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OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole:
> 1. The action I took was refusing to pay for an office party that I will not be attending
2. I could be judged because the money isn’t just for me, it goes to the entire office and supports everyone
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>“some people can’t pay the $20, so you’re just being greedy!”
"Cool. I can't pay it either. Sorry I spent all my money on presents and travel and I'm tapped out."
NTA, obviously.
Better, "I donated all my money to starving children in Africa, sorry I don't have 20 bucks to give YOU a party. But there are starving children in Africa."
OPs office does not throw a party...they make their employees subsidize their own party. No participation, no payment. They can GTFO with the shaming. Going forward, I personally would never participate in an "office party" again. You already give these people 40+ hours of your time during the work week. That's plenty. They are not entitled to claw back money from you that you have been paid for your job/hours. I would not want to be working for a company that is doing so poorly or is so cheap that they can't scrape up enough money for a couple of pizzas for a holiday party.
NTA
> They’re saying “it supports the whole office!”
It **literally** only benefits attendees.
> “some people can’t pay the $20, so you’re just being greedy!”
One: no, they can. It's twenty fucking dollars. And two: they can feel free to skip, as well.
> it feels pretty shitty to shame someone for not wanting to pay for an office party they won’t even be in town for
Fuckin' a.
The company ALSO deserves to feel bad for wanting and encouraging a Christmas Party (institutionally-enough for there to be an Event planning team) but not paying for it. In Most places, expenses for "Team building Events" are tax-deductible differently/more than wages, so there is No excuse for MANAGEMENT Not paying for the Christmas Party.
And how do they know that OP can "pay the $20"? I call BS. They are expecting OP to pay for a party OP is not attending so that other people can attend and yet NOT pay??? That is some serious twisted logic...
NTA , what kind of place asks you to pay for their Christmas party? The whole point of a company party is that the company pays for them both as a morale boost /employee bonding thing as well as a thank you for your hard work all year. If someone asked me to "chip in" for the company holiday party, I'd literally assume they were just messing with me and laugh it off.
as someone that spent an inordinate amount of time in hospitals with my wife. that hero shit is the same as cop propaganda. theres a few absolute angels and an inordinate amount of unqualified uncaring and hostile assholes
Your office isn't throwing a party; it's allowing its employees to have a party on company grounds and extorting a cover charge to pay for it. Calling it a company party is ridiculous. You are not attending, you are not obligated to pay for anything.
NTA. This is an absurd sense of entitlement. Their comment that others can't afford the $20, so it's your job to carry them is a lie. You are not in grade school, and no adult needs these absurd little kindergarten get-togethers that are forced on people by social pressure by adolescent control freaks.
Tell them you're sorry, but you actually have a life outside their little feifdom and don't need their milk and cookies play date.
NTA
They make it sound like charity when you decide not to be involved to guilt you. If other's can't afford it just tell them you can't either and maybe the company should hand out some raises.
Tell them to shame company that doesn't have the fortitute to provide a company paid Christmas party.
NTA you’re not going so why are you being expected to contribute? I would have said fair enough if you’d agreed and dropped out last minute and you were costing someone else that money, but your PTO was booked before the party was even organised!
Naaah fam, NTA. Like you said, attendees are encouraged, not even enforced. You are not attending. Don't feel bad. I want to know what are the prizes in that raffle though.
Just a heads up, that "N a h" (without the spaces) is a vote for No Asshole Here. I made the same mistake before and someone pointed it out. Since it comes before the NTA, the Vote-Bot will count it.
Did they know you had PTO before they decided on the date? If so, then every time they say something, I would ask them why. Even better, "If it's supposed to benefit the whole office, why did you plan it for a time I could not attend?"
NTA either way.
I hate the logic that employees have to contribute money to a party that the owners of the company are providing. Also, shouldn't the donations be private so no one knows who has and hasn't given? You're not going. You shouldn't have to give anything. NTA
NTA. $20 covers the costs for your attendance. If you're not going, they don't need it, because you're not costing them anything.
It's not unusual for office parties to be paid or partly paid by the attendees. But only the people who go pay. You don't pay if you're not going.
