Workmate being really mean because I'm going on holiday and she isn't.

[MojacarSunset]

I'm going on a family holiday to Spain next week with dh and 2 dc. My workmate has been making digs at me for weeks every time anyone mentions the holiday, I'm not talking about it but it comes up naturally when planning meetings/work etc as someone will ask when I'm off, that kind of thing. Every time she has a dig, "It's alright for some" "I wish I could afford a holiday" "Oh yes, your going on holiday"............it's driving me nuts and I'm biting my tongue!!!
Workmate works more hours than me and has 1 child who her mother looks after for free, we pay for childcare before/after school for 2 children!
Our husbands work in the same service and are on the same level, their combined income will be a bit more than ours as I work fewer hours.
The only reason we can afford our 2-week self-catering in Spain is because I budget carefully. Weekly shopping is £100 for everything, we don't have takeaways unless it's a birthday or special occasion, me and DH both take food to work and don't tend to buy fancy coffee and snacks.
I don't moan when she turns up in a new car or bangs on about the latest fancy meal she has had. I'm happy with my choices but she is driving me nuts!!!!

Our holiday is costing us the equivalent of £50 a week, she probably spends that on coffee and lunch!!!

Honestly, I’d just zone out and inwardly roll my eyes.

Why do you feel the need to justify a 2 week family holiday in Spain to us?

Have a lovely time, hope it isn’t too hot, come back refreshed, tanned, happy.

Your workmate - she is envious poor woman, notacooldad giving good advice

I've been doing exactly that but I'm worried I'm going to explode if she gets worse!

I have had this from people at work too as I prioritise my holidays. To do this I budget for food, bring my own lunch to work, don't buy coffees or get my nails done and drive a 14 year old car. I like my life, I eat well and don't deprive myself of anything if I want it but nor do I splurge regularly on 'stuff'.

I actually said to my colleague in the end that she probably spent around 50 quid a week on Starbucks coffee n granola plus lunch from Pret and that if she stopped doing that then she could also afford a holiday.

Next time she says anything say you'd be happy to help her to budget for a holiday.

I'd be really over the top about how great it is.

"Alright for some"

"Oh yes, isn't it. Glorious sunshine, beautiful food, a chance to really relax and have fun with the kids." Etc etc

I would have to ask her what her problem is as she is really upsetting you. The upsetting angle scares off these weirdos.

If the car is a 4x4 or SUV, perhaps mention that in reply. Or just say that I've learnt to manage money, perhaps you ought to.

Being blunt once I hope will be effective.

Yeah, same here. Or I would just confront it. “Yes Margaret, you seem to always take a jab at me whenever someone mentions my holiday, especially just to check scheduling. Now can you please stop mentioning it? It’s annoying.”

There is always one of these in every workplace. Same here, I prioritise holidays and few other things and have had "oh my. I could never afford that. You husband must be making loads" from one colleague who was on higher salary, regularly overslept so took taxi, had more pairs pf shoes than I had in my life combined and partied out often. (husband was not makimg loads, hers was making more)
Neither of us are wrong in how we spend our money. Personal choices.
One of us was a twat for the comments though 🤷

Don't say it's upsetting you!
That was the goal!

I have a work colleague like this. The boss very helpfully announced all the details of our family holiday (wish I'd never mentioned it to him!) during a team get together whilst I wasn't even there and she has been off with me ever since. She's been making comments to other colleagues about how we can afford it etc. Honestly just ignore and don't feel you need to justify it. It's a 'her' problem. Enjoy your holiday.

I would ask her what her problem is as she seems upset and shouldn't be taking it out on you.

For some people, envy seems a really important emotion. They have big eyes for anything anyone else has got, and are actively PLEASED if someone is put out that they have a new car etc. It’s a funny thing, not sure if there’s anything to be done about it. ( You could say “Yes, I AM going on holiday!” And beam, but you might be better off just ignoring)

Why does what she says or how she spends her money matter to you?

Just look forward to your holiday.

Nothing you say or do will change this person's feelings, so just ignore it and have an amazing time. And be careful in the heat!

We went to Mojacar about 15 years ago. Absolutely loved it. Hope you have a fabulous time 💃

Here are some replies next time she says anything:

• Say nothing, get up walk to the photocopier etc, just get on with your job
• Are you okay, hun?
• I know, I can’t wait to be sunning myself and you will be here still.
• I use this great app for budgeting - when I get back I can show you how to use it and then you can go on a holiday, like me.

Snap, bark at her 'oh for godsake give it a rest, you go on and on. You've chosen to spend your money on a new car, I didn't, leave me alone'

Is just laugh every time she makes a stupid comment.

I'd ^

You don’t need to justify how you spend your money to MN or this annoying colleague.

Have a fab time!

Play her at her own game. New car or expensive meal just parrot back "oh it's alright for some".

I wish I had the nerve to go with some of your suggested responses!

I'd go the opposite way if it continues.

'Alright for some'

'Yes,, can't wait. Sun, heat, sea, drinks the kit - what's not to love!!!'

And repeat.