Loaned money to my pharm tech

[westside1]

So I need some feedback. My pharm tech approached me two months ago and asked if I could loan her $150 because she was broke. I felt bad for her and said yes, even though it honestly made me uncomfortable. I lent her the money and also negotiated a raise for her to help her out. Two paychecks ago she said she would pay me back with the next paycheck. We've had three paychecks since and she hasn't tried to pay any of it back. In the meantime, I see her buying a ton of stuff from the store. Should I just let it go and consider it a gift? It's not about the money, but if it were me, even as a subordinate borrowing from a supervisor, I would try to pay it back just on principle. Any advice?

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[Digsbe]

You'll never see it back. I wouldn't trust people like that, and more than likely they tell themselves "it's ok to take the money, he makes a lot more than I do anyway." This happened to a dentist I know who lent one of their staff 2k to pay bills and get through a rough time, a few months later they quit, left, and never felt obligated to repay what they owed.

 

[VeeSee]

You want $150 back from a tech when you make $100k/year?

And you are asking this on an internet forum?

 

[Dr Wario]

Honestly, I would consider this a very cheap price to pay for an extremely important lesson.

 

[westside1]

You want $150 back from a tech when you make $100k/year?

And you are asking this on an internet forum?

 

[westside1]

I have struggled financially during my life on levels you know nothing about and I would never borrow money from someone and not pay them back.

 

[trailerpark]

I can't believe she had the audacity to ask you for money! I would have said NO and report her for asking and took steps to get her fired rather than a raise.

 

[VeeSee]

I have struggled financially during my life on levels you know nothing about and I would never borrow money from someone and not pay them back.

Its up to you what to do, I'm just a guy on the internet. It's your money and your life. I don't see anything wrong with you reminding her and if you just let it go that's fine by me, but what does it matter what I think.

It's good that you live your life by those principles. I've personally never borrowed money in my life and God willing I will never be put into those circumstances.

But if it were me, I would forget about it.

 

[VeeSee]

I can't believe she had the audacity to ask you for money! I would have said NO and report her for asking and took steps to get her fired rather than a raise.

lol you must be a woman

 

[trailerpark]

lol you must be a woman

Lol I'm not. If I was a woman I wouldn't say anything to the tech's face and tell everyone else she owed me money and never paid it back and would act like I'm her best friend when she's at work.

 

[wagrxm2000]

Dude you make that in 2 hours, move on.

 

[NateRobinson]

What you should do, is sit her back, privately just you guys, and say you know what, You lent her that money, and you did it because you love having her in the store, you appreciate all the help, and you're there for her. You don't want the money back, say you consider it a gift. Say she can pay you back by having your back, making store metrics a priority and genuinely making your life easier when you are at work.

Believe me, all of that is MUCH MUCH more valuable than a measly $150 to a pharmacist.

But you can't just let it go and pretend it never happened. She will think you're a chump and can be walked all over. You HAVE to acknowledge it. Don't ask for the money back. But you have to inform her that you know what she did.

 

[Moose A Moose]

You want $150 back from a tech when you make $100k/year?

And you are asking this on an internet forum?

I would. It's the principle of the matter.

 

[Mounjaro]

It all starts with money. Next thing you know its something else like viagra...





No, but seriously, you should stop it while you can. Whoever they are, they obviously don't take you seriously.

 

[Sparda29]

If I ever give money, I give it with the self-expectation that I will not be getting it back. Therefore, I'll only lend what I can afford not getting back.

 

[confettiflyer]

I agree with Sparda, I only lend people money if I know I'll be okay with them not paying it back under any circumstances (even if they won the lotto).

Take a deep breath and move on, and don't lend them anymore money.

I think you can write off unpaid loans on your taxes, but I think you need a promissory note or something. Just throwing that out there in case anyone else had to lend money in a more formal setting (and higher amount) and isn't getting paid back.

 

[Momus]

Dude you make that in 2 hours, move on.

Try doubling that number... You need more than 2 hours to get that. You will need to make at least $230 gross X 65% after tax = $150. To get 230 at 60/hr rate, you will need to work at least 3.8 hours, close to a damn 4 hours, or 1/2 a day of work to get $150.

Welcome to USA, you don't make as much as you think. That dollar you think is nothing? You have to earn $1.55 to get $1 after tax. You think that McDonald's meal cost only $10? More like $15 you have to get or 15 mins working for that crappy meal you could've brown bag.

 

[Optimist Prime]

Sit her down and tell her how disrespectful and irresponsible that was of her then tell her you don't even care about the money its about falling through with what you say you're going to do. I don't care if you make 300k a year if someone says they will pay you back they should its the principal in it.