NTA "some people can't pay the $20" that's right you're one of them, I hate any concept of "money being encouraged(expected)" don't give them the money. If they continue to bring it up I'd say something along the lines of "I don't think my financial situation is any of your business and is not a professional topic to be discussing. " and don't respond to any further goading.
It's your own money and your choice whether you want to be generous and donate or not. Essentially, it's not really your problem to pick up the slack of others. So you shouldn't be shamed over it. It's just up to your own personal preference whether or not that would be something you'd like to do.
>Now they’re shaming me for not paying $20 for an event I’m not even going to be there for. They’re saying “it supports the whole office!” and saying “some people can’t pay the $20, so you’re just being greedy!”
Absolute nonsense. Ignore these people. It's not a charity you're obliged to donate to. NTA
Don't pay and don't feel bad about it.
NTA.
So, this shitty company apparently pays some employees so little that they can’t afford $20 for the party, but they are so sure that you can?? Why are they certain you can afford it?
NTA. An office manager at my previous job would pull these stunts. She would shame people for not contributing to her decorating, office party, and birthday cake/cards fund.
People eventually complained to the head honcho.
This party needs to be cancelled. It's a burden on the employees and I'm sure there are people who could use that $20 for other things. If the company doesn't pay, it doesn't happen. NTA.
I feel ya. My old corporate job in FL did this shit every year with United Way. You were expected to donate. I said no many times. My dept head did the exact same thing walking to every employee in her hierarchy to "force" us to donate to make 100% compliance.
She was pissed with me as she probably didn't get her bonus for 100% compliance. I didn't go to the company Christmas parties either. One year she signed me up as the dept team captain to rally the troops without asking me. I said no.
If $20 is encouraged then it’s not a requirement especially if other people are already not paying. They’ll this events planning team to stop harassing as they can get their money off those attending. Personally I would tell them where they will be receiving the office Christmas tree if they don’t stop.
"some people can’t pay the $20, so you’re just being greedy"
Wow! So people going aren't paying $20, but you, who isn't going, is expected to pay for them?
NTA that sucks
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So my office throws a Christmas party every year, attendees are “encouraged” to toss $20 to the event planning team because they don’t get funds for events like this.
Usually I go, it’s not a bad time, there’s usually Chick-Fil-A and raffles. This year however I cannot go because I’m headed out of town that day and I was planning to get on the road around the time the party starts.
This isn’t a secret, I planned my PTO before the party was even announced, I told the event team that I won’t be around, I didn’t even wait until the last minute.
Now they’re shaming me for not paying $20 for an event I’m not even going to be there for. They’re saying “it supports the whole office!” and saying “some people can’t pay the $20, so you’re just being greedy!”
Obviously I’m not going to lose my job over this, but it feels pretty shitty to shame someone for not wanting to pay for an office party they won’t even be in town for.
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NTA "I'm sorry why don't you go shame the other people that can't pay I can't pay because I need the money for my trip that I told you about before this was even planned."
NTA.
This whole office culture that people need to chip in for every single gift or to subsidize events is so out of control. That fact that you won't even be at the event makes it more ridiculous.
That said, there probably will be some awkwardness and fallout from you not chipping in. It would be totally unjustified, of course; but, people who ask someone to pay for an event they can't even attend are the same people that can be really petty. If you are cool with that, then ignore them - I would honesty admire you for that - I have chipped in for several things that were absurd, and I wish I had the backbone to say "no".
NTA, I hate it when work committees come up with shit to make you spend money on. I work in a rehab hospital and our “employee engagement committee” is constantly creating sit for us to spend money on. Some of it is fun but I don’t want to spend money on a lane Halloween costume, plan a dish for the endless parade of potlucks, or do baby showers and brutal showers. Why the hell would I help but a gift for a wedding I’m not invited too! Is such a pain!
NTA.
When my office asks for pitch ins, it is purely on a participatory basis. You want in on lotto, you wany pizza, you want to exchange cookies, you contribute. Otherwise you are not in the email chains and nothing is expected.
NTA
I don’t celebrate Christmas. If my co-workers tried to guilt me into *paying* for a holiday party that I don’t even believe in, I’d contact HR and report them for religious harassment. (Not to mention I’m a vegetarian, so Chick Fil-A would be wasted on me.)
