Coworker gets friend to cover her shift, sends her birthday party invitation at the same time as the shift: 'Clearly she did not want me there'

Author image for Ally Perry
Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Apr 13, 2026 7:45 PM EDT

Is it worth confronting the friends who betray you?

Few things hurt like being messed around by somebody you thought you were on good terms with. There are people out there who are very skilled at pretending to be friendly just so they can use you for their convenience, and even the most shrewd of individuals get tricked by them from time to time. It dents your pride, and it hurts your feelings, leaving you with no choice but to reevaluate a relationship that you thought was solid.

Many would argue that when something like this happens, the best thing to do is to walk away. However, there are many different scenarios in which this isn't possible, and you have no choice but to face up to this person day after day. It goes without saying that this can be pretty awkward to do with somebody who has unapologetically screwed you over. It is one of those situations that no lesson in being an adult feels like it prepares you for. Balancing between confrontation and keeping the peace is near impossible at times. It can be the case that the only easy way out comes with some form of further sacrifice.

 

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  • A woman wearing a sash and tiara smiles as she holds a balloon that says 'happy birthday'
    via Keisha Kim

    A woman wearing a sash and tiara smiles as she holds a balloon that says 'happy birthday'

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • In this story, a woman was asked by a coworker, who she believed to be a friend, if she could cover a shift for her. She agreed and was swiftly set up to take her place by the event planner.

    Not long after this, she was shocked to receive a text showing a birthday party invite from this coworker at the exact same date and time. She realized she had asked her so that she could throw her party.

    The coworker said she could join the celebrations after her shift, but she felt slighted and lied to. She wasn't sure how to proceed with the situation.

  • 'Friend' coworker tricked me into covering her shift and not invite me to her birthday

    My coworker, I thought she was my friend until today, texted me asking about if I worked on a certain date and time.
    via Sea_Sky5050
  • I responded no, she said she had a side gig if I wanted to work it. She has been working this side gig for years and always said it paid good. I said ok, send me the details.
    via Sea_Sky5050
  • She sends me the event planner's number, I text them and they are surprised to hear from a stranger about this gig. I tell them my coworker friend is vouching for me. Event planners said that's fine and they will set me up after they confirm with my friend.
    via Sea_Sky5050
  • A female bartender pours a bottle into a pair of drinks
    via Andriyko Podilnyk

    A female bartender pours a bottle into a pair of drinks

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 30 minutes later I receive a photo text from my coworker friend, it's an invitation for her birthday party. The invitation is for the exact time and day as the event I just said yes to working.
    via Sea_Sky5050
  • So I text my friend back, what are you talking about we are working the event together on this day? My "friend" says, "oh no that's my birthday party, you can come by after if you want. I just got the day off."
    via Sea_Sky5050
  • My "friend" coworker just tricked me into covering her shift so she could go have a birthday party and clearly she did not want me there. What do I do?
    via Sea_Sky5050
  • A woman's hand holding a cocktail against a dark background
    via Nicholas Tsalikis

    A woman's hand holding a cocktail against a dark background

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • Ophy96 Okay, so get new friends, this person clearly ain't it.
    via Ophy96
  • sugarplum_hairnet Regardless you're still gonna see her at your main job. Go work the side gig and make money then say you're tired after and go home. Keep her at arms length in the future. Try to not take it so personally and keep goin girl. It'll be okay
    via sugarplum_hairnet
  • Significant_Taro_690 If the job is really paying good I would try to get on their list too so you won at least something from this whole thing. Otherwise I would just tell her,,I don't think I need to come to your Birthdayparty with your friends since your,,Little trick" showed me what you think about me. Good luck and happy Birthday." and then be with her like you would be with someone you only know from work and that is not more than a work colleague. Friendly but thats it. And next time she w
    via Significant_Taro_690
  • Impressive Main5160 It's her side gig and not even your job at all. Just don't go
    via Impressive_Main5160
  • Fallen_lord10 nope, tell the manager that you've been trick, show him evidence and take back the day off
    via Fallen_lord10
  • lady_jane16 Do the gig, get the money, never speak to her again
    via lady_jane16
  • Rhueless Well... Is the side gig decent paying? If it's a good side gig I would go. If it's no good, I would dip and treat myself to something fun on that day. (Her reputation might take a hit if someone she recommended does this) And it might not be a great job if it schedules shifts on her birthday. And I'd probably block her number for a week or so. Not a friend, just a sneaky acquaintance.
    via Rhueless
  • NeverRarelySometimes Work the event. Maybe you'll meet a friend and level up.
    via NeverRarelySometimes
  • Mueryk No call, no show at the new gig unless you need the money. If it reflects poorly on the friend, better. If they call you basically say she asked you to make the call, not actually cover her shift(or something sketchy sounding) Or show up and be a star and have them keep hiring you instead of her if the money is good. Make subtle comments when asked, "I am surprised it took this long for her to pull something. At our other job she isn't exactly known to be reliable. That's what I am for I
    via Mueryk
  • Tom_A_F Back out from the side gig, go to the party. When your "friend" asks why you're not working the side gig, tell her, "Well I wouldn't want to miss your party bestie!" Put a dollar in an envelope for a gift.
    via Tom_A_F

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shift birthday birthday party work coworkers friends entitled people
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