Q: After several months of not having clean water to drink where I work, I led an effort to purchase a water cooler. My co-workers agreed to split the cost with me, so I went ahead and made the purchase of the cooler and water bottles with my money, expecting that they would pay me back promptly.
Well, guess what? They haven’t. Nearly three weeks have passed, and only two of about a dozen co-workers have paid me. The others keep saying “mañana te doy el dinero,” but they never do.
How can I get folks to cooperate and pay their share?
Danny: Kudos for taking the initiative, but why is there no clean water at your place of work? Perhaps it’s time to get the proper authorities involved here. Would this be a job for OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) or the local health department? Anyone out there know?
Unfortunately you got a big ol’ “pan de huevo” in your face from the rest of the crew. You have a few simple choices here, my friend: Take the bill to your “jefes” and allow them to pay and avoid the wrath; put a big bow on the water cooler and give it to your co-workers as a gift, with the understanding that they will have to start supplying the actual water bottles; or find the receipt and return it. You can always carry your own jug of water until we send you some information on whom to call.
Catherine: The bigger issue here is how to go above and beyond on the job without having to swallow the cost.
Bosses love employees who independently think of ways to improve the work environment. Does this mean you have to be burdened by extra-long hours or feel the hit in your pocketbook? Absolutely not. So many times we voluntarily take on extra responsibility and assume that everyone will pat us on the back. In actuality, many people do not even notice. They merely reap the benefits of our contribution, while we carry the burden of the expense.
If you have an idea, whether it’s an extraordinary project or something nice for the office (such as a water cooler), run it by the boss first. Ask him or her to either fund the project or provide time during the workday to pursue an idea. Your suggestions will still benefit the workplace, but not at your own expense.
Lily: I strongly believe that money is lost, “p-e-r-d-i-d-o.” You need to cut your losses and move on. It’s best to ask for the money up front rather than assume you’ll get paid later.
The choice is yours: You can let everyone drink from the cooler and just avoid buying any more extras for the group, or you can prevent those who have not paid from using the water cooler. “Que te sirva para la proxima ‘mañana”‘: Run errands only with money in hand.
Glossary:
mañana te doy el dinero: I’ll give you the money tomorrow.
pan de huevo: literally, egg bread, but an expression meaning egg in your face.
jefes: bosses
p-e-r-d-i-d-o, perdido: lost
Que te sirva para la proxima “mañana”: Let this teach you a lesson for the next “mañana” (tomorrow).
We want your questions! Consejos is a bilingual advice column focused on relationships, culture and identity. E-mail your questions or comments to consejos@dallasnews.com. Or send your letters to Consejos, c/o Texas Living, The Dallas Morning News, 508 Young St., Dallas, TX 75202.