 

[pillpharmer14]

I'm sure she'll pay it back, just like that bottle of norco you loaned jimmy crackhead last week.

 

[awval999]

A tech asked me for $10 once for gas. She works hard. When I work with her, she makes me day easy. I know she had to move back in with her parents. I gave her $20. She said she'd pay me back. Of course she can't/won't. It is what it is.

 

[Promethean]

You got several important life lessons for one cheap price!

First, never loan money. (or books.) Always, when someone asks to borrow cash (or a beloved novel), understand that you are giving them a gift. If they can afford (or are willing) to return it, then you can be so happy to receive such a gift from them. But personal loans, conducted without a written contract and without a willingness to legally enforce that contract, are not real and will be defaulted on far more often than not.

Next, the suggestion to address the matter directly and maybe to request to be paid back in another, less tangible way is very wise. If you just let it slide and don't mention it, it will be bad for you and for the tech. There will always be an awkwardness, and it will grow the longer it is ignored. The tech will think of herself as someone who doesn't fulfill obligations, and that will reinforce future choices she makes. Holding her accountable is one of the kindest things that you can do for her. You can offer her alternatives, like volunteering for a few hours at a charity that you like, or of paying you in small installments over the next few paychecks. Giving her ways to behave with integrity, even at this late date, may prevent trouble down the road.

Also... this is going to happen again. Someone is going to approach you in the future, asking you for something that you may not really want to give them, for lots of reasons. Don't let yourself be put on the spot. At the very least, tell them that you need a few minutes to consider their request.

 

[wagrxm2000]

Try doubling that number... You need more than 2 hours to get that. You will need to make at least $230 gross X 65% after tax = $150. To get 230 at 60/hr rate, you will need to work at least 3.8 hours, close to a damn 4 hours, or 1/2 a day of work to get $150.

Welcome to USA, you don't make as much as you think. That dollar you think is nothing? You have to earn $1.55 to get $1 after tax. You think that McDonald's meal cost only $10? More like $15 you have to get or 15 mins working for that crappy meal you could've brown bag.

You missed the point completely, $150 is nothing compared to what it means to the tech. That could pay for some of the techs monthly bills. If a pharmacist can't go without $150, you're doing something wrong.

 

[CardinalGirl210]

This is a difficult situation. This is why I am conflicted in crossing the boundary between boss-employee and coworker-friend relationships. We spend so much time working with our techs that they begin to think of us as friends, but we're not friends. I think I would've just given her a $75-$100 gift card and let her ask her family or a friend for the rest. I would give an amount of my choosing to her rather than exactly what she asked for. The fact is you are not friends, which is why she does not feel obligated to give you money she owes. She knows you make a lot of money so it's just using the circumstance and your kindness to meet her needs. The line of professionalism is so blurry when you work with people everyday and hear about their struggles - it's always better to donate what you want rather than lend it out. People will always take advantage of your kindness if you let them.

 

[radio frequency]

You missed the point completely, $150 is nothing compared to what it means to the tech. That could pay for some of the techs monthly bills. If a pharmacist can't go without $150, you're doing something wrong.

It's not about that though. It's about trusting the tech. And even if you could afford it easily, you definitely should not let it go.

 

[npage148]

You're pretty green if you actually thought you'd see it back. But now you've created a system in your pharmacy where you have obviously favored her over others (getting her a raise). It's gonna hit the fan and you're gonna look back

 

[GoldfishPharmD]

Lol I'm not. If I was a woman I wouldn't say anything to the tech's face and tell everyone else she owed me money and never paid it back and would act like I'm her best friend when she's at work.

I honestly would have never given it to her to begin with. Once you start loaning people money, it's a slippery slope. I'd ask her one time for it and see what she says. She'll probably make some excuse as to why she hasn't paid you back and you'll probably never see that money again. I'm kind of rolling my eyes at the people saying what the big deal is because you make a lot of money as a pharmacist. I don't think it's the money issues, it's the principle.

 

[ChalupaBatman86]

You missed the point completely, $150 is nothing compared to what it means to the tech. That could pay for some of the techs monthly bills. If a pharmacist can't go without $150, you're doing something wrong.

Yeah, that's right! You should be giving her more money! Make it rain b****h!

 

[owlegrad]

You missed the point completely, $150 is nothing compared to what it means to the tech. That could pay for some of the techs monthly bills. If a pharmacist can't go without $150, you're doing something wrong.

She didn't ask for a gift, she asked for a loan. I would say you missed the point completely. It has nothing to with paying for the tech's bills or the pharmacist not being able to go without the money.

OP - I agree with others that you learned an important lesson here. Don't mix professional and personal lives. Don't loan money, ever. Gift it or don't give it at all, but loaning money is just asking for trouble.

