This past weekend four of my co-workers and I went on a small work trip, just a few hours drive, two days one night, no big deal. We had to rent a car because none of us had enough room in our personal vehicles for everybody + their stuff. I’m older than the other girls by 10+ years and the only one old enough to actually get the car(gotta be 25)so that was my responsibility. The rental car went on my card.
Before we left my boss gave me a good chunk of cash and said it was to cover the rental car, gas, and dinner, and it seemed like enough- she always takes us out to dinner on her when we’re on work trips, but she wasn’t coming along this time, so I assumed the money she gave me was to cover our food too. The dinner went on my card, with me explaining to the others when they asked that it was from Boss Lady. Cool. It wasn’t outrageously expensive but not cheap either, $200+ for 5 people including tip and all.
So today is our first day back at work since the trip and I came in a little bit later than the others. It somehow came up about dinner and my boss was confused after talking to them- why did I pay for dinner? It turns out she had given each of the others money as well that they were expected to use for dinner!!! So she told them they gotta pay me back, which is fair but awkward especially since I’m not really down any of my own money, just didn’t end up with extra like the others, I don’t really feel like they owe it to me? And again these girls are quite young which makes it feel weirder.
TLDR: Thought my boss gave me per diem for everyone, turns out she gave everyone their own
Comments
You didn’t FU, they did by not being honest about the money they were given. If anything you should be pissed at them for letting you put it on your card.
Just tell the boss that everything is good and move on, not that you aren’t going to per se.
That’s not your FU, and no one “owed” you money. They were given a per diem and should’ve told you.
Collect it from them. Treat yourself with something nice. They kept quite on purpose to score extra money.
I’m shocked your boss didn’t specify per diems beforehand… maybe this is a chance to hash out clearer comms with coworkers in the future.
What a bunch of scumbags
Sounds like the coworkers knew they were given money, and were happy to spend your per diem.
Your boss is right, they need to pay you their share.
She gave it to them to pay for dinner. You paid for dinner. They owe it to you. It’s as simple as 1 + 1 = 2. Don’t let it be awkward, just ask them, one at a time (privately) for their share of dinner – $40 each, according to you (unless you still have the receipt, and want each to pay for her own).
They owe you money get that shit then never hangout with them outside of work again. They don’t respect you and we’re using you
You could suggest that the Boss could just have everyone return all unused funds not supported by a receipt back to her. But that would show that may show that you are not team lead material.
They basically stole money from you. They had per diem for themselves and chose not to tell you so they could pocket it.
office snacks are a privilege, not a right