Ethical decision

14 Comments

I went to a work christmas party. I was told that the expenses would be covered by the company. I ordered food and a $30 bottle of wine, cos at the time other people told me they would have some. In the end I was the only one who drank it.

At the end of the night, it was revealed that only $250 of the bill had been covered by the company and the total bill was $350. My work colleagues thrust money at the manager who paid the excess. All up she was given $130, which makes up the difference. When I offered to pay for the bottle of wine, she told me to keep the money.

I now feel a mixture of guilt that someone has covered the cost of my bottle of wine mixed with an attitude of "well I was under the impression it was all covered"

What would you do in this situation?

Give the manager $30 at work when you see her 6
Don't fret about it 19
Other 2
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Comments ( 14 )
  • felixy
    7 years ago

    She did you a polite gesture, and it'd be rude to reject it. Forget about the money, as your manager said. Accepting generosity gracefully is part of every workplace relationship.

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  • RoseIsabella
    7 years ago

    Remedy your guilt with gratitude.

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  • RamenNoodleMaster#3
    7 years ago

    It was clearly a gift from her to you, she would feel bad if you gave her back the money. I wouldn't worry.

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  • mrbrownfinger8
    7 years ago

    You ordered the wine to share and they refused, I wouldn't worry about it.

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  • Murun
    7 years ago

    Pay nothing. You were led to believe it was free, so it should be free.

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  • MethSmokingSatanist
    7 years ago

    You should focus more on how to continue to drink alcohol at work

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  • tittle
    7 years ago

    The way I see it, your manager actually made $30 anyway.
    As well as that, you offered - did the whole dance of "I'll pay, no no no, I will" etc with the end result that it was all paid for anyway. The point is that you offered, and the manager refused.
    It would be too ridiculous to split a $30 cost to pay your co-workers as well.
    I'd probably feel guilty and weird about it as well, but that's a waste of time - so don't feel bad.

    But next time, if you get a chance maybe you can contribute more - don't go overboard though. Some people are nice, but some will just take advantage of kindness. Especially at work things, take all the perks you can get. They're already making a profit from your labour every day.

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      7 years ago

      Thanks very much for your advice.

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      • tittle
        7 years ago

        Glad to be of help :)
        Not worth worrying about, for sure.

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        • Anonymous Post Author
          7 years ago

          She made a big deal about it when I got to work so I just gave her the money.

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  • xfg39
    7 years ago

    So she got free food and drinks plus $30 in cash, and you want to give her another $30.

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      7 years ago

      Yeah I know, she actually made money! Haha it got so confusing with all the people offering and her refusing, but then not putting up a fight when they physically put it in her wallet. My problem is that I only had a $50 note and wanted change, but saw no way of doing that the way the situation was at the time. I just fear I look stingy among workmates, really. Oh well.

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    • here2help
      7 years ago

      might as well give her the house and car and dog

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  • Tealights
    7 years ago

    Don't fret over it, and just calmly pay her the difference when you see her at work.

    I'm the same way, whether it's 10 cents to whatever amount, if I owe, I'll pay.

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