I know, I know—saying NO to a colleague in need sounds heartless. It’s easy to feel guilty, especially when they have a “family situation” or some urgent financial emergency. But let’s go back to Rule #1:
Your colleagues are NOT your family. (Period.)
Sure, you can be friendly with them. You can share laughs, work on projects together, and even grab drinks after work. But when money enters the equation? That’s when things get messy. Because here’s the uncomfortable truth: when money is involved, people can turn into monsters—not angels.
It’s a Test—And They’ll Keep Trying
Ever notice how once you lend someone money, it never stops at just one time? That’s because borrowing money can become a habit. Once they get it, they know they can ask again. It’s rarely a one-off situation.
So, when a colleague approaches you for money, you have two options:
- Give it and hope they pay you back on time (and brace yourself for the emotional rollercoaster that follows).
- Say no and avoid the stress of chasing after your own hard-earned cash.
I don’t know about you, but option 2 sounds way more peaceful.
Setting Boundaries Doesn’t Make You the Bad Guy
Maybe I failed at setting strong boundaries, which is why people feel comfortable asking me for money. Or maybe, thanks to social media, people assume I’m “richer” than I actually am. Just because I travel or enjoy nice things doesn’t mean I don’t have my own financial responsibilities—I just don’t broadcast them.
It’s funny how people never assume the struggle behind the scenes. They just see the curated highlights and think, “Oh, she must be loaded.” Wrong.
Would You Borrow Money from Your Boss?
Let’s flip the script for a second—would you walk up to your respected boss and ask for a loan? Probably not. Because there’s an unspoken boundary in place. So why is it that some colleagues feel entitled to test the waters? Is it desperation? Boldness? Or just an attempt to see who will say yes?
Whatever the reason, I’ve learned this: When it comes to money, I’d rather protect my peace than risk my paycheck. Because at the end of the day, work relationships should be built on professionalism—not financial transactions.
