Salmon for lunch in the office.. Yay or Nay.

Question

I'm a pescatarian and only eat fish. I can't starve but know everyone hates when I bring my lunch into work. Its fine if I eat it cold but sometimes I really do need to heat it up. Is it really that bad?

Courtney Klein · Answer

Could you find ways to NOT have to bring in the stuff that needs heating? I understand the challenge with that, but depending on the way your office is set up that kind of smell really can aggravate people and cause them lost work. I think, in particular, the smell of fish just lingers for so long that it can be extra obnoxious. If there's a way you can heat your meals and help the smell go away faster (open a window? Obviously this depends on how the space is set up... or maybe remove the fish and heat the rest?) that may be the best way to go.

Sierra Modro · Answer

Heat it at home and put it in a good jar Thermos. Look on Amazon. There are lots of food jars designed to keep soup, rice, and meals hot for several hours. Then you just open that up and eat it. Since you aren’t reheating, the smell is distributed less. You could even go outside and eat in the sunshine.

Anonymous · Answer

A bunch of nopes. :)

TheEmployee.Coach · Answer

Oh dear! I'm not a fan of anything microwaved, it all smells like ... well, microwaved food. And, the nutritional qualities diminish, so nah, opt for going out or having something that is better eaten cold or room temperature :-)

Lady Pele · Answer

The odor (aroma) of cooked fish can overwhelm the taste buds of someone eating something else, so it's not everyone's favorite thing.  I try not to bring anything that has a strong odor when heated.

Anonymous · Answer

Definitely Nay! Just put yourself in other people shoes and imagine they would start bringing something smelly for lunches (the smell that you would horribly not like ). So, please treat others the way you 'd like to be treated!

Kim LeBiavant · Answer

Thanks for posting this.  I also struggle with this issue.

Anonymous · Answer

I love fish as well, but in the office it can be disruptive and distracting for others. Is there a kitchen area or alternative seating within your office space where you can eat it? Or maybe you can opt to going out for lunch?

Sierra Modro · Answer

Also look at insulated bento boxes. Same idea but different style.

Victoria Crispo · Answer

I would probably choose salmon when I was eating out of the office, rather than bring it and heat it up in the office microwave. I understand wanting a hot meal sometimes, but with a more pungent smell known for being a bit off-putting, I'd save it for work-from-home days and lunches out.

Salmon for lunch in the office.. Yay or Nay.

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