Brown nosed bff

by Cici
(Atl, GA)

I work in a school kitchen with 6 other ladies. One of the ladies is the boss's best friend. At Christmas she will announce to us (not the boss) that she got the boss a present and our share of the expense is now owed to her. The present is given in name of us all but it does not measure up to the amount of money contributed and it is not what I would have wanted to give anyway. The other worker's don't like this as well. We have even told her in a nice way. But she keeps doing it. She will do this on Boss's Day & Birthday as well. She is always trying to do everything and butts into other people's duties. She spreads herself too thin and she is always the one to screw up; but the boss thinks she is the best worker and never calls her on her mistakes. She is a nice lady but she is on my last nerve.

Response from Carl: Thanks Cici. I can see how this is causing you trouble and is bothering you from your comments. Certainly it you no longer choose to give money towards your boss's present, that should be your choice and it sounds like you'd rather not do it (nor should you feel like you have to). If I were you, the next time your colleague comes collecting, I'd tell your colleague you're not going to contribute anymore.

Better yet, I'd probably tell the colleague in advance before the next gift-giving occasion that I no longer plan on contributing and I'd probably have a word with the other ladies who feel the same way to try to get them on board, too.

Finally, I'd probably even have a word with your boss and tell them know that in all honesty, it's nothing personal but that in this economy you have to watch your money and can no longer afford to be buying gifts like this for other people. Again, you shouldn't be expected to produce an excuse, but it might help to avoid a scene with the gift-buying colleague, just to be safe.

Carl