Gift for co-worker?

Question

I have been at my current job since August of last year. There is a very high turnover rate where I work. When people leave, there is generally a cake in the break room. Today I received an email from a co-worker who sent this to a select few. I was on the list but uncertain of why. Our co-worker is leaving. I have had very limited contact with her. The email asked for an $8 contribution toward a gift that costs $92 and a lunch also. The lunch will be part of our team meeting. I really can't afford to do this because we are in between paydays, but also-no one else has received this treatment. Would it be best for me to scrape together the money, and play nice in the sandbox, or just write an explanation to the originator of the email? I don't want to cause waves, but I know they are inevitable.

Answer 1

If this request went to everyone in the company, that's one thing, and it'd be harder to get out of it. But since it went to a few, take the emailer aside and privately explain that as much as you'd love to contribute, you just can't right now for financial reasons, and you just don't have a spare penny right now. Unless they're a greedy hard*ss, they've gotta understand. Offer to help another way - take the card around to be signed or something.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I would reply to the e-mail and ask if the sender is sure that they meant to include you. Be polite. Something like, "I'm not sure if you meant to send this to me. I'm not really close to 'Mary,' so I'm not sure why I was included on this."

Wait for their reply. Perhaps they meant to send it to another person. Perhaps they're just looking for people to help split the cost of an expensive present. If they don't take your hint that you don't care to be included, it could be politically prudent to cough up the $8 unless you really can't afford it.

From your question, it sounds like people there may not appreciate that $8 is a lot to some people, and may think you're being petty or mean. You know your co-workers, and only you can best guess how they'd react if you refused. If you think they'd hold it against you, try to come up with the money. Maybe even tell them that you won't have $8 until next payday.

Again, if they don't take the hint that $8 is a lot of money to you, borrow the money and give it back on payday - even if you really can spare it right now. Maybe it will make them think the next time they start spending other people's money.

I worked in an office where the manager insisted that everyone donate "at least" $10 to the United Way campaign. I honestly could not afford it at the time, but was too afraid to say so. She had no idea what $10 meant to me - she had a six figure income. Some people are just ignorant of others' situations.

Answer 3

First off, the coworker who's leaving, is it a member of management who has been there for quite a while? Also, the person who emailed you asking for your support, are they management? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, I would consider making a contribution (that doesn't mean you have to do the whole $8....you can always give $3 and explain simply say that is all you can spare at this time). If the answer is no, and you're not close with this person who is leaving, simply don't give. There is no shame in not being able to dish out for someone who is merely an acquantaince. Again, if you feel uncomfortable not giving at all...chip in a couple $ and tell them that's all you can do. But honestly, if the co-worker has any type of business ettiquette, if you don't respond to the email or approach her about it, she shouldn't corner you and put you on the spot. If she does corner you or put you on the spot, "I just can't swing it right now" is always acceptable. Everyone can understand this.
Goodluck

Answer 4

I think I would ask the person who had sent the email to spot you the $8.00 until payday. I know it is tough when it seems that you are always shelling out money for others but $8 is a lot cheaper that having to go out and buy a gift on your own. In Canada, some of the cards are $4. never mind the gift.

I hope you receive a wonderful gift when YOU leave or retire. Good luck

Answer 5

If the presentation of the gift is part of a meeting that you will be required to attend then I would scrape the money together and do it. You'll feel awkward about being there if you did not contribute. $8 is annoying, but if the person asking (or leaving) is fairly senior it's worth playing nice!

Answer 6

Tell them that you have had lil contact with this person but at this time, you can't be able to afford the $8. right now. Tell them that you are on a tight budget and since we haven't been paid then you can give them something next week. Or even see if you can give them something less then $8. I have had to do that before, I couldn't fit the $10 and I gave like $5. So, just upfront with them adn tell them sorry. Good luck

Answer 7

I would reply to the email and say "I'm sorry, but I will be unable to make a contribution toward this". Other than that, no explanation is truly necessary since you aren't friends with the co-worker that is leaving!

Answer 8

I figure that you can always buy something already made from the local grocery as a treat for the person to share in the break room and then if there is a present to buy, as there is usually something that would nice for them, even if you only worked there a couple of days, probably a gift card from their favorite store for their favorite thing.

Answer 9

I would call the sender and tell this person very nicely (after all, your being on that e-mail could have been an accident too and the minute you say, "about the gift e-mail" they may say "oops, sorry") that you appreciate being invited that you just cannot spare the $8." Also, bring up that you hardly know this person and noticed that others that hardly know her too are not on the list.

Answer 10

I would tell the co-worker. Sometimes it gets ridiculous having to shell out money for co-workers gifts. And why are you being asked when you have had limited contact with her? Just explain the situation and she should (hopefully) understand.