A telemarketing company in Dublin is looking for telesales personnel. This e-commerce business is called DotCom Directories. The opportunities for career growth are probably wonderful. But remember that if you’re a smoker, this doesn’t apply for you. In fact, don’t even bother coming for an interview.
The director of the company, Philip Tobin, commented that he always asks if a candidate has any habits that would prevent him from doing a good job at work. Obviously the man believes that smoking is one such habit. He cites factors such as illnesses, the smell, and the intelligence of people who smoke. Apparently it is lower than that of non-smokers, because smokers ignore the signs on cigarette packs, which helpfully warn them against the potential damages. Additionally, smokers take cigarette breaks, which may probably amount to half an hour a day, meaning that they are working less than their non-smoking colleagues for the same salary. And that isn’t fair, now is it?
Tobin will cite these factors in court, because he’ll probably get sued for his idiotic ad. It brings to mind the 'No Irish need apply' signs in shops in Britain in the 1950s.
The Equality Authority of Ireland confirmed that it is not in their power to outlaw such ads. Smoking is not a subject of discrimination laws.
Tobin presents more arguments. The area of his office is probably in the range of 4m2, because when somebody who has smoked outside comes in they stink up the whole damn place. That bothers the others, and they can’t concentrate on work. Tobin also argues that smokers take more days off than non-smokers. He considers himself a messiah – apparently young people will suddenly realize they have no chance of a successful career if they smoke, and they won’t start. He believes he will not get sued, and soon other companies will start placing similar ads.
As a smoker, I do admit that I have taken cigarette breaks at work. Maybe around five minutes every two hours. I have then continued to work, while my non-smoking colleagues continued to sit around and babble. They babbled before I took the break, they babbled another five minutes, and then babbled on, God bless their hearts. My only problem was that they were making it hard for me to concentrate on work. Not to mention we worked for the same salary.
I no longer take smoke breaks. I smoke in front of my computer as I work and don’t bother getting up. If it kills me, ok. At least I enjoy working. It is a fact that many people have died from lung cancer without lighting a cigarette in their lives, just like many people have been run over by tractors without knowing how to drive one. Fate – what can you do?
Advice to smokers – especially chainsmokers: specifically mention in your CV that you smoke when applying for a job. That way clean-air enthusiasts won’t waste your time. Also, do not work in cubicles like the one DotCom would invite you to. Go for wide, open spaces, big, airy offices. Take this advice. You’ll be happy you did!
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