My coworkers are now charging a 'cancellation fee' if you back out of group lunch plans.
By @owenyk · Work
It started as a joke against one flaky person on our team, but now it's become a real thing. I had to cancel for a legitimate work meeting and got a $5 Venmo request.
The full story
We have a group of about 8-10 people in my department who try to go out for lunch once a week. One of our coworkers is notoriously flaky and would always bail ten minutes before, after we'd already made a reservation. So, someone made a joke that we should start charging him a 'cancellation fee.' It was funny, for a week. Then he did it again, and the 'commissioner' of the lunch club actually sent him a $5 Venmo request, and he actually paid it. Now it's the official-unofficial rule. They make a reservation and if you cancel within 24 hours, you owe $5 to the person who made the booking. Yesterday, my manager scheduled a last-minute mandatory meeting right over our lunch hour. I let the group chat know I couldn't make it. An hour later, I have a Venmo request from a coworker I barely know for 'lunch cancellation.' It feels insane to pay it, but I also don't want to become the office pariah over five dollars. Is this not the most ridiculous, passive-aggressive system for a professional workplace? I feel like I'm taking crazy pills.
How people voted
- Totally Cooked — 32% (39 votes)
- It’s Complicated — 46% (57 votes)
- You’re Fine — 22% (27 votes)
Readers say “It’s Complicated” (46%) — 123 votes and 5 comments so far.
What people are saying
@rubysorta — Is this the first time you've had to cancel on them?
@benyk — LMAO
@alyssamaybe — Oh honey, that is absolutely ridiculous. Your manager scheduled the meeting!
@miarosee — This much passive-aggression is how a friendly office turns toxic.
@sashayy — Work is for working, not for making friends and going to lunch.
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