 

[SpartanLaser]

I donated a total of 450 dollars to various techs in my store. Their pay sucks and their jobs are tough :c

 

[wagrxm2000]

This is ridiculous, I don't know the situation but I would think the tech was in a bad situation. There are a couple of employees that could really use some help and if I ever hear it gets real bad I would offer to help.

That's just me though.

How long has it been? Give the tech time and she might try paying it back.

 

[CardinalGirl210]

I donated a total of 450 dollars to various techs in my store. Their pay sucks and their jobs are tough :c

I think that was very kind-hearted of you, but at the end of the day if they want to make more money there are other jobs that pay more or they can even get a second job (which 2 of my techs are doing). I don't think that just because an RPh gets paid more it's justifiable to lend money to their employees. Why not just buy lunch for the whole pharmacy - one less meal they have to worry about and no favoritsm. In what other business model would this happen? Would an MD loan money to their MAs? I know my store manager would never loan money to one of the cashiers or cart attendants.

 

[NateRobinson]

I donated a total of 450 dollars to various techs in my store. Their pay sucks and their jobs are tough :c

What are you, Santa Claus?

I know you guys want to feel like you guys are helping out and stuff like that, but BELIEVE me, they are taking advantage of you. They probably gather around and say that they got you to give them x amount of dollars this time.

 

[Sparda29]

For example, my best friend asked me for $2000. In a normal situation, I'd give it to her without hesitation. But right now I can't afford to. Instead I got my boss to hire her to do our deliveries for 3 weeks.

 

[TheBlaah]

I think that was very kind-hearted of you, but at the end of the day if they want to make more money there are other jobs that pay more or they can even get a second job (which 2 of my techs are doing).

But in all seriousness, I wouldn't "loan" techs money. It's an unenforceable business transaction. I'd either give them the money to keep or don't give them money at all.

 

[Dred Pirate]

Any time you loan someone money - a friend, family, etc. Unless you area bank and sign a promissory note - consider it a gift and if you do get paid back - consider it a blessing. You don't loan money you can't afford to loose.

 

[SadPharma]

I was always taught that if you don't pay back a loan, that is the same thing as theft.

Do you really want to work with a thief?

 

[confettiflyer]

I was always taught that if you don't pay back a loan, that is the same thing as theft.

Do you really want to work with a thief?

So...if the answer is no, he either has to a) get the person fired or b) quit the job?

 

[wagrxm2000]

Clearly the answer here is schedule the tech two less shifts and when she asks why say you know why. If you can't get the money back then the tech should lose it to.

Or just move on.

 

[Mad Jack]

This is an important lesson in not loaning money to anyone whose last name isn't Lannister.

 

[BC_89]

id imagine that's not to common in the work place to be hit up for money in that way ( or is it...) If asked id just slowly state with a straight face "student loans" and allow the atmosphere around us to settle in with an aw of understanding as she walks away lol...as for the present situation, just wait and see what happens..if never brought up then at least you know her character...id later mention "hope I was able to help you out" just to see how she responds...expect excuses ...but at least you get her thinking on her dealings with others even if it's just for a moment

 

[Singuy]

Next time, instead of giving money, give her some advice. Be as condescending as possible because how can one be so broke in the first world. Tell the tech to go live like an immigrant and rent with roommates and stop buying non sensible things.

Everytime a tech cries about not having enough money in our pharmacy, we either tell them to spend less or go back to school. We are not enablers of bad decision making.

I'm sorry that you lost $150 to an irresponsible tech. That 150 could of build some fresh water wells in a third world country and saved real lives.

 

[confettiflyer]

I once asked my tech to borrow $1.50 for the vending machine, paid them back next day.

But I do routinely buy them all coffee when there's a consensus Starbucks run. Usually that cost will be split with the other pharmacist on duty, or the usual "you get the next time around" thing.

 

[Momus]

Every time someone asks for money, I tell them "I am broke". Then, they get mad because they know I am probably the richest employee in the building since I am so cheap; Once you get that label, they know not to ask me again LOL. I do give my techs gift cards on their birthday/christmas to the tune of $25-50 each and occasional lunches.

 

[wagrxm2000]

There are a lot of techs that work to support their family, I have had it pretty easy now for awhile. Helping out isn't going to hurt you.

 

[confettiflyer]

Every time someone asks for money, I tell them "I am broke". Then, they get mad because they know I am probably the richest employee in the building since I am so cheap; Once you get that label, they know not to ask me again LOL. I do give my techs gift cards on their birthday/christmas to the tune of $25-50 each and occasional lunches.

Just tell them you got baby mama drama and the child support is eating you alive.

