheduled conferences, which I usually do twice a semester. I get a lot of reading (or posting) done. ;)
I think I scared them in class. Which turned out okay, because a lot of kids don't know how to do simple math anymore, let alone apply it to physics.
BackwoodsSquatches
28-07-2006, 12:41
I dont get a lunch break, but I deliver pizzas.
So I basically get paid to cruise around and listen to music, and then clean up a dirty kitchen before I go home.

It can be hard work, but its not always.
When its slow, I sit around and smoke ciggys, and shoot the shit with co-workers.
Mstreeted
28-07-2006, 13:48
well we dont have a lunch room, and the complex we work on forbids sitting on the grass, so unless we go to the morrissons cafe and eat crappy slop, eating at your desk is often the easier option.
Derscon
28-07-2006, 19:51
All this talk about "Lunch", "Sandwiches", and "Proles" is making me hungry.

*rummages around in mini-fridge*

Heh, reminds me of an ad I put in my school news paper:

"New from McDonalds is the McCommie!

A burger made from one hundred percent red meat with a touch of Instant Socialism (now with Cinnamarx!) for flavour. On a sesame-seed Prole.

Make a statement to the Bourgeoisie: Buy a McCommie today!"
The Nazz
29-07-2006, 00:06
I think I scared them in class. Which turned out okay, because a lot of kids don't know how to do simple math anymore, let alone apply it to physics.
Mine don't get scared until they get their first papers back--then they start dropping by.
Minaris
29-07-2006, 00:10
Is this what you see every afternoon? (http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41937000/jpg/_41937810_sandwich_203.jpg)

Apparently, "lunch" for most people in the UK is a rushed sandwich eaten at their desk. Wherever you are, are you a member of this downtrodden class? Or are you lucky enough to be able to go to a sit-down cafe to have a long leisurly break from work?

Do you feel a minimum of one hour for a lunch break out of office should be guaranteed in labour rights legislation where you live?

Poll included.

(Sadly, I get 30 minutes to fetch a sandwich, which I then consume at my desk) :(

In italy, everywhere is closed for 2 and 1/2 hours for everyone to go home and have lunch... last I checked... which was years ago...