When Sydney started her new job, she wanted to fit in with her colleagues, who had a tradition of going out for expensive Friday lunches and splitting the bill evenly. However, as an entry-level employee on a tight budget, she struggled to keep up with the costs, especially when she only ordered simple vegetarian dishes while others ordered pricey meat platters.
After months of silently absorbing the unfairness, Sydney decided to take action. One week, she ordered excessive amounts of food, forcing the group to pay for what she “ordered.” When they questioned her, she calmly pointed out that she had been paying for food she didn’t eat all along. This strategy worked, and the group soon agreed to split the bill more fairly, ending the practice of expecting her to subsidize their expensive meals.
From then on, Sydney paid only for what she consumed, sticking to her budget and enjoying her meals in peace. Eventually, she planned to ask for a raise.