I was just informed that we have a mandatory in office day because our coworker is having a baby next month and my boss wants to organize a baby shower. I really love this coworker and shes a good friend in office.
The team knows I have fertility issues, and the last baby shower I attended for my friend I had to leave early because I was getting in my head about my emotions. I really hate feeling that way and it makes me feel like a POS.
I think it's so unprofessional and the fact that gifts are required is rediculous. I can't afford that on 19 an hour! I don't care how cheap it is, that money could buy a bag of rice or beans to live off of.
Most of my coworkers are women who have rich husbands but my partner and I aren't rich. We're struggling like most Americans. I'm infertile, but I also couldn't have a child because of money issues but it still sucks that I have to have a difficult conversation with my manager now. I'm thinking of just calling off instead.