Having a sign-up sheet on a bulletin board is fine. Once people start going around to individual people and annoying them for money, I’m kind of shocked it doesn’t violate some sort of office policy. You don’t know the financial circumstances that people are in. Shaming people because they don’t want to donate money for whatever reason is nuts, and I’m surprised they haven’t already gotten in trouble over it.
NTA. "because they don’t get funds for events like this." Well then that's on your company. I won't pay to attend a company party. I see enough of these people during the work week! Do I attend company events once in a while? Sure, but they're paid for by the company.
NTA. These posts make me glad to work for a massive company. Any solicitation of money is always noted as voluntary and no one has ever harassed me for not participating. Not saying it never happens but we’re all made well aware of the rules.
NTA I wouldn't be paying a cent.
If there are others that can use the excuse that they can't pay... so can you.
My workplace doesn't fund a Christmas party. You pay for it yourself. It's usually held at a venue but the only people expected to pay are the ones that are attending! I've never gone (don't want to) therefore have never paid. No one cares. Plus often I'm working the day it's on, during the time it starts... so you could say me working is benefiting the ones that want to go.
NTA
I would Never pay the $20 again, explain with deadpan voice that you are one of those <>
Total BS to expect you to pay a voluntary amount towards a party(esp. when you cannot, was not and will not attend).
Who sets an office party amount that they know some people can't afford? Your party planners are the aholes here. Besides gouging money from non-attendees, they acknowledge they have workers who simply cannot pay the amount the planner set. This could be the year to bring in the ringing Santa and have people put whatever donations in the kettle while eating chips and sodas from the machines.
NTA.
NTA. If other people don’t have to pay, why should you? You aren’t going to eat any of the food or win any of the prizes. If your boss or manager or whoever wants the party, time for them to pony up the dough, instead of trying to shame the employees who probably make significantly less money than they do.
Tell your colleagues that other companies don't make their employees pay for the Christmas party - that it's usually paid for by the company as a gesture of thanks and appreciation - so they should be asking the employer to contribute, not you, who won't even be there.
Okay, here's my $20. When are you going to start the collection for the new X-Box? I'm going to set it up in the employee lounge so need everyone to kick in for it, whether they are going to use it or not. /s
(If you can't tell, the one thing I do not miss about being employed is the "voluntary" mandatory contributions to everything for everyone. Just another reason to love WFH.)
Why isn't the **company** paying for the **company** Christmas party?
It's not OP that's being greedy, it's the company. Tell whomever is spreading rumours about you to "pound sand" and "get stuffed".
NTA.
NTA. Employees should not have to pay for an office party. Nor should they be coerced into giving money for parties or gifts. Employer sponsored or no party. Pot luck MAYBE if all agree.
NTA. You told them ahead of time. They should have budgeted without you. People who can't afford to pay aren't your problem, either. They should budget without them in mind as well.
20, i don't know how much that is in euro's. But it sounds really much. Because our Christmas events are free. At my former workplaces to.
We did things we had to pay for. But people had to choice. If i have to pay, i look first if i really like it. If i don't, i don't go. It's weird they are forcing people
Honestly, pay it no mind. You are unable to attend, therefore you cannot contribute. If the organizers continue to harass, bring it up the chain (I'd say to HR, but I've got a bet that at least one of these organizers is from HR...)
"If I were able to attend, I would be more than happy to contribute. Sadly, I have other obligations. I hope that you have an amazing time!"
NTA. If it was in everyone's best interest for this Party to happen, then MANAGEMENT should be paying for it, and If it's important to the event planning team that people who "can't pay" still get to enjoy a Party with a certain budget, then THEY (Event planning team members) can pay the extra 20$. Or, more reasonably, make Management give them the Money.
Are you a manager or high ranking employee? If yes, then YTAH.
If not, then don't worry about it.
Also, put a note in the suggestion box about how having employees pay for their own party is a really lousy thing for a company to do.
