Sticky Work Situation.....What would you do

[DAISYDUCKRN]

Hello to all. Wondering what everyone's opinion is on this situation. I work at a technical skills school for adults. I often bring in snacks for the instructors lounge, crackers, cookies, coffee, etc. as I am only there a few days a week in the office. Here is the problem. The director often feels that we should order pizza, lunch, etc for the students, there are approx 30 of them, all adults. Every once in a while, maybe once a semester is ok but this is now happening more frequently and for no significant reason. Earlier this week lunch was ordered for the students which I did not expect. Therefore I was not prepared to chip in 20-25 dollars per person. The bill was about $160.00 and I did not intend to spend $30.00 last minute for this, therefore I did not contribute nor did I eat the food as I already had my lunch. I usually always bring lunch from home. How would you handle this situation. Thanks for your opinion.

 

[SILLYANDI]

I think I would comment to the director that he/she is very kind to provide lunch for all of his/her students and not pay a dime, eat the lunch I brought and be perfectly OK with my choice.
Had he/she ASKED you ahead of time if you wanted to contribute, you would have had the choice to say yes or no (I would have still said no- "Oh that sounds nice but I've brought my lunch and I don't have $30 to spare right now" would work for me). But he/she didn't so he/she foots the bil lfor his/her choice.

 

[horseshowmom]

I don't think it's reasonable to expect you to pay for the students' lunch on a regular basis. I think the once a semester you mentioned is generous, but even that shouldn't be done without advance agreement among the personnel involved. Lots of people don't always have $30 available, and it's wrong to put you on the spot. The director needs to rethink the plan.

 

[CajunDixie]

If the students are adults they should be paying for themselves. If the director feels it is so important to pay for thier lunch then either he should pay out of his pocket or the school should pay. You're not responsible to feed them!!

 

[JoiseyMom]

If the students are adults they should be paying for themselves. If the director feels it is so important to pay for thier lunch then either he should pay out of his pocket or the school should pay. You're not responsible to feed them!!

This!

 

[clh2]

I would be peeved about this.

My DH and I just did a facelift in our kitchen. We are feeling broke...broke...broke. I honestly do not feel I have $30 to spare. And, no, I'm not hitting the emergency fund for pizza for people outside of my family.

Once a semester might be fine. I would want to know about this in advance. Heck - I don't even carry $30 on me. Hardly ever. (Even before we did the work in the kitchen - I would never have that much money on me.)

Now - can you simply explain to your director that you do not have the funds to do this on a regular basis? You should not have to explain what your other obligations are...

Good Luck!

 

[mrspaha]

I don't see any reason at all why you should be expected to contribute to buy lunch for the students.

In fact, over my entire working career at various office jobs, the office workers never brought snacks for the whole office. At every office I worked at, the company/owner provided coffee (w/sugar, creamer packets, etc.) Everyone always brought their own snacks to keep at their desk. The only time people might bring treats for the rest of the office was maybe if someone baked Christmas cookies.

I assume you don't want to appear cheap or selfish, but I would just tell your boss that you have your own budget goals, and you're sorry, but you won't be able to contribute to the student luncheons.

 

[Judique]

Hello to all. Wondering what everyone's opinion is on this situation. I work at a technical skills school for adults. I often bring in snacks for the instructors lounge, crackers, cookies, coffee, etc. as I am only there a few days a week in the office. Here is the problem. The director often feels that we should order pizza, lunch, etc for the students, there are approx 30 of them, all adults. Every once in a while, maybe once a semester is ok but this is now happening more frequently and for no significant reason. Earlier this week lunch was ordered for the students which I did not expect. Therefore I was not prepared to chip in 20-25 dollars per person. The bill was about $160.00 and I did not intend to spend $30.00 last minute for this, therefore I did not contribute nor did I eat the food as I already had my lunch. I usually always bring lunch from home. How would you handle this situation. Thanks for your opinion.

It's always good to set parameters in these cases. There are different reasons for doing it. One would be the obvious - being asked to chip in what for many may be a substantial part of their budget.

Another reason not to be part of the office lunch scene is that this type of food is not that healthy, if you are trying to eat a heart healthy diet (as I am). I bring my own food and stick with it so as not to lose sight of my nutrition goals. When I was eating what the office ate, it was out of control - too much takeout food.

Once a semester is not a problem as you said. You may have to take the time to spell it out nicely to the director so that you are not auto included every time. And, it will die a natural death when the numbers of contributors dwindle, because my feeling is that more then just you don't want to pitch in $30 without a heads up.

 

[StitchBuddy]

Yikes!! I can't even imagine!

 

[Jaklackus]

Is this part of the public school system or is it a private company running the school for the city/county?

If it's a private company ...there might be a 'budget' for such things...I would be curious if there is a collection from the teachers and then the receipt is then submitted to the home office for reimbursement. I am especially suspicious of the increased frequency. $30 out of pocket without ample notice is just rude.

 

[cm8]

Is this part of the public school system or is it a private company running the school for the city/county?

If it's a private company ...there might be a 'budget' for such things...I would be curious if there is a collection from the teachers and then the receipt is then submitted to the home office for reimbursement. I am especially suspicious of the increased frequency. $30 out of pocket without ample notice is just rude.

This

 

[DAISYDUCKRN]

thanks for all the feedback. I did not feel guilty about not participating but it almost was to be expected to chip in. i would not be surprised if the director actually submitted the receipt to get reimbursed. i often bring in kureig coffee cups, soda, crackers, etc for all to share, however, i have noticed that several people never bring in anything to share and always help themselves. the secretary evens says that she is taking some snacks home to her kids. she is one who has never brought anything in. i am trying to be considerate as i sometimes help myself to something others bring in. the company does not supply coffee and such. two weeks ago one instructor said she spend $70.00 of her own money to bring in breakfast items, bagels, muffins, juice. she did not ask for a contribution. she must have quite a bit of recreational money left over after her personal and family bills. thanks for listening.

 

[hffmnheidi]

Have a department meeting and get your concerns voiced-you'd probably be surprised at how many people are on your side of the fence.

Maybe set up a set schedule of when food is going to be ordered so everyone who wants to participate can pitch in and it's not a surprise to anyone. If food is ordered besides that date, then those who ordered get to pay.

 

[Cooky]

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