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    My Coworker Won't Stop Singing

    By Redbook | Work + Money – Thu, Feb 23, 2012 12:54 PM EST

    By Karen Karbo, REDBOOK

    Q: "I work in a small, cramped office with only six people. I don't mind that; what I object to is one gal who is always singing. No one else seems to care, and I don't want to come off as a total grump, but isn't that unprofessional?" -J.C., 60, California

    Related: 23 Power Foods to Eat More, More, More Of

    A: Singing? Like, along with the radio, or just randomly breaking into "You Give Love a Bad Name"? I can't say whether her behavior is inappropriate-one office's lack of professionalism is another office's free-spirited creative vibe-but if it's affecting your work, it's got to stop. The next time Julie Andrews starts up, take her aside and say that her habit makes it hard for you to focus. Then add that you just can't help but listen to her since she's so good. While you'd much rather hear her belt out those tunes than do the weekly report, alas, the work needs to get done. Everybody's a winner this way: You don't look like a grouch, and her secret dreams of being a finalist on America's Got Talent remain intact.

    Related: Love Can Make You Skinny

    Advice guru Karen Karbo is a mom, a teacher, and the author of the new book How Georgia Became O'Keeffe. Do you need life advice? Send questions about perplexing friends, family, mates, colleagues, and anyone else to karenkarbo@redbookmag.com , and include your initials, age, and state. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.



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    5 comments

    • Liz
      Liz  •  3 months ago
      Consider yourself lucky. One of my coworkers does that disgusting cough / spit sound at least 3 times a day! Can't say anything to him either cause he's a supervisor!
      • REB
        REB 2 months ago
        Give him a challenge. "Can you spit that loogie 15 feet and hit the garbage can from where you stand? If not, Quit it."
    • ShineAway
      ShineAway  •  2 months ago
      I have had all sorts of musically inclined people in my workplace..I love music but like to hear something of my preference..not from your radio, iphone or mouth..!
    • Naomi
      Naomi  •  2 months ago
      Bose makes some nice noise canceling headphones. You could always pipe in something that would make your day more enjoyable and maybe if the giant headphones came out every time she started up maybe she'd get the hint that it's distracting.
    • kokoro
      kokoro  •  Maribor, Slovenia  •  2 months ago
      "No one else seems to care, and I don't want to come off as a total grump,"
      You've just come off as a total grump. If you were really doing your work, you wouldn't even notice the singing. Find some real problems to deal with.
    • REB
      REB  •  Daytona Beach, Florida  •  3 months ago
      Q: Is it Rap, Hip-Hop or is it Pop? If it's someone who is just singing along to the headphones, you exclaim, "(Name of artist) sings that song so you don't have to."
      Q: Is it a song from a musical? The person is well educated.
      Use ear plugs. That's how to torment musicians.
     Post a comment

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