MONEY MORAL DILEMMA. Would you put £10 in Kitty's birthday kitty?

ladyclaire_2

No I wouldn't, unless they were a good friend as well as a colleague. The thing that always used to get me at my last workplace was how much you were supposed to shell out when a colleague left to have a baby (which seemed to be all the time). So, not content with having to take on all their work for a year, and already paying via your taxes for them to have the baby in the first place, you were then encouraged to donate your own cash for teddies and babygros.

But that's another issue..

clouds21

Hooray! This is the first thread I've read where everyone agrees... on the money saving side! I know what people mean about the peer pressure and I have been known to take the tack of not having any money on me when I sign the card. I've been at my workplace more than 7 years and it's frightening to tot up the number of £1, £2, £3 and £5 "donations" I've contributed to leaving, baby shower, wedding and birthday presents!

About 2 yrs ago I stopped contributing. I'm not bothered about receiving a present from others, a card is all that's necessary. Most of the time you get utter tat that you didn't want, and it shows how little your work colleagues know you!

Also, I used to have to buy the cards for all occasions and when you work in a big department you need to get a large card to fit in all good wishes and signatures!! Don't mind people signing who don't contribute, it's the thought that counts. If I bought the card, that was my contribution!

Am very glad there were no silly comments about "how mean we all are"!!!

clouds21

cashbackproblems

No i wouldnt, as mentioned above id only put that amount if it was a good friend, but rather than just putting a few quid instead id just wish her well on the day!!

chilli_cymru

chilli_cymru wrote: »

A similar thing happened at work recently - there are only a few of us and I am the latest arrival but I have been there just over a year. Everyone else has been there for years - even decades! One of the staff is having their fortieth and we were all "invited" to contribute £35. The smaller the firm, the less able you are to really say no - so I have coughed up but it feels so excessive. I don't spend that on some of my friends and family!!!

I thought it all over and took heart from the number of replies from Money Savers everywhere. I took a stand on the £35 and said that I didn't feel comfortable with so much! Still ended up giving £15 but the girl in question is nice so I didn't really mind too much (still a bit steep though...)!

*lou_lou*

we have a 'social fund' at my work...everyone puts in a fiver a month which covers everything-birthdays, wedding presents, leaving cards, you name it! Quite useful when you're skint!! :rotfl:

David_Cameron

In my company the 'unofficial' collection of money is banned, no matter what the purpose. When its your birthday, the company buys a card and it is passed round for people to add their names and messages. On that day, the company lays on a buffet lunch (in the workplace) and you are the 'guest of honour' and get presented with your card. This lunch is tax allowable as it is available to everyone within the company.

We think that this is the best solution to what can be a tricky problem for people. Also, it doesn't cost anything like ten pounds per head !! :beer: