I had to pay a 'cancellation fee' to my coworkers for skipping lunch.
By @paigeactually · Work
A few people on my team started a 'lunch club' and if you RSVP yes but then can't make it, you have to Venmo the organizer $5 for the 'inconvenience' of booking a table for one too many people. I had a last-minute meeting and now I'm getting payment requests.
The full story
It sounds small, but it feels weirdly controlling. The organizer says it's to make sure people are committed so they can make accurate reservations. I get that, but we're not talking about a Michelin star restaurant, it's usually just the cafe downstairs. I had a mandatory meeting come up that I couldn't get out of. Now two of them have sent me a Venmo request for $5 and are being cold in our team chat. I feel like I'm being penalized for doing my job, but they're acting like I personally slighted them. It's making the office feel very awkward.
How people voted
- Bad Move — 32% (32 votes)
- Needs Context — 41% (41 votes)
- Reasonable — 26% (26 votes)
Readers are split: “Needs Context” leads with 41% — 99 votes and 5 comments so far.
What people are saying
@codywelp — My old roommate used to try and fine me for leaving dishes in the sink for more than an hour lol some people just love making rules.
@elijahbye — Soft.
@reeseee — Are we sure the organizer isn't just pocketing the money?
@nellieok — What a petty and ridiculous rule for a work group. You had a real meeting, they need to get over it!
@june — dude just pay the five dollars who cares
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