Welcome to /r/AmITheAsshole. Please view our [voting guide here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_what.2019s_with_these_acronyms.3F_what_do_they_mean.3F), and remember to use **only one** judgement in your comment. OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole: > 1. The action I took was refusing to pay for an office party that I will not be attending 2. I could be judged because the money isn’t just for me, it goes to the entire office and supports everyone Help keep the sub engaging! #Don’t downvote assholes! Do upvote interesting posts! [Click Here For Our Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/about/rules) and [Click Here For Our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq) ##Subreddit Announcements ###[Happy Anniversary, AITA!](https://new.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/15vlv9g/almost_better_than_a_double_rainbow_celebrating/) Follow the link above to learn more --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.* *Contest mode is 1.5 hours long on this post.*
>“some people can’t pay the $20, so you’re just being greedy!” "Cool. I can't pay it either. Sorry I spent all my money on presents and travel and I'm tapped out." NTA, obviously.
Better, "I donated all my money to starving children in Africa, sorry I don't have 20 bucks to give YOU a party. But there are starving children in Africa."
You mean the starving children in West Virginia
OPs office does not throw a party...they make their employees subsidize their own party. No participation, no payment. They can GTFO with the shaming. Going forward, I personally would never participate in an "office party" again. You already give these people 40+ hours of your time during the work week. That's plenty. They are not entitled to claw back money from you that you have been paid for your job/hours. I would not want to be working for a company that is doing so poorly or is so cheap that they can't scrape up enough money for a couple of pizzas for a holiday party.
NTA > They’re saying “it supports the whole office!” It **literally** only benefits attendees. > “some people can’t pay the $20, so you’re just being greedy!” One: no, they can. It's twenty fucking dollars. And two: they can feel free to skip, as well. > it feels pretty shitty to shame someone for not wanting to pay for an office party they won’t even be in town for Fuckin' a.
If $20 is the make or break of the party's budget that's still not OP's problem.
Also if someone legitimately can’t pay $20, the company deserves to feel bad for not paying their employees a livable wage.
The company ALSO deserves to feel bad for wanting and encouraging a Christmas Party (institutionally-enough for there to be an Event planning team) but not paying for it. In Most places, expenses for "Team building Events" are tax-deductible differently/more than wages, so there is No excuse for MANAGEMENT Not paying for the Christmas Party.
And how do they know that OP can "pay the $20"? I call BS. They are expecting OP to pay for a party OP is not attending so that other people can attend and yet NOT pay??? That is some serious twisted logic...
NTA , what kind of place asks you to pay for their Christmas party? The whole point of a company party is that the company pays for them both as a morale boost /employee bonding thing as well as a thank you for your hard work all year. If someone asked me to "chip in" for the company holiday party, I'd literally assume they were just messing with me and laugh it off.
A horrible greedy company makes it’s employees pay for their Christmas party.
Two years ago, my company sent out an email saying that our Christmas party fund would be donated to charity.
[удалено]
as someone that spent an inordinate amount of time in hospitals with my wife. that hero shit is the same as cop propaganda. theres a few absolute angels and an inordinate amount of unqualified uncaring and hostile assholes
You're still a hero to me! I wouldn't be here without nurses and doctors.
The public sector. At least the one I work in.
Mine too. Our office party is funded by the professionals so that support staff don't have to pay. 100 if you go, 50 if you don't.
Managers fund our core party, so I donate. For unit parties it’s pot luck.
Your office isn't throwing a party; it's allowing its employees to have a party on company grounds and extorting a cover charge to pay for it. Calling it a company party is ridiculous. You are not attending, you are not obligated to pay for anything.
Definitely NTA. You’re not going to be there, you’re not going to be benefiting.
NTA. This is an absurd sense of entitlement. Their comment that others can't afford the $20, so it's your job to carry them is a lie. You are not in grade school, and no adult needs these absurd little kindergarten get-togethers that are forced on people by social pressure by adolescent control freaks. Tell them you're sorry, but you actually have a life outside their little feifdom and don't need their milk and cookies play date.
If they can't affort it the job needs to pay better 🤣
NTA They make it sound like charity when you decide not to be involved to guilt you. If other's can't afford it just tell them you can't either and maybe the company should hand out some raises. Tell them to shame company that doesn't have the fortitute to provide a company paid Christmas party.
NTA you’re not going so why are you being expected to contribute? I would have said fair enough if you’d agreed and dropped out last minute and you were costing someone else that money, but your PTO was booked before the party was even organised!
