Is it fair to charge someone to take their shift at work?

Question

So I'm 18 and I work at a Culver's restaurant.

Tomorrow (Friday) is my only day off between Tuesday and next Monday.

I was asked by a coworker of mine to cover his 5.5 hour shift tomorrow night, and I said I needed a day off in between.

He said he desperately needs off because his girlfriend is coming home from her 2 week vacation and he's going out to dinner with her and her parents.

He offered me $40 to take his shift (crazy, I know) and I agreed. He said he left his wallet at his mom's house and would pay me the next times he saw me (which would be in like 5 days) and he's a trustworth guy and he swore on it.

Now I kind of feel bad taking his money like this. I know the feeling of trying to get off though, and how hard it is, and I kind of wanted to help him out. But on the otherhand, I really don't want to work on my first Friday night off in over a month, and end up working 7 days in a row.

Should I feel guilty taking $40 from a semi-friend? Or should I be thankful for him, and accept his gift?

Answer 1

In all honesty it probably is better that you don't take any money from this person. Say it is a rain check for another time when you might need him to fill in for you. Also let him know that you can't do this all the time. You might feel put out but don't you agree that this is a more mature way of dealing with this (hopefully only once).

Answer 2

i take it up with your boss

Answer 3

When it comes time to take the money just tell him nevermind its ok. I mean you're just doing him a favor this ONE time. Now if this becomes his habit after you decline his money then tell him flat out no.

Remember the first time is a favor. Second time you've become a door mat.

Oh and personally I wouldn't take his money.

Answer 4

Take it. He must have known for a while she was coming home. Probably hoping you will say you don't want the money. If you do this he'll use you again.

Answer 5

If he was so desperate to have that shift off, then, yes.  It was worth it to him.  

It's not like you were seeking the extra hours.

Answer 6

I dont think so.Youre making money by doing his shift so i dont think it would be right to be compensated also.

Just make sure he doesnt make it a habit.

Answer 7

Well you have every right to refuse.. but how this normally works.. one doesn't take money from a co-worker but if you need time off or want to change shifts and have a desperate reason. you can go to this guy.. and instead of accepting $40 from him, which shows how important that day off was for him.. to offer so much money.. instead you could say.. ''next time I need a day off and want to swap shifts.. instead of giving me $40 can we make a deal and you will take over my shift then.. that would be fairer instead of taking money.. as I said.. it's done amongst colleagues and he really needs this day off desperately in order to have offered $40.. I would not accept money.. I would say...''next time I need some time off or shifts swapped we can make a deal and you take over my shift.. we change shifts when I need a special time off.. then you show you are a good colleague.. you are prepared to be a teamworker.. and you can hold him to his word because time will come when you want to swap shifts.. that would make me feel better than accepting $40 for just a change of shift. you have to work one day extra but you don't lose the day.. you just have a longer week this week but the day you get it off.. so it's not lost to you even if you accept to work his shift and it shows you are someone to count on.. and if one doesn't want to take over someone elses shift. one should tell the person right away.. that no you don't want to do that as you can't be forced.. but once you said you do it.. you should stick by your word and I would not take the money but tell him to next time cover a shift for you instead.. when you got urgent plans.. which will happen x*x

Answer 8

Don't take the money from  him ,treat it as a favor.You may need one from him some day. Whatever kind deed you do for someone like your co worker it may not be him doing you a favor but someone else may do it for you..Your kindness always comes back double....bd

Answer 9

Would you have agreed to do it had he not offered you money?

Since the deal you made was dependent on him paying you 40 then it is fair for you to accept the money, but that does not mean that you have to.