Cologne is making it impossible for me to work - is finance salvageable?
Posting to crowdsource opinions and get a sanity check:
Since I starting work (2023) I usually never had a problem with my coworkers fragrances. I once had to work in a conference room because someone’s was too strong and gave me a headache, but another coworker validated me and joined me there for the same reason. We never told that person because we’re not that tight.
This was generally the case - cologne doesn’t bother me much, but I notice it and it’s never attractive. I’m starting a new role in 2026 - I like my team, but a couple wear decently noticeable colognes. This wasn’t a problem when I accepted this offer, but I went perfume shopping with a friend recently and got sent to the ER because the scents cause my brain to swell. Long story short I had a great day at the ER with none of the feeling like my head would explode and nauseous; in which pain meds did not work for . Been working with a neurologist and I need to stay away from triggering scents.
Asking for your opinions: should I just quit finance because fragrances are so popular? Or is there a dignified way to communicate that some colognes make it impossible for me to work?
For context, I am a woman and the worst offender is sauvage. I thought I’d gotten used to the 2+ sprayers in my undergrad biz classes but I guess I was slowly getting lobotomized
Based on the most helpful WSO content and similar discussions, your situation is not uncommon, and there are ways to navigate it without abandoning your career in finance. Here’s a structured approach to address your concerns:
1. Understand Your Rights and Workplace Policies
2. Communicate Professionally and Proactively
3. Request Reasonable Accommodations
4. Leverage Your Team Dynamics
5. Explore Long-Term Solutions
6. Don’t Quit Prematurely
7. Seek Support
Final Note:
Your health and well-being are paramount, but finance is a broad field with diverse opportunities. With the right approach, you can find a balance that allows you to thrive professionally without compromising your health.
Sources: How the hell do you stay healthy in sweat shop groups?, Let's talk cologne!, Let's talk cologne!
Simple - speak with HR.
When this enters the realm of a medical issue, and your ability to work, you need to speak up. People should basically wear skin scents in the office. I’m super into fragrances but I keep down the projection and sillage in the office because I don’t want to choke out a small space. People can wear their high projection cologne outdoors or in the club.
Agree with above, I don't think HR would have any issue sending out a note asking people not to wear cologne because of a medical accommodation in the office
I am into this stuff and I would feel terrible and stop wearing it immediately if I heard it bothered a coworker that much
I'm tight enough with my coworkers to bring it up to them directly although it still is a bit of an awkward convo - would you prefer getting a general HR note or if I dropped a slack / teams message directly to my office? I'd rather keep communication channels open and I don't want anyone thinking I'm avoiding them this early on
Personally I would do an HR message over blasting the entire group yourself just out of personal preference, but either is fine. if you can do 1x1 with your immediate team / the people you sit close to that's good too
From now on I'll only wear Sauvage to make your brain swell
hahah my arch nemesis
You want to leave an entire industry because some of your coworkers wear cologne? Tell them directly or just ask hr to send out an email. Come on man
Note to everyone - cologne is out, has been for a while, and you will definitely be judged wearing it to work. Who tf are you trying to impress, your MD? I now always think to that episode in Billions where Spyros gets called out at work by Chuck “Are you wearing fucking cologne? JFC!”
As a girl here … I do have some options that the boys club doesn’t have like stay at home and have kids. A win is a win
Least obvious guy posing as a girl
Another great quality post on wso.
How many bottles of cologne has your father-in-law bought for you?
I don’t get the joke, what?
why does this read like a fever dream
A few months ago, when someone here posted a query about wearing scent to work, my response got deleted. Apparently I offended people with my comments.
What I said was, the best scent is one that makes you smell nice to other people. It’s not necessarily a scent you like. Which means, when you’re out shopping for scent, bring someone along with a good nose who can tell which scent works and which ones don’t work for you. Don’t try more than three scents per trip. Your nose gets overwhelmed by too many scents at a time. But don’t buy a scent just because you like it. It’s got to work with your body chemistry.
Second point, the only people who should smell your scent are people leaning in for a kiss. If the whole damn office smells your scent, you’re wearing far too much.
And if you’re wearing too much scent, we’re going to wonder why. Didn’t shower or change clothes because you didn’t sleep at home? Dead sense of smell?
I’m sorry that OP is working with people who have no business wearing scent.
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