So...am I a cheap you know what?

[aprilgail2]

Honestly? I would gladly give the $20 and hope that someday someone is as generous to you when you retire!

I agree....at my job we collect between 10-20 from each person when someone retires and they get a nice big envelope of cash to hold them over until their checks start coming for retirement...takes 3 months until you get your first check so its nice to have some extra money to hold you over...I honestly don't know anyone in the yard on any shift that refuses to give and you can bet that that persons name would go around if they didn't since that is not something we do there..everyone chips in for everyones retirement, on your shift or not...and when you retire, you get the same treatment!

 

[azgal81]

My department passes a card around for retirement, baby, wedding whatever and normally there is a envelope attached for donations if you choose to give any money. Normally I don't although I'm not cheap I don't feel the need. They shouldn't pressure you to give money because everyone else is giving. I'm sure others feel the same as you!

 

[horseshowmom]

I started working in a big company (i.e. household name company) last year. My first month there 'Mary' retired, and there was a big catered luncheon and gifts and everything ... to the tune of $37 a head! At first I balked and said no way. But then the ladies sitting around me started saying "oh there'll be baby showers for you in the future" (I'm newly married) and "this is how it's done here" and one of them even called me cheap! This lady wasn't even in my department, but she did sit by me. Finally I relinquished and just paid the money just so I could be 'social' and not be labeled the 'cheapy'. I think the retiree walked away with $1,000 in cash! Baby showers are the same way too, but not nearly as expensive.

I still refuse to buy from the school fundraisers!

Normally, when we have teachers retire, the others kick in about $5 each for a gift, and the school provides the stuff for the reception. A few years ago, we had a teacher retire who chose not to tell anybody before school was out. Her family decided to hold a retirement party for her at a country club. They sent out invitations requesting an RSVP with a per person charge of approx. $50. DH and I declined to attend.

 

[goodeats]

That is sooooo tacky!

 

[krcit]

This reminds me of the Friends episode when Ross moves into a new building and his first day there, a neighbor approaches and asks for $100 for the building maintanence man who is retiring. Ross refuses to contribute and is instantly ostracized and ignored by the other residents. It was v. funny!! BTW, I don't think you're being cheap but I would contribute something in the name of good will.$5 or$10.

 

[Stitchfans]

I agree, you are not being cheap. if you don't know the person why should you be expected to give anything? I don't care for or respect the head of our department and neither does most of the people in our department. Yet, someone is collecting for her. I didn't and don't plan on giving anything since I would be a hyprocrate in my opinion if I did.

 

[ADisneygirl]

That seems unreasonable to me that you should feel that you have to contribute anything to a person you do not even know.

Here is what we do at school: As most know, schools are notoriously poor and always trying to find funds for this or that. When one of us retires it is up to their co workers to collect and give or there will be no retirement gift. The other teachers and staff are told there is a card in the front office if anyone wants to contribute toward the retirement. We are a staff of 94. They try to get $100 collected to give to the retiree. That is about a dollar a person, or a couple of dollars a person if some give nothing. If they come up short (and they often do) the principal and assistant principal cough up the difference.

 

[Keli]

I don't feel like you need to give $20 either since you just started there and don't know the guy. But if you had worked with him for a year or so I would say to go ahead and give the $20. As it is I'd give $10 on Monday.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I think 20 is pretty high considering your just started there.. I would make a small offering if it is bothering you....either $5 or $10. You also do not have to do this considering you do not even know the person, and I do not think you are cheap.

 

[C.Ann]

If I had loads of extra money to throw around, sure I'd kick in.. But until I win the lottery - I'll pass on contributing to the retirement of someone I have never even met.. That's crazy!

 

[jennyl772003]

I had something similar happen when I started working at my current job. I was emailed, note in my mail box, followed up, etc to "donate" $15 for my boss' Christmas gift. It was pretty relentless too. At this time I had only worked there a month.

I didn't cave in and I didn't contribute.

I think people complained though, cuz now we only get hit up once. I don't mind paying the $15 now either since I actually know the guy, and he always gets me generous birthday and Christmas gifts

 

[MsLeFever]

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts!

 

[disykat]

This reminds me of the Friends episode when Ross moves into a new building and his first day there, a neighbor approaches and asks for $100 for the building maintanence man who is retiring. Ross refuses to contribute and is instantly ostracized and ignored by the other residents. It was v. funny!! BTW, I don't think you're being cheap but I would contribute something in the name of good will.$5 or$10.

I was just about to post the same thing! Except - I probably wouldn't contribute. It really seems unreasonable to me when you don't even know the person. The OP can just say they're declining to give because they've never met them or at least ask if collections generally include people who have never met the recipient. Maybe the person collecting didn't realize?

 

[aprilgail2]

We also do a collection at Christmas for the boss and this year we had 3 guys that were crying about having to kick in ten lousey dollars....well eventually 2 gave but the 3rd hasn't so on the card we put everyones names..then one of the guys wrote in big red ink "(everyone EXCEPT John)".....

 

[figment52]

This reminds me of the Friends episode when Ross moves into a new building and his first day there, a neighbor approaches and asks for $100 for the building maintanence man who is retiring. Ross refuses to contribute and is instantly ostracized and ignored by the other residents. It was v. funny!! BTW, I don't think you're being cheap but I would contribute something in the name of good will.$5 or$10.

That is the first thought I had too. I wouldn't feel obligated to contribute if as you put it, you couldn't pick him out of a line up -

 

[chyam]

I don't think you are cheap at all.........I work for a large company and there always seems to be a collection for someone. I came to the conclusion that I cannot afford to give every single time they want money, and maybe they talk behind my back but I don't give unless I know and like the person, I don't sign cards etc unless the same is true. So many times I see people giving and pertending to care and then turn around and bad mouth the person. They can call me cheap or any other name in the book, but I am a one income person, giving in the office these days has gotten way out of hand IMO.

 

[macraven]

well, if you did give the $20 what do you get in return?

do they do a free luncheon for those that kicked in?

if not, give monopoly money.........