The spitting client (work, office, available, 1099)

[yesitis456]

I have a client that spits while talking. In the winter I dealt with it by pulling my hands into my long sleeves, but summer is coming.

This happens because they are great (haha) at invading personal space. They will come to the desk I'm working at and lean over it, even grabbing the mouse to do the work. The way the office is configured I can't really get out of the way (desk is in the back corner).

There are other issues besides this, but this one is disgusting. I leave feeling like I have to take a shower (and sometimes do).

I am not there often but because of this issue, I find I am avoiding going over my work with them because I don't want them talking while leaning over me. They are sort of a control freak, so they "need" to go over everything I've done in excruciating detail.

I'm a 1099 contractor, not an employee.

Has anyone ever brought something like this to the attention of a client or boss?

(I wish this was a joke, really I do)

[BirdieBelle]

"I know you don't mean to, but you're spitting on me. Could you please step back a little? Thanks!"

[Disgustedman]

I suggest buying a second computer setup and then meeting them in a room (If available) then setting it all up (Second screen) and thus they play with that equipment (You'll have to clean it...Sorry) and thus, you can meet and greet and then they can spit all over the stuff and not you.

I know, $$$ you should have to lay out but as it is, that's it.

[Teckeeee]

Or maybe you could spray them back......maybe they don't realize they are doing it, or how obnoxious it is.

I found mirroring other cultures' behavior, at times, has shown them the errors of their ways.

[kevxu]

Eat beans, break wind.

[dmlandis]

Maybe from China where there are 500 million kindred souls who do it 365/24/7. Doesn't raise an eyebrow among anyone except us foreignes.

[Thatsright19]

tell Sylvester to back off.

[earslikeacat]

When you see them arriving to your desk, stand up and leave. Tell the perp to send the info in an e-mail.

[Teckeeee]

Originally Posted by earslikeacat

send the info in an e-mail.

I have to do that with some of the foreign recruiters that call me

[Orangejello]

Ugh, been there before. A few things that worked for me: 1) stepping back and putting a physical barrier in between us, like grabbing a large item to lean on or walking to the other side of the desk, 2) getting out of the chair and relinquishing control of the computer to the other person and saying "How about I get out of your way so you have some personal space." #2 is great because you're more obviously emphasizing that personal space is important to you.