Should I?

[SeaCat]

I was informed today that the unit is holding a party for one of our M.D.'s. I was also informed that my supervisor, knowing my skills at cooking, would like me to contribute to the party.


Then I saw what my supervisor wanted me to bring to the party. She wants me to smoke and flashfry/Deepfry 100 Chicken Winglets. She also suggested that people would like one or two of my Smoked Beef Roasts as well as some of my Chili.

Now this is quite a bit of meat, not to mention quite a bit of time and effort on my part to prepare. Reading this list I was reminded of a party held by the hospital a while back.

That party was for the new C.E.O. and I had prepared something like ten pounds of smoked and cooked meats. I had shown up with the food, set it out and was told to leave. When I later asked about payment for the meat I was informed that I should just be happy to have been able to have provided it as a representation of the floor. In other words I got stiffed.

Now I'm thinking hard about this new party. I have her demands sitting on my desk, with her signiture on it. Should I once more provide the meats only to be excluded from the party and then stiffed for the supplies? Or should I instead give my boss the phone numbers and adresses of a couple of places that can provide the foods wanted at lower quality but with higher legal expectations of getting paid?

I'm still not sure how I should respond to this.

Cat

 

[3113]

Now I'm thinking hard about this new party. I have her demands sitting on my desk, with her signiture on it. Should I once more provide the meats only to be excluded from the party and then stiffed for the supplies? Or should I instead give my boss the phone numbers and adresses of a couple of places that can provide the foods wanted at lower quality but with higher legal expectations of getting paid?

You should by no means do this without being paid upfront. And you can simply say, "I'd love to, but you know how bad the economy is, right? I haven't the money to spare to buy this meat. If you can give me the money to buy the supplies, I'll do it." And give her a bill that includes what you believe your time is worth, not just what the groceries will cost.

Make sure you present this bill to her in front of witnesses. And if she gives you shit, go over her head with the list and her signature and talk to someone who is sympathetic but higher up. Present your problem to them: if you don't get the money, you can't provide the food, so why are you getting attacked for what you can't do?

 

[rgraham666]

What 3 said. Treat it like a business proposition.

 

[starrkers]

I too agree. What 3 said.

 

[Bizkit_Writer]

what 3 said and Good Luck!

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Yep, give her a bill first. If she balks then suggest the places that may be able to cater the event for her.

 

[TE999]

3 nailed it. That's what I'd do.

 

[glynndah]

It seems to be unanimous.

 

[Trinique_Fire]

Don't do it. You got fucked once, you're going to get fucked again, no matter which way you paint it.

 

[JagFarlane]

Unfortunately at this point, all your supervisor is doing is using you to promote herself. She knows you have a talent for cooking and is attempting to bully you around so that she can make herself look good to the bosses, and more than likely, not have recognition sent your way.
If you do decide to do it, go like 3113 said and ensure a bill is written out with her signature guaranteeing payment.
However, if you decide not to do this, and she balks in any way or makes any hints about your or your wifes jobs...go to another supervisor. Sit down and have a very long conversation on her conduct. And be sure, if this happens, to discuss the previously catered party, because, in effect, thats flat out theft and abuse of someone below her.

 

[Guest]

My two cents--I don't think you need to draw a line in the sand about this. Just let your supervisor know--in writing, and keep a copy--that you'll be happy to contribute something for the party (how about a nice green bean casserole? ) but that you can't afford the cost of what she's asked you to bring. That way, you're still a team player but the ball's in her court without you putting her back to the wall.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

CAT

I'd find another place to work.

 

[freshface]

To me, it would depend a little bit on the situation. If this is a potluck to which you're invited and everyone is bringing food, I'd go with Gnome's suggestion and maybe offer a nice pot of chili. If this is a party to which you're not invited, or you're the only one who's been asked to bring food, then I'd go with 3113's suggestion. If at any time your supervisor showed attitude with this, I'd document it all and take it to another supervisor. Since she sounds a bit temperamental, I'd make sure that whatever you did was in front of sympathetic witnesses who would have your back. But if she really wants you to provide that much meat then there has to be payment for you.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Even if it is a pot luck, the clicque always tries to fuck a few people with the meat dishes. The clicque members bring pickles and rolls or two liter bottles of storebrand soda.