How do I get a free lunch from my coworkers after I buy them one?

Question

Maybe because I'm the new guy on the job and I'm right out of college and this is my first major project with the company, but it seems like the guys in my office like when I bring them lunch (usually on friday in the form on some fine italian foods) which I don't ask anything in return for. Now an entire week goes by between when i bring in food on friday and what not and no one buys me lunch. The only time that ever happens is if the Executives are here or a meeting is being held and lunch is ordered for the entire team.

This friday I told them I was to poor to continue buying lunch kind of in a joking manner, like sorry I didnt do it this firday. But every in the week I stopped at this classic italian bakerly I love and picked up some fresh donuts, which they loved. They told me I should do more things like this and thats what really finally set me off.

I'm basically just thinking about stopping the whole being nice thing since it hasn't paid. Free lunch sucker = me

Answer 1

You don't owe them anything. It is a nice gesture and if you're doing it to get something back, you may as well quit. Most people will take and never give back. You don't owe them an explanation, just quit bringing any food to work for them. They'll figure it out!

Answer 2

Well, as a first-timer in your job with a major project, it was a very nice gesture to do all of that. However, you may have just wanted to do it once, and that's it. One day is more than enough for others to see your generosity... and if they don't then that's all you can do for them. However, if you keep talking about getting something for them or if you actually do it more than once, they will end up expecting it from you more often then not. If you decide not to bring something one day, then they'll probably be either disappointed or wondering why you didn't bring anything for that Friday because they're used to you surprising them with something.

Either way, what's done is done, and you've done what you can. If they don't appreciate your generosity, then so be it. At least you were thoughtful enough to go for it. Don't even expect anything in return. If someone wants to treat you to something, then they will, but in the mean time, don't even think about it because it's not worth it. All you can do is realize that you've done something nice for someone - that feeling should work itself out and make you feel good.

Don't continue with the every Friday thing. Don't feel guilty, either. You're only human - you can only buy so much food for others every week. Just worry about yourself and your job, and the food thing will just be. Catch my drift? =)

Answer 3

Random acts of kindness are seldom thanked.

that doesn't mean you should stop being nice - but no more freeloaders.

The only thing you CAN do is get a "Sophia's Ristorante" menu and leave it in the break room. (keep another in your files). On the days you're feeling generous - announce to your closest co-workers that you're making a Sophia's run and can you put them down for anything. Collect $$ right then and there - write down how much everyone gives you - no freeloading. Then be the nice guy and either place the call for delivery or go and fetch it.

But no freeloading. Everyone pays in advance.

Anyone who complains - tell them that you can no longer afford to buy everyone treats - especially after the disrespectful way people made you feel taken advantage of in the past.

Answer 4

take the money you would spend on buying /making them food and spend it on yourself.
Stop at that nice Itialian bakery and buy something for YOU!
not them just you. Explain you're at entry level salary and you can't afford to buy for everyone all the time when they say you should do it more often- or tell them sure you'll stop again for doughnuts but it costs $$ who's chipping in

Answer 5

When my spouse works at the office and I make desserts for him to share with the boss/co-workers, they try to be his friend and they do favors for him. Like the boss would allow my spouse to leave early or come in later, when my spouse asks and also because he's lenient.. Cuz they think my desserts are delish. I usually bake brownies, cookies, cupcakes, etc. That's when I feel like it. I don't do it all the time. I guess it depends on the people you work with and the company.

If people keep asking you to buy food for them, now's your chance to ask them, "are you gonna buy lunch for me this afternoon"?

Answer 6

then stop buying them lunch just bc u gave a gesture does not mean u should expect anything in return although that would be nice. buy yourself some delicious donuts and treat urself since they are not to keen to reciprocate.

Answer 7

they're just being stupid fat-asses that are poor & can't afford food so they depend on you to feed them
so my advice
stop bringing them food
& i think that you should stop being your nice self & start being a lil' mean
but not a whole lot
so like one day
bring the food they like & if they ask
"oh what'd you bring me?"
be like
"nothing, this is for me. im not rich to be buying you guys food all the time"
:]
that's what i did
& hey
we all go out to eat during lunch & they pay for their own food
:]

Answer 8

Stand on top of her desk and sing to her: Half-breed, that's all I ever heard Half-breed, how I learned to hate the word Half-breed, she's no good they warned Both sides were against me since the day I was born

Answer 9

you seem to be trying to buy your way to being accepted there. it is not the correct thing to do. Give them time and wait till they invite you. Then bring the donuts.

Answer 10

What greedy, selfish pigs. Stop buying them stuff. Save your money.