So I work 8-5, I'm outdoors all day. I stay Hydrated just fine, I put sunscreen on as needed and generally stay in good condition for what I do, yet I'm constantly getting “yelled” at for not taking required breaks.
We get about an hour long break, 30min of it is “mandatory” buuuut I just can't do it. I usually just snack on veggies, fruit, nuts, crackers and etc throughout the day while I'm checking emails, reading texts or project documentation so I don't typically need a lunch break. Nor do I usually want one in the first place, as I tend to get super grumpy when I'm “forced” to stop.
“You don't have to eat, you could do something else.”
I've tried video games, books, music, podcasts, youtube, streaming an episode of a show to my phone to distract me, but all it manages to do is add anxiety and stress. I've even tried asking HR to just allow me to go home early instead, but I just get “You can't do that, it's unfair for other employees.”… yeah but so is forcing me to work an extra hour just because I don't want or need a break.
Does anyone know how I can counter this required lunch period and get home early?