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This
is admittedly a problem of my own making. My boss has a reputation for being
somewhat difficult to work with (she is an attorney). I have worked with her
pretty well for the past several years because I too am good at what I do
and I have the self confidence to stand up to her when she has a tirade or
two (I've been known to have a few of my own).
My "problem" is that, about a year or so ago, as a gesture of "friendliness," I offered to pick up her lunch for her when I went downstairs to get it. I like to eat my lunch at my desk so I can make phone calls and catch up on administrative tasks things at my desk (read: no social life!). She is the kind of person who will keep bringing me work even after lunchtime, and it doesn't occur to her that I am at lunch. I kind of started this "let me bring you your lunch" deal just as an excuse so that I could get out of the office to get my lunch.
I usually don't mind getting her lunch. But some days I don't feel well, my feet might hurt, or I brought a sack lunch, and then she comes out with her money and says, "when you go get your lunch..." On some of those occasions, I feel like saying (but never do), that I am not going downstairs. But then I think this would be mean of me because after all, I "started" the "tradition." But when I am out sick or on vacation, she has no problem getting her own lunch. I guess I should be grateful I have nothing better to worry about. But I would like to know how to handle her request when I have set a precedent for the behavior. Is there a law that says I have to do it every single day? If I do it every single day, whether I wish to or not, it ceases to be a "favor" doesn't it?
Signed,
Hungry In Houston
Dear Hungry:
Difficult to work with bosses tend to take advantage--do it once as a favor and it becomes an expected chore. You have a choice--to continue doing it with a smile or carrying your own lunch for a week or so and telling your boss that you won't be going down or out to pick up a lunch regularly. But when you do, you tell her that you will be happy to pick up lunch for her. You might even suggest that if she carries her own brown bag, she can join you for lunch.
WEGO should make work as much fun as good food.
Bill Gorden