Drinking problem

I just started a job at a major dept store for the Christmas holidays. My problem is that I am clearly unable to get my fluids in at work. I am pulling eight hour shifts and can only drink on my breaks and lunch. I thought having a small water bottle behind the counter and taking sips when I didnt have a customer would be an easy accomidation but they dont want to allow it. Has anyone else had an experience with this?? Since I cant eat and drink at the same time, what do you think the most important thing to do on my breaks would be.. Eat or drink.. Or just try to get a little of both in a protein shake. I have been coming home at night feeling on the dehydrated side and then drinking too much too fast in the evening and then be up and down all night long going to the little ladies room. I welcome any suggestions on this matter. I really need this job right now so just quitting isnt an option. Have a great weekend. Love and hugs to all. Laura

i worked for dillards a few christmas' back--i had to get a note from my doctor saying that i needed the water and frequent bathroom breaks-they went with it.... hang in-it's good that you are realizing the problem before you get too wiped out. hugs

I completely agree you should get a doctor's note showing your NEED the water while you work. If for some reason they do not care about the doctor's note then I would lean more towards the protein shakes. That way you will get your liquids and energy at the same time. Let us know how it goes... good luck

I have to attend a lot of meetings with my job and one of my bosses frowned on the fact that I was always carrying my water bottle with me. He finally barked at me one day in a meeting and I calmly explained to him that having water with me was essential. I took 20 minutes of his meeting time explaining why I needed it. Everyone in the room was muttering under their breath while I went into my detailed explanation cheering me on. He finally told me that if I could safely carry my water bottle and not spill it on the mail or computer equipment to go ahead and carry it. Now when I see him if I don't have my water with me, he tells me that he is not giving me mouth to mouth if he sees me flopping on the floor! I was all set to get Dr Curry to give me a medical note explaining my need for fluids. Friggin postal people, we're not happy unless we're fussing about nothing. Can you go to your boss and explain your need? Sometimes they just might surprise you.

Same problem here i got a job at target. I havent asked to carry water with me but they did say no drinks allowed. I drink on my breaks and if i have a lunch i try to eat then. I drink a protein drink before work and then drink a bottle of water on the way to work thats at least a bottle three times during the work day. Eating is more difficult for me as it takes me a long time to eat and lunch breaks are only 30 minutes. Water isnt so much the issue as the protein. For getting in protein my doc said a prior patient carried beef jerky with her and would chew a little at a time throughout the day for added protein. I would say staying hydrated is most important as you could pass out if you become dehydrated. Drink the protein drink at your lunch. My job is difficult because they only schedule me for six hours but have been keeping me longer and then i have to take a lunch uuuggghhh wish they would just schedule me the eight. I guess ill just have to prepare like im gonna be eating there. Tammy O