When Sydney started a new job, she looked forward to fitting into the team and enjoying her colleagues’ company. They had a tradition of going out for lunch every Friday, and although Sydney found these gatherings pleasant at first, she quickly faced a challenge. Her colleagues earned significantly more than her, allowing them to indulge in expensive meals without a second thought. Sydney, however, was fresh in her career, juggling bills, rent, and student loans on an entry-level salary.

Determined not to be seen as an outsider, Sydney joined in on these lunches. However, she noticed something troubling. Despite her modest meal choices — usually a salad or a small entrée — they insisted on splitting the bill evenly. Meanwhile, a couple of her colleagues, Josh and Lisa, didn’t hold back on ordering large meat platters and expensive items, happily driving up the total. Sydney’s $15 salad would end up costing her $35 by the time the bill was divided.

The first few times, Sydney let it slide, trying not to ruffle feathers as the new team member. The costs, however, began to weigh heavily on her budget, leaving less for groceries and essentials. At home, her mother shared a stern word with her, encouraging Sydney to stand her ground. Sydney hesitated, worried about complicating her social integration at work.

The turning point came one Friday after another particularly lavish meal. As the bill came, Sydney suggested, “Hey, maybe we could start doing separate bills? I’m not really eating as much as you all.” Her suggestion was quickly dismissed with laughter. Josh brushed it off as “ridiculous,” while Lisa smirked, saying it was just easier this way, not seeing Sydney’s side of it at all.

Frustrated but undeterred, Sydney hatched a plan. If her colleagues wanted to play the game this way, she would too — in her terms. The next Friday, she joined the lunch with a different approach. She ordered as usual but added extra appetizers and offered them “for the table.” Her colleagues, without hesitation, helped themselves.

The subsequent week, Sydney increased her order: two appetizers, two main courses, and a dessert. As her colleagues continued their habit of splitting the bill, the figures began to trouble them. Sydney was now taking meals home, just like they had once done.

Josh and Lisa could no longer ignore the mounting costs. One lunch, Josh blurted out, “You’ve been ordering all these meals and taking them home?” Sydney calmly reminded them that she was only doing what they all agreed on: splitting the bill evenly. The following week, Sydney noticed a change. Before the bill came, Josh hesitantly proposed they split the bills individually henceforth. Sydney suppressed her grin, nodding in agreement.

From then on, they paid for what they individually consumed. Finally, Sydney could enjoy her meals as intended, within her budget. This endeavor taught her the value of standing up for herself and managing her finances effectively. It was also a subtle lesson in awareness for her colleagues — a reminder not to overlook the needs of others.

In time, as Sydney plans for a career advancement, she feels confident about her finances and her standing in the team. “Next time,” she jokes to herself, “I’ll just stick to my salads and green tea.”

It’s a gentle reminder to always be considerate of others’ situations, as everyone has their battles to face, whether visible or not. Sydney’s story encourages courage and smart thinking when faced with inequality, even in small things like a lunch bill.