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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

making tea at work

70 replies

blackmonday · 12/05/2010 20:16

i started a new job about 6 months ago working in an office where i am on a lower grade than the 3 other women who work there but do not work for them. (public sector). it was going ok and i make my fair share of tea and coffee along with everyone else. just lately one of my higher grade colleagues has taken to asking me on a regular basis 'do you fancy making a tea?'. I am getting really about it. Just because i am on a lower grade is it my duty to make her tea? she hardly ever makes one. I have made it clear i'm unhappy but still get up and make it. It's really starting to get to me. I am not an office junior and more than capable of doing same/similar jobs to them, just find my grading suitable as i have young children at home. Job is fine apart from this. AIBU to object to making the tea? what would you do?

OP posts:
Rockbird · 13/05/2010 15:41

Definitely agree with pretending you thought she was making one. 'Not at the moment, thanks. I want to get on with this' also lets her know that you have actually got work to do and aren't a tea boy.

troublewithtalk · 13/05/2010 15:50

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Species8472 · 13/05/2010 15:50

She's taking the piss a bit. Everyone should pitch in and take turns, or else anyone who doesn't want in on the rota should just get their own. This worked pretty well where I used to work (although we did get fed up when certain people would accept a drink off you but never make a round themselves).

Manda25 · 13/05/2010 16:22

I also work for the LA (and we have a cook!!) and we dont even 'ask' her to make the tea (unless we have visitors/a meeting). Who ever wants tea puts the kettle on and then asks who else wants one... we take it pretty much in turns. Tell her to make her own and speak to your supervisor about it - i agree with a PP - it is a form of bulling

thesecondcoming · 13/05/2010 16:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

poppymouse · 13/05/2010 21:16

This is all good, but has the OP done it yet? We need to know. I just joined in but I'm cheering her on. Guy next to me is senior and tries it too but "piss off" does not cause offence. My previous line manager was the most senior civil servant for miles around and happily made tea for everyone, including his secretary. You go the extra mile for people that treat you with respect.

MaisietheMorningsideCat · 14/05/2010 13:36

Yes - come on OP - time to 'fess up. Did you stand up to the tea bully?

RibenaBerry · 14/05/2010 13:39

Come on OP, what did you do?

ninedragons · 14/05/2010 13:50

I like offices where everyone makes their own tea.

Ever since I saw a colleague whip out his penis and wipe it around the rim of our despised boss's mug when he was making her tea.

marrs · 14/05/2010 14:48

How about trying something like this?

www.makethetea.com/

I tend to make the most tea in my office even though I'm technically the most senior... It gives me a chance to get up and stretch my legs, as well as have some nice chats on the way to the kitchen and so I know everything that's going on!

Some people are just lazy... She sounds like me at home - DH always makes the tea, and I usually prompt him!

Sullwah · 14/05/2010 15:04

So what happened?

I am a bit of a wimp too. So an alternative response would be to just opt out of the whole tea thing for a while. Say you are avoiding caffeine or some such.

And then you never have to make it.

miopus · 03/10/2011 10:17

I have to add this comment - which will make you all either laugh or cry in frustration -you should try working for H.H. Courts Service !

I worked as a temp - you were not only required to make the damn teas and coffees for about 8 judges - but they all had different tea cosies that had to be used - I was actually given a test on this !!!!!!!! You also had to take the lunch trolley for them, loaded with their packed lunches of smoked salmon and suchlike - and worst of all - do all the washing up by hand afterwards - and it was always a complete mess. All at set times when you had loads of other work to do .........

miopus · 03/10/2011 10:19

ha ha !

CauldronsTrulyReign · 03/10/2011 10:24

erm

Strange resurrections going on.

Faffalina · 03/10/2011 10:32

I worked in a place (temp job, thankfully!) where all the women had to take it in turns to make tea, but all the men didn't have to do it at all. I found it really, really odd.

Faffalina · 03/10/2011 10:33

ninedragons that is vile!

LadyThumb · 03/10/2011 11:45

I would just put the water on each tea bag and tell them to finish it off themselves. Or make really ghastly cups of tea for a week and they will soon learn. I don't mind making the tea, but it's all the fetching and carrying that I object to - it's as though their jobs are more important than yours.

Groovee · 03/10/2011 12:07

We all make our own!

TakeThisOneHereForAStart · 03/10/2011 12:24

Colleague: "Do you fancy making a tea?"
You: "No, I'm alright thanks."
Colleague:
You: "Oh well, since you're making one anyway, two sugars in mine please!"

Or

Colleague: "Do you fancy making a tea?"
You: "Actually I'm really busy, but I'd love one if you're offering."

TandB · 03/10/2011 12:28

I wonder if the OP is still making the tea nearly 18 months on since she posted this thread!

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