Do I HAVE to contribute to a baby gift in the office?

My boss's daughter, who does not work in the office, whom I've only seen in passing a couple of times in the three years I've worked here, is due to have a baby in the next week or so (she's married and this is the first one). The collection of old bitties (60+) I work with are all in a tizzy and can't wait to hear about this kid being born. I'm sure they will pass a card and an envelope around to buy this girl a gift. I regard pregnancy as a ';normal'; body function (i.e., if you drink you pee, if you eat you poo, if you have sex you get pregnant) and am not the least bit enthused about it. I have no desire to give this girl my money, especially since her dad has cut my hours so much this past year.



How do I get out of putting money in the envelope??Do I HAVE to contribute to a baby gift in the office?
Just don't, you don't even have to explain yourself.Do I HAVE to contribute to a baby gift in the office?
Simple. You say ';Due to the cut in my hours I'm really sorry but I can't afford any spare change as I have to pay my rent / mortgage.';



If they pester, just repeat yourself. You could also say that if she was a good friend or a colleague then you would be prepared to go without breakfast or lunch for a couple of weeks but as she's not, you're not.';



Then repeat as necessary.



KD
Politely decline. If given looks or whatever, just mention that your hours have been cut to where things are dangerously tight for you at the moment. IF not, then don't bother saying anything.



People in 'authority' that use their workplace as their own bonanza should be fired.



Dumbasses.

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