I'm feeling "weirded out" about having to share a hotel room for 3 nights with a coworker I have never met ?

Question

For work, I have to go to a training out of town. I just found out that I'm being roomed with a coworker I have never seen before. It is kind of funny how they kept it all on the "low down". I feel this is very invades my privacy. I talk in my sleep and snore. I don't want to be running around with pjs on in front of someone I don't even know. Also, worst of all sharing a bathroom and wading through all their mess. It takes me a good hour to fix my hair in the morning because it takes forever to dry it. It wouldn't be fair for me to take this much time with someone else in the room but that is part of my routine.

It would be hard for me to face this person in a professional setting after all of this. Am I over reacting? Will they think I'm not a team player? Do others feel the same way? I did offer to pay for my own room. I don't mind "bonding" with coworkers during the day but I want the night to myself.

Answer 1

I assume this is a same-s*x roommate? Then again, these days, it could still be, er, uncomfortable.

I think the company should shell out. I think this is inappropriate, but I doubt that asking them to get your own room will get you up that corporate ladder. Good luck, I hope you can respect each other's boundaries.

Answer 2

If you are willing to cover the expense of a separate room, I see nothing wrong with it. If anything, you're being considerate & on top of that you're trying to maintain a professional decorum. I think that's excellent :)

Answer 3

I would hate it too.  When I've gone out of town on business, even with several people I knew well, I've never been expected to share a room.  I'm not trying to be gross, but what if you get sick during the night?  Puking with a stranger in the next room is gross, for both of you.  People make noises and smells in their sleep.  No, I'd really hate it.  I don't think you're over reacting at all.  I would try very hard to find a way out of it.

Answer 4

Oh I am sure you are painting a darker picture than you need to.. this person probably thinks exactly the same now..  'I never met this co-worker  I talk in my sleep and make animal noises because i think it's a jungle out there, how will she take this..'' .. I am sure the other person will think something along those lines.. This is just for  a short while..  and you sometimes have to share with others.. the best thing you can do.. when you meet this new co worker..  be friendly and smile at her..  and be a bit humorous..  after you two got to know each other a little bit.. by talking and I am sure you will both be fine doing that.. then just say.. ''I got to warn you I really snore awfully loud  and I speak fluent Arabic in my sleep.... '' LOL..  and the sharing of the bathroom is no problem.. I am sure it is lockable and besides.. two females can respect each other.. you can decide who goes first.. and if you need the toilet I am sure she will not even think of going in there and she would not want you to go in there when she is on the toilet.. it's not a big deal. you talk this over together and you will see you will be able to find a mutually satisfactory agreement.. you don['t go to the bathroom at the same time... x*x

Answer 5

You are not overreacting. you do have a right to your privacy and should not be obligated to room with a stranger for three nights. Your boss was wrong by not telling you this ahead of time. This level of stress could and will affect your work routine. If your co-workers think you're not a team player, then let them sleep for three nights with a stranger and see how they like it. By all means, if it will make you at ease, go ahead and get your own room and save the bill for the boss and let him know how your discomfort is now his discomfort. There is no law against having to share a room with a stranger. Whatever makes you a better worker, then by golly, go for it!!!  Nobody should hone in on another's bedtime privacy, be it for work or pleasure. all that should be your choice!!

Answer 6

if you can afford it and there is room at the hotel, then get your own room.  I would be very uncomfortable rooming with someone that I don't know.  I would explain to that person that you are a very private person and nothing against her but you need to have your own room.  I am very lucky to work for a company that pays for individual rooms when we travel.

Answer 7

Go ahead and get your own room.  You are right.  During the day, you can be as social as they want you to be.  At night, you should be able to have your own room.  This isn't summer camp.  You are all grown adults.  Not to mention there is the potential issue of the coworker stealing your stuff when you are asleep.  If you are willing to pay for your own room, go for it.  You definitely want to call the hotel ahead of time though and make sure you can get an extra room.  The hotel could be booked for the conference.

Answer 8

this is a very common practice in business, get used to it...when you become the CEO, etc you can have your own, in the meantime you can share like everyone else does.....

everyone feels uncomfortable in the beginning and everyone has the same insecuritues, but business is business and its a good way to network.

you will be fine!