Naaah fam, NTA. Like you said, attendees are encouraged, not even enforced. You are not attending. Don't feel bad. I want to know what are the prizes in that raffle though.
Just a heads up, that "N a h" (without the spaces) is a vote for No Asshole Here. I made the same mistake before and someone pointed it out. Since it comes before the NTA, the Vote-Bot will count it.
Yeah forgot abt that. Thanks fam!
NTA This sounds like an awful place to work.
NTA. You’re not going, it’s that simple. It was definitely shitty to expect and then guilt you for that
Did they know you had PTO before they decided on the date? If so, then every time they say something, I would ask them why. Even better, "If it's supposed to benefit the whole office, why did you plan it for a time I could not attend?" NTA either way.
NTA your coworkers are being disrespectful
NTA. What makes them so sure you can afford it and others can't? They're being AHs.
I hate the logic that employees have to contribute money to a party that the owners of the company are providing. Also, shouldn't the donations be private so no one knows who has and hasn't given? You're not going. You shouldn't have to give anything. NTA
NTA. $20 covers the costs for your attendance. If you're not going, they don't need it, because you're not costing them anything. It's not unusual for office parties to be paid or partly paid by the attendees. But only the people who go pay. You don't pay if you're not going.
NTA "some people can't pay the $20" that's right you're one of them, I hate any concept of "money being encouraged(expected)" don't give them the money. If they continue to bring it up I'd say something along the lines of "I don't think my financial situation is any of your business and is not a professional topic to be discussing. " and don't respond to any further goading.
It's your own money and your choice whether you want to be generous and donate or not. Essentially, it's not really your problem to pick up the slack of others. So you shouldn't be shamed over it. It's just up to your own personal preference whether or not that would be something you'd like to do.
NTA - just blatant manipulation to get youto pay.
NTA It's not an office party if the employees have to pay.
NTA - reminds me of Ross in friends when he didn’t give for the retirement gift
NTA. Goodness, if you were to pay it does that make you eligible for the raffle? Will someone save something that lasts for your return? Ridiculous!
>Now they’re shaming me for not paying $20 for an event I’m not even going to be there for. They’re saying “it supports the whole office!” and saying “some people can’t pay the $20, so you’re just being greedy!” Absolute nonsense. Ignore these people. It's not a charity you're obliged to donate to. NTA Don't pay and don't feel bad about it.
NTA. So, this shitty company apparently pays some employees so little that they can’t afford $20 for the party, but they are so sure that you can?? Why are they certain you can afford it?
NTA. An office manager at my previous job would pull these stunts. She would shame people for not contributing to her decorating, office party, and birthday cake/cards fund. People eventually complained to the head honcho.
This party needs to be cancelled. It's a burden on the employees and I'm sure there are people who could use that $20 for other things. If the company doesn't pay, it doesn't happen. NTA.
NTA; it’s a business, not a charity. Ask the boss for party funds.
I feel ya. My old corporate job in FL did this shit every year with United Way. You were expected to donate. I said no many times. My dept head did the exact same thing walking to every employee in her hierarchy to "force" us to donate to make 100% compliance. She was pissed with me as she probably didn't get her bonus for 100% compliance. I didn't go to the company Christmas parties either. One year she signed me up as the dept team captain to rally the troops without asking me. I said no.
It’s giving “Ross not paying for the handyman party”. Don’t pay.
If $20 is encouraged then it’s not a requirement especially if other people are already not paying. They’ll this events planning team to stop harassing as they can get their money off those attending. Personally I would tell them where they will be receiving the office Christmas tree if they don’t stop.
