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AIBU?

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Original poster

It's just a fiver

233 replies

user7699099 · 24/10/2024 17:21

I have a new manager at my workplace and she is arranging a collection for a member of staff for their birthday. Today she told everyone she is doing the collection and everyone can put £5 in.

I told her I don't contribute to collections as I can't afford too and she replied its just a fiver.

£5 might not be much to her and some of the other staff who work full time but I work part time and every penny I earn is needed.

Now I feel really embarrassed that I had to refuse giving £5 because money is tight, but I know it wont be a one off there will always be a collection for someone's birthday, leaving, baby etc

AIBU?

OP posts:
FeistyFrankie · 24/10/2024 17:26

Hmm. I’d have donated £2 but.. yeah I guess if you don’t have the money you don’t have the money. Does seem a little stingy though.

FlippertyFlopperty · 24/10/2024 17:25

YANBU. At my old workplace there was always a collection and it ended up costing £60 per year which I'd then get back in vouchers on my birthday. There was lots of pressure to join in. I was also the most part time member of staff and couldn't afford it. There was also lots of pressure to join in bitchy meals out. Hideous.

Inkypot · 24/10/2024 17:24

You don't sound unreasonable to me. Good on you for saying no. If it had been a "contribute what you can afford if you are able to" that would be fine, but I agree I dislike when people dictate the amount you have to give. It takes away from the niceness of it and makes it feel really forced (in my opinion anyway).

Redglitter · 24/10/2024 17:24

Presumably that's going to set a precedent then of a fiver every birthday?

No, bitthday presents at work should ge a couple of £ max. Just enough to get a card & a cake or bottle of wine.

It certainly shouldn't be an amount set and enforced by management. Stick your ground

MumChp · 24/10/2024 17:24

It's not just a fiver. It's a fiver for every member of staff. Once a year = lots of fivers.

My answer is no and I don't want a gift either. It's a job. Not family/friends.

Heidi00 · 24/10/2024 17:24

And did she then accept that you are opting out and don't want to be part of it? Could she have thought you didn't realise the first time round that it was £5 and not more? But yeah she shouldn't be passing comment on someone not giving to a collection.

maverickfox · 24/10/2024 17:23

Stick your guns. I don’t agree with work collections but they should be voluntary.

Original poster
user7699099 · 24/10/2024 17:22

Just to add I don't expect and have never received a collection for myself. I am happy to opt out and not receive anything.

OP posts:
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