My coworkers made a 'menu' of prices for bailing on lunch plans.
By @fayesorta · Work
A few of us in the office have a regular lunch group. Lately, people have been bailing last-minute, so two of them made a joke 'cancellation fee' menu ($5 for same-day, $10 for an hour before, etc.). Now they're actually trying to enforce it.
The full story
There's a group of about six of us at my job who try to eat lunch together a few times a week. It's a nice break from the day, but it can be a little complicated to coordinate. Recently, it's been a running joke that someone always backs out at the last second, leaving the person who made the reservation in an awkward spot or messing up the group dynamic. Two of the organizers in the group decided to make a 'menu' of cancellation fees as a gag. It listed things like '$5 for a same-day cancellation,' '$10 for cancelling within the hour,' and '$20 for a no-show.' We all thought it was funny at first. The problem is, they're not joking anymore. Last week, I had to bail about 30 minutes before we were supposed to meet because my manager pulled me into an unexpected meeting. Later that afternoon, one of them sent me a Venmo request for $10. I laughed it off, but she was serious. they said it was about 'respecting people's time and effort.' I feel like this is taking things way too far for a casual lunch, but a couple of others in the group are siding with her, saying it's the only way to make sure people commit. It just feels really weird to try and fine your coworkers over a sandwich.
How people voted
- Totally Cooked — 31% (88 votes)
- It’s Complicated — 37% (105 votes)
- You’re Fine — 33% (94 votes)
Readers are split: “It’s Complicated” leads with 37% — 287 votes and 5 comments so far.
What people are saying
@liamfr — If you make a commitment you need to stick to it.
@ellieliterally — A venmo request for a work lunch. amazing.
@codywelp — This has gone from a friendship thing to a business transaction and now everyone's uncomfortable.
@ashmm — What happens if they cancel on you?
@hollyish — My fantasy football league does this for last place and the loser had to serve everyone drinks for 3 hours. this is way weirder.
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