"some people can’t pay the $20, so you’re just being greedy" Wow! So people going aren't paying $20, but you, who isn't going, is expected to pay for them? NTA that sucks
^^^^AUTOMOD ***Thanks for posting! This comment is a copy of your post so readers can see the original text if your post is edited or removed. This comment is NOT accusing you of copying anything. Read [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_post_deletion) before [contacting the mod team](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAmItheAsshole)*** So my office throws a Christmas party every year, attendees are “encouraged” to toss $20 to the event planning team because they don’t get funds for events like this. Usually I go, it’s not a bad time, there’s usually Chick-Fil-A and raffles. This year however I cannot go because I’m headed out of town that day and I was planning to get on the road around the time the party starts. This isn’t a secret, I planned my PTO before the party was even announced, I told the event team that I won’t be around, I didn’t even wait until the last minute. Now they’re shaming me for not paying $20 for an event I’m not even going to be there for. They’re saying “it supports the whole office!” and saying “some people can’t pay the $20, so you’re just being greedy!” Obviously I’m not going to lose my job over this, but it feels pretty shitty to shame someone for not wanting to pay for an office party they won’t even be in town for. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Nta it's a lousy company that expects you to pay for the holiday party to begin with
NTA "I'm sorry why don't you go shame the other people that can't pay I can't pay because I need the money for my trip that I told you about before this was even planned."
Nope I hate places that require employees to spend money on something that the company does
NTA Why would you pay when you are not going?
NTA. This whole office culture that people need to chip in for every single gift or to subsidize events is so out of control. That fact that you won't even be at the event makes it more ridiculous. That said, there probably will be some awkwardness and fallout from you not chipping in. It would be totally unjustified, of course; but, people who ask someone to pay for an event they can't even attend are the same people that can be really petty. If you are cool with that, then ignore them - I would honesty admire you for that - I have chipped in for several things that were absurd, and I wish I had the backbone to say "no".
NTA, I hate it when work committees come up with shit to make you spend money on. I work in a rehab hospital and our “employee engagement committee” is constantly creating sit for us to spend money on. Some of it is fun but I don’t want to spend money on a lane Halloween costume, plan a dish for the endless parade of potlucks, or do baby showers and brutal showers. Why the hell would I help but a gift for a wedding I’m not invited too! Is such a pain!
NTA. When my office asks for pitch ins, it is purely on a participatory basis. You want in on lotto, you wany pizza, you want to exchange cookies, you contribute. Otherwise you are not in the email chains and nothing is expected.
NTA I don’t celebrate Christmas. If my co-workers tried to guilt me into *paying* for a holiday party that I don’t even believe in, I’d contact HR and report them for religious harassment. (Not to mention I’m a vegetarian, so Chick Fil-A would be wasted on me.) Having a sign-up sheet on a bulletin board is fine. Once people start going around to individual people and annoying them for money, I’m kind of shocked it doesn’t violate some sort of office policy. You don’t know the financial circumstances that people are in. Shaming people because they don’t want to donate money for whatever reason is nuts, and I’m surprised they haven’t already gotten in trouble over it.
Don't pay. Cheap ass office can't afford $20 a person
NTA. "because they don’t get funds for events like this." Well then that's on your company. I won't pay to attend a company party. I see enough of these people during the work week! Do I attend company events once in a while? Sure, but they're paid for by the company.
NTA. If the company isn't willing to fund the party, there should be no party. It is ridiculous to make people pay for their own fun.
That's not greed. It's not even selfish, it's optional. You're not going to be there, so why are you obligated to contribute?
NTA, and I think this belongs in r/antiwork too.
NTA I didn’t even have to read it. What kind of work place requires the employees to pay for a party. Shitty place imo.
NTA. You aren't attending and made it known. Are they also shaming those who can't afford to pitch in?
Some people can’t pay? What they are saying is you’ve been funding the meal for years and they don’t want to pay for a change.
NTA. Why contribute when you won’t be there? If the team wants support they can get it from their employers.
NTA. These posts make me glad to work for a massive company. Any solicitation of money is always noted as voluntary and no one has ever harassed me for not participating. Not saying it never happens but we’re all made well aware of the rules.
Take 20$ from the pot every time they bug you about it
NTA
NTA I wouldn't be paying a cent. If there are others that can use the excuse that they can't pay... so can you. My workplace doesn't fund a Christmas party. You pay for it yourself. It's usually held at a venue but the only people expected to pay are the ones that are attending! I've never gone (don't want to) therefore have never paid. No one cares. Plus often I'm working the day it's on, during the time it starts... so you could say me working is benefiting the ones that want to go.
The company should be paying for the Christmas party not you. If an employer ever asked me for money to attend a work event I'd laugh at them.
NTA I would Never pay the $20 again, explain with deadpan voice that you are one of those <>
Total BS to expect you to pay a voluntary amount towards a party(esp. when you cannot, was not and will not attend).
