Should I Refuse to Cater a Work Event for My Boss Without Pay?

A 28-year-old woman refused to cater her boss’s big work event on her day off, and it instantly put her in the classic “prove you’re loyal” squeeze. She’s a professional caterer, she takes pride in her work, and she’s done these company events before, even when the timeline was tight.

But this time, her boss, a 45-year-old man from the event planning company, wanted her to handle a substantial workload with no extra pay. No compensation, no scheduling adjustment, just the expectation that because she loves catering, she’ll “make sacrifices for the team.” When she pushed back, he got upset and basically framed her refusal as a lack of dedication.

Now she’s stuck deciding whether to hold her boundary, or risk a tense workplace relationship over a free shift.

Original Post

So I'm (28F) a professional caterer, and I take great pride in my work. Recently, my boss (45M) at the event planning company I work for asked me to cater an upcoming work event.

However, he wants me to do it on my day off without any extra pay. This event is quite a big deal, and the workload is substantial.

I feel taken advantage of because he knows I love what I do, so he assumes I'd be willing to go above and beyond. For background, I've never had issues with catering work events for our company before, even on short notice.

But this time, it's different. It's my day off, and I have personal plans that I don't want to cancel.

I believe that my time and effort are worth compensation, especially for a significant event like this. I've expressed my concerns to my boss, explaining that I would be happy to do the catering work if I'm compensated fairly.

However, he got upset, saying that I should be more dedicated and willing to make sacrifices for the team.

Now, I'm torn between standing my ground and risking potential backlash from my boss, or giving in to his demands to avoid creating tension at work. So WIBTA if I refuse to cater the event without proper compensation?

The Power Dynamics at Play

The OP's dilemma highlights a significant power imbalance often seen in workplace relationships. When a boss requests an employee to cater an event on their day off without compensation, it raises eyebrows about the expectations of loyalty and dedication. The OP’s situation reflects a common pattern in many workplaces, where boundaries are pushed under the guise of teamwork or company culture.

This tension becomes even more pronounced when you consider that the OP is a talented caterer, likely feeling the pressure to meet her boss's demands to maintain job security. The fear of repercussions for saying 'no' can create a toxic environment where employees feel they must sacrifice their personal time for work, leading to burnout and resentment.

That’s when OP realized her boss was treating her past reliability, like she’s automatically available whenever he calls.

Comment from u/MoonlightDancer87

NTA. Your boss is taking advantage of you, your time and skills are valuable and deserve fair compensation.

Comment from u/CoffeeBuzz_123

Your boss should respect your time off and expertise. NTA for wanting to be compensated for your hard work.

Comment from u/SunflowerDreamer

I get that workplace dynamics can be tough, but your boss is definitely in the wrong here. Stick to your boundaries, OP. NTA.

Comment from u/RandomRamblings22

Honestly, your boss's reaction seems quite unreasonable. You deserve to be compensated for the extra work, so definitely NTA.

The moment OP told him she’d cater if she was paid fairly, his response was to call her not dedicated enough for the team.

Comment from u/PizzaLover98

NTA. Your boss shouldn't guilt trip you into working on your day off without pay. Your time is valuable, and you deserve fair treatment.

This is like the friend who insulted her cooking, then got refused wedding catering.

Comment from u/AdventureSeeker555

Your boss is out of line for expecting free labor. It's essential to stand up for yourself and demand fair compensation. Definitely NTA.

Comment from u/SunnySideUp22

Your boss's behavior is unfair, and you have every right to ask for compensation for your hard work. Don't let him take advantage of you. NTA.

With the event coming up and her personal plans already set, OP has to weigh “no pay, no problem” against job fallout from her boss.

Comment from u/DaisyChainDreams

NTA. It's not about dedication; it's about respect for your time and skills. You're right to stand up for fair treatment in the workplace.

Comment from u/CrimsonPhoenix77

Your boss is being unreasonable. It's crucial to set boundaries and demand fair compensation for your work. NTA in this situation.

Comment from u/TeaAndTales

NTA. Your boss should value your expertise and time. Don't let him dismiss your worth. Stand your ground and demand fair compensation. You're in the right.

And since she’s done short-notice company catering before, refusing this free day-off request feels less like rebellion and more like basic fairness.

We're curious to hear your perspective. Share your thoughts in the comments.

Reddit's Mixed Reactions

The Reddit community’s response to the OP’s situation reveals just how divided opinions can be on workplace ethics. Some users might argue that this request is an unreasonable expectation, emphasizing the importance of valuing one’s time and mental health. Others could suggest that catering the event could be a chance for the OP to showcase her skills and potentially open doors for future opportunities.

This contrast in perspectives underscores the complexity of the issue. It’s not just about the request itself but also about how individuals navigate the grey areas of loyalty, ambition, and self-respect in their careers. Readers are left wondering: when does going the extra mile become exploitation?

Final Thoughts

This scenario serves as a microcosm of the broader struggles many employees face in today’s workforce.

In this article, the OP's situation illustrates a common workplace struggle where dedication is often mistaken for an obligation to sacrifice personal time. Her boss's insistence that she cater an important event on her day off without pay not only reflects a lack of respect for her boundaries but also highlights a power imbalance that many employees face. While the OP has been accommodating in the past, this request feels like an overreach, and her desire for fair compensation is a natural response to feeling taken advantage of. It’s a stark reminder of how the lines between teamwork and exploitation can easily blur in high-pressure environments.

Nobody wants to cater a huge work event for free, especially when your boss is the one asking.

For more “free catering” fallout, see whether it’s wrong to ask a restaurant owner friend to cater for free.