Years ago, I was a cable tech. It was a good enough paying job, but the kind that ran you ragged. Being in the field, we didn't get to spend a lot of time in the office, except for meetings.
Anyways, the office admin, who we were all kinda chummy with, decides to quit her job. I guess she wanted something better paying, and I know one of the managers was really getting on her nerves.
Anyways, one of the techs decides to go around and gather some cash ($20ish) from all the techs (30-40 guys) to put in a goodbye card. Anyways, he calls me… and I just say, “no, I won't contribute.” He's kinda flabbergasted for a sec and just says, alright and we ended the call.
I dunno… I always felt harsh for saying no, but I really didn't see the point of it. Like, if she was getting laid off, or being transferred, or retiring, or celebrating a milestone anniversary, sure, maybe, but she's the one who decided to quit. She was in her late 20s/early 30s, and been there a couple years, and it's not like she was going to end up on the street.
Anyways, without turning this into a AITA post, I guess I'm just lamenting office culture and pointless fundraising.