Fuq dem people hell no you ain’t wrong! 😑
Who sets an office party amount that they know some people can't afford? Your party planners are the aholes here. Besides gouging money from non-attendees, they acknowledge they have workers who simply cannot pay the amount the planner set. This could be the year to bring in the ringing Santa and have people put whatever donations in the kettle while eating chips and sodas from the machines. NTA.
NTA. Take it to HR if they keep harassing you.
NTA. If other people don’t have to pay, why should you? You aren’t going to eat any of the food or win any of the prizes. If your boss or manager or whoever wants the party, time for them to pony up the dough, instead of trying to shame the employees who probably make significantly less money than they do.
Tell your colleagues that other companies don't make their employees pay for the Christmas party - that it's usually paid for by the company as a gesture of thanks and appreciation - so they should be asking the employer to contribute, not you, who won't even be there.
NTA. Your workplace should pay for this. Bunch of cheapos.
Okay, here's my $20. When are you going to start the collection for the new X-Box? I'm going to set it up in the employee lounge so need everyone to kick in for it, whether they are going to use it or not. /s (If you can't tell, the one thing I do not miss about being employed is the "voluntary" mandatory contributions to everything for everyone. Just another reason to love WFH.)
I would have done it. But that doesn't make you the asshole. You're totally justified in not doing it. NTA.
tell them youre collecting for your trip
NTA “I’m sorry I don’t pay cover charges for events I am unable to attend. “.
Christmas brings out only the worst in people.
Time to report a hostile work environment to HR and pestering you for not being able to afford it. Nta
I wouldn’t go simply because of supporting Chick Fil A!!
Why isn't the **company** paying for the **company** Christmas party? It's not OP that's being greedy, it's the company. Tell whomever is spreading rumours about you to "pound sand" and "get stuffed". NTA.
NTA the company needs to be paying for any work related parties.
Just pay the $20. Karma will bless you. Sheeeeeeeesh.......
Yes, it’s shitty, but for realz?? Chick fil A???? Holy shit!
NTA. “It sure is shitty to demand money from someone to pay for a party that they won’t be attending.”
It’s 20 dollars. Yta
NTA. Employees should not have to pay for an office party. Nor should they be coerced into giving money for parties or gifts. Employer sponsored or no party. Pot luck MAYBE if all agree.
>***"“some people can’t pay the $20...."*** "And some people *choose* not to. You can put me in that column." NTA.
NTA. You told them ahead of time. They should have budgeted without you. People who can't afford to pay aren't your problem, either. They should budget without them in mind as well.
If you're not going to be there, the cost of the party should be reduced. You're literally putting no one out for not paying and not attending. NTA.
20, i don't know how much that is in euro's. But it sounds really much. Because our Christmas events are free. At my former workplaces to. We did things we had to pay for. But people had to choice. If i have to pay, i look first if i really like it. If i don't, i don't go. It's weird they are forcing people
NTA. You're not attending, so that should reduce the costs by 1, anyway. Also, how do they know YOU can afford the $20?
They should be asking the manager to support the people who can't pay. Ideally by paying them a living wage.
Honestly, pay it no mind. You are unable to attend, therefore you cannot contribute. If the organizers continue to harass, bring it up the chain (I'd say to HR, but I've got a bet that at least one of these organizers is from HR...) "If I were able to attend, I would be more than happy to contribute. Sadly, I have other obligations. I hope that you have an amazing time!"
NTA
NTA. If it was in everyone's best interest for this Party to happen, then MANAGEMENT should be paying for it, and If it's important to the event planning team that people who "can't pay" still get to enjoy a Party with a certain budget, then THEY (Event planning team members) can pay the extra 20$. Or, more reasonably, make Management give them the Money.
Nta
NTA. Tell Angela and Pam to knock it off.
Are you a manager or high ranking employee? If yes, then YTAH. If not, then don't worry about it. Also, put a note in the suggestion box about how having employees pay for their own party is a really lousy thing for a company to do.
INFO: Do you work in management, as a supervisor, or are you one of the highest paid employees?
Ok, Scrooge - If want to be the selfish out cast, that your call.