'The audacity to complain about a $500 gift': Choosing beggar throws tantrum at coworker over a $500 holiday gift card

Author image for Ben Weiss
Ben Weiss • Writer and Editor
Dec 6, 2023 8:00 AM EST

As much as it is the season of giving, apparently, it is also the season of complaining. Now, I have never been one of those lucky employees to receive a sizable bonus for the Holidays. One has to assume it is the price for not going full corporate. That being said, if I were to receive such a gift, I would try not to take it for granted and remember the days when I would never have gotten this kind of special treatment (meaning, these days). So if this choosing beggar has no interest in using his free $500 gift card from Target, I am happy to reach out and take that sweet burden off his shoulders. As someone who never receives gifts of that size, it is the least I can do.

This thread was posted to Reddit's r/ChoosingBeggars subreddit by u/hubbity-bubbity, another employee at the company who unfortunately had to be on the receiving end of his coworker's tantrum. Of course, the tantrum was useless considering the fact that OP had no part in the decision-making here, but that is how corporate culture works. Someone on top makes a controversial decision, and someone below has to clean up the mess. Keep scrolling below for the full exchange and for the best reactions in the comments section. When you're done, check out this post about a Karen's property fiasco. 

Advertisement
  • 01
    "I was completely flabbergasted at the audacity to complain about a $500 gift."
    via Ivan
  • 02
    CB is upset about a free $500 Target gift card MEDIUM This happened almost 10 years ago now- but I think about it every holiday season. The company I worked for right after college gave every employee a $500 gift card as a Christmas gift.
    via u/hubbity-bubbity
  • 03
    My first year with the company, the gift card was redeemable at a local grocery chain. They had been giving it out like this for years prior; the grocery store allowed you to buy other gift cards with their gift card, which employees liked.
    via u/hubbity-bubbity
  • 04
    However, during my second Christmas with this company, the grocery chain changed their policy and you could only buy groceries with their gift cards. Rather than giving everyone $500 in groceries, my company switched the gift to $500 Target gift card instead, thinking most holiday shopping could be done there.
    via u/hubbity-bubbity
  • 05
    I was 22 at the time and was amazed to have an extra $500 for the holidays. Most employees grumbled about the change, but only one co-worker, a man over twice my age came to me directly to air his grievances. (Keep in mind I had no say in the change. I only created/printed out the cards the gift cards were placed in. The card mentioned the reasoning behind the change and was signed by the owner.)
    via u/hubbity-bubbity
  • 06
    CB: Subject: Explain gift card change, need to buy gifts Body of email: I would like this resolved quickly as I need to purchase gifts for my neices and nephews before the holidays. Me: Oh no, is there something wrong with your gift card? Is it not working or has the wrong balance?
    via u/hubbity-bubbity
  • 07
    CB: No. I don't want a Target gift card. I want what we received in the previous years. Me: As explained in the card, the grocery store recently changed their policy. The owners thought Target would be a suitable replacement, as most items can be purchased in store or online. I'm sure you can find something nice for your nieces and nephews at Target.
    via u/hubbity-bubbity
  • 08
    CB: The things my neices and newphews want aren't at Target. This is ridiculous. I'm bringing this to the owner of the company. Me: Again, this wasn't my choice. This is still a very generous gift.
    via u/hubbity-bubbity
  • 09
    CB: I sold the giftcard to Coinstar for $250. Thanks a lot. I was completely flabbergasted at the audacity to complain about a $500 gift. If you're reading this Steve, you, you scrooge.
    via u/hubbity-bubbity
  • 10
    NeedleworkerSecret79. 3 days ago ! I'm grateful for the 35 dollar gift card my company gives us for the grocery store! €735 € Reply Share
    via u/hubbity-bubbity
  • 11
    hubbity-bubbity OP 3 days ago It was a very generous gift! I left the company a couple of years ago and definitely miss that perk Even $35 is a nice gesture, most companies don't give any sort of gift. € 321 € Reply Share
    via u/hubbity-bubbity
  • 12
    Magoo69X 3 days ago A $500 card to Target is a pretty decent gift. I don't know why anyone would be mad about that - you can buy anything at Target. €321 € Reply Share
    via u/hubbity-bubbity
  • 13
    AHO Extra_Wafer_8766. 3 days ago I completely forgot about the $1000 retention bonus (teacher) that will be paid in a few weeks until someone at lunch mentioned it. Made my week € 161€ Reply Share
    via u/hubbity-bubbity
  • 14
    Boo155 3 days ago Was he buying the kids groceries? I suspect he was selling the gift card for cash and was mad he wouldn't get as much for the Target card. €101 € Reply Share
    via u/hubbity-bubbity
  • 15
    pm_me_x-files_quotes 3 days ago My ex-employer (a Fortune 500 company) used to hand out a piece of paper saying that it's the holidays again and they appreciate us. The end.
    via u/hubbity-bubbity
  • 16
    Now, I used to appreciate the thought until my co-workers pointed out to me that if they really cared, they'd give us raises. The only reason I got raises every year was because minimum wage kept getting bumped up. Meanwhile, we'd constantly get chewed out for not signing up enough people for their rewards system. € € 90 Reply Share
    via u/hubbity-bubbity
  • 17
    ghostleigh13 3 days ago . you guys are getting gift cards and bonuses? €38€ Reply Share hubbity-bubbity OP. 3 days ago I left that job a couple of years ago - I don't even get a Christmas card now
    via u/hubbity-bubbity
  • 18
    anti-valentine - 3 days ago God I'd love a $500 gift card for anywhere. My job does a $500 bonus paycheck, but it gets taxed out the wazoo
    via u/hubbity-bubbity

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

boss workplace-stories work stories job choosing beggars workplace entitled reddit thread Reddit holidays entitled people choosing beggar happy holidays
Scroll Down For The Next Article