AITA for quitting on my friend because she won the lottery?
Imagine the soft hum of a toddler’s lullaby, a textbook open on the couch, and the quiet rhythm of a babysitter’s evening. For three years, our narrator—let’s call them Alex—has been the trusted caregiver for their friend’s child, pocketing a modest $60 for six hours of work. It was a favor, a nod to friendship and tight budgets. But when their friend hits a $740,000 lottery jackpot, the game changes, and so does Alex’s patience.
Suddenly, new cars gleam in the driveway, and tales of Cuban beaches fill conversations, yet Alex’s paycheck stays stubbornly the same. When a request for minimum wage is brushed off as “too expensive,” Alex walks away, leaving their friend in a childcare bind. Was this a stand for fairness or a petty jab at newfound wealth? This story unpacks the messy dance of money and loyalty.
‘AITA for quitting on my friend because she won the lottery?’
Money can turn friends into strangers faster than you can say “jackpot.” Alex’s decision to quit babysitting after their friend’s lottery win exposes a rift in expectations. Relationship expert Dr. Gary Chapman notes, “When financial disparities arise, clear boundaries and honest communication are essential” (The 5 Love Languages). Alex’s low pay was a favor born of empathy, but their friend’s refusal to adjust it post-windfall feels like a slap.
This situation mirrors a broader issue: how sudden wealth reshapes relationships. A 2021 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that lottery winners often face strained social ties due to mismatched financial priorities (NBER). Alex’s friend, splurging on cars while skimping on childcare, risks alienating those who supported them pre-jackpot.
Alex’s request for minimum wage—$24 more per shift—was reasonable, given the family’s spending spree. Their friend’s dismissal suggests a lack of gratitude, prioritizing luxury over loyalty. For Alex, quitting was self-respect, though the hint of vindictiveness adds a spicy twist. Next time, they could negotiate pay upfront, perhaps saying, “With your new budget, can we align my rate with standard wages?”
Moving forward, Alex should seek jobs that value their work—childcare roles often start at $15-$20/hour. For readers, it’s a lesson: discuss money openly to avoid resentment, especially when fortunes shift.
Check out how the community responded:
Reddit’s got thoughts as bold as a toddler’s tantrum—here’s what they said about Alex’s babysitting saga:
![[Reddit User] - YTA you've admitted yourself you are being partially vindictive. You say you are being paid below minimum wage but I assume this is a casual cash in hand affair if you were to make it official and be paid minimum wage you would lose some of that 84$ in taxes. Point being you were happy to help them before but after a win you have admitted jealousy over you aren't happy to help now.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/296044cm-11.png)
From calling the friends ungrateful to predicting their financial doom, Reddit’s takes are fiery. But do these hot opinions hold up, or are they just venting steam?
Alex’s story is a reminder that money doesn’t just buy cars—it tests bonds. Quitting over a refused pay bump was bold, but was it fueled by fairness or a touch of envy? Should Alex have pushed harder for a raise, or was walking away the right call? Share your take—have you ever had to renegotiate a favor when someone’s wallet got fatter?