That's like an 18 year excuse, right? hahaha

 

[Reirrac]

Just tell them you got baby mama drama and the child support is eating you alive.
That's like an 18 year excuse, right? hahaha

I do know a few pharmacists who pay alimony and child support so money is tight for them. It's a pretty good excuse people will believe.

Lending cash is just asking for trouble and drama. Not worth it unless you meant to give it away. But then word gets around and people will start asking for favors. Gotta keep that matter private!

 

[BMBiology]

There are a lot of techs that work to support their family, I have had it pretty easy now for awhile. Helping out isn't going to hurt you.

And what are pharmacists doing with their money? You talk like we don't have our own financial obligations.

Of course if someone is going thru a hard time and need help then I am all about helping out. But often that is not the case.

I used to work with this tech who would pay for everyone's dinner. Obviously she can't afford it. Oh yeah she is also really good at kissing as*. It turned out she was stealing from the cash register. One day she just disappeared. All of that money gone. Who knows what else she was stealing.

I also worked with this one tech who said, "I know how much pharmacists make". So you are entitled to my money? Why don't you go to school like I did and make something out of yourself.

Giving money to people doesn't solve anything. It just encourages them to ask you for more later on. If they would rather spend $5 a day at Starbucks or $80 a month on cable than save for retirement then that is their problem. Don't expect me to bail you out.

 

[wagrxm2000]

All I'm saying is if you know they honestly need it its not going to hurt to help. Im not saying all pharmacists are in as good of shape as others, especially these new ones with their loans nor am I saying a tech who buys Starbucks every day should be helped since they need to get their budget straightened out. Im saying the hard working family supporting tech might need additional help once every blue moon.

 

[BidingMyTime]

You're pretty green if you actually thought you'd see it back. But now you've created a system in your pharmacy where you have obviously favored her over others (getting her a raise). It's gonna hit the fan and you're gonna look back

This. This is the real problem, and why "lending" (and never lend anything with the expectation of getting it back, consider it gifting), but why "lending" with co-workers is a bad idea. The OP is in a supervisory position over the technician, now in the future, anytime another technician feels slighted by the ops behavior, or by workload, and or by a review, or by the schedule, she is going to see it as favoritism. People will start gossiping about why the favored tech is the favored tech (ie they must be having a sexual relationship.) Other techs will ask for money, and if the OP tells them no, they will view it as favoritism. Complaints about the OP playing favorites will go up the chain. This is a bad situation the OP has started, with no easy way to get out of it.

So...if the answer is no, he either has to a) get the person fired or b) quit the job?

A isn't a good option, because the personal loan was something had nothing to do with the business, if the OP starts harrassing the tech or writing her up or whatever, she is going to complain that the OP is unduly punishing her because of an off-work situation.....and while this isn't sexual harrassment, I can see that just like with a sexual harrassment case, it is the supervisor, the OP, who will be held at fault by his manager/corporation.

In the future, *if* a technician or other co-worker is really in a bad situation (and needing $150 to pay bills really isn't a bad situation, I'll talking about a technician who had had an unforseeable life circumstance that has hampered her financially), talk to the head manager about taking up an anonymous collection for her. One of my managers did this for a technician (who had a specific life situation she was dealing with), people could donate (or not), and then the manager gave the technician all the donations grouped together anonymously--she had no idea who did or didn't donate for her. This is a good way to help someone who needs it, without any repercussions of favoritism (assuming the manager would do the same for anyone else with that type of life situation.)

 

[Apotheker2015]

So I need some feedback. My pharm tech approached me two months ago and asked if I could loan her $150 because she was broke. I felt bad for her and said yes, even though it honestly made me uncomfortable. I lent her the money and also negotiated a raise for her to help her out. Two paychecks ago she said she would pay me back with the next paycheck. We've had three paychecks since and she hasn't tried to pay any of it back. In the meantime, I see her buying a ton of stuff from the store. Should I just let it go and consider it a gift? It's not about the money, but if it were me, even as a subordinate borrowing from a supervisor, I would try to pay it back just on principle. Any advice?

@westside1
Consider that loan a gift and let it go. Never engage in a conversation like that again. You do not have give a long no or explain how your 6 figure income gets slashed in half by taxes. Here is the grammar lesson you'll ever learn. *No* is a complete sentence. You can say "this is an inappropriate conversation per company policy". Truth is that it is inappropriate and at the end of the day, you violated company policy. Most companies have a *no gift* policy or it should never be more than $50. Well, you just gave her a $150 dollar gift. There you have it. That's one violation. Second violation is that you found a way to get her a raise. That's a big one and worse one, actually. I would just sweep this one under the rug and let it go. Never mention it to anyone and have the "this is an inappropriate conversation per company policy" answer ready to roll off your tongue anytime asks you for money.

Live and learn.

Best,

Apotheker2015