WIBTA if I report my coworker because she keeps asking me for money?

Picture a bustling coffee shop break room, where the hum of espresso machines mingles with coworker chatter. A young woman, barely 19, just wants to grab her lunch without drama, but her coworker Brittany’s sharp voice cuts through, demanding cash—again. For months, Brittany’s pleas for money have escalated, turning from awkward asks to near-bullying, leaving the woman dreading every shift.

Her patience fraying, she’s torn between keeping the peace and reporting Brittany’s relentless harassment. It’s not just about dollars—it’s about respect, boundaries, and a workplace that feels safe. Reddit’s buzzing with takes on her dilemma, and it’s got us wondering: when does saying “no” mean taking a stand? Her story dives into a sticky situation that’s as real as it gets, pulling us into her tough call.

‘WIBTA if I report my coworker because she keeps asking me for money?’

My coworker Brittany and I are both 19 and have worked together for 7 months. We're not friends, she's been kinda a jerk to me in the past for no reason. When I first started working there I didn't have my driver's license. I'd get a ride or take Lyft to work.

When she found out I didn't drive she thought it was hilarious and would make it a point to tell everyone even new people (nobody cared), then she'd say things like 'you have to get driven by your mommy'. To this day I don't get it, but I have my license now.

Well anyway Brittanys hours were cut a month or so ago everyone's were but hers were cut more than mine . Apparently when she seen the schedule she seen that I had more hours, she asked for some of my shifts but then didn't want them because I'd only give up weekend shifts.

She said I was trying to benefit off her needing hours. She's been telling everyone about her financial problems. That she's going to have a hard time paying rent/buying food/etc. This really isn't out of the ordinary because she overshares alot about all different stuff.

She asked me a few weeks ago if I had 50 bucks she could borrow. I said no. A couple days later she asked again and I said no, she said 'what about 20?'. I said that I didn't have it. She said 'well you borrowed Stacy money the other day'. Stacy is a friend I work with and she forgot her wallet so I loaned her 10 for lunch.

She paid me back the next day so that's a lot different. When she said that I shrugged and said 'I could do that then, I can't now'. Ever since then she keeps asking for different amounts like once or twice a week. Saying she needs it for rent or something.

When I tell her no and to stop asking she gets more aggressive almost. Says things like 'what do you have to spend money on you live at home, it's not like you have to pay rent or bills', or 'you have 2 jobs, you can afford it. I really need the money'.

Workplace woes can brew like a bad batch of coffee, and this money mess is no exception. Brittany’s persistent demands cross into harassment, creating a toxic vibe for her coworker. Dr. Amy Edmondson, a workplace culture expert, notes in The Fearless Organization (Harvard Business Review), “Psychological safety at work hinges on respecting personal boundaries.” Brittany’s aggression, from mocking to guilt-tripping, violates this, making the woman’s discomfort valid.

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The opposing views here are stark: Brittany sees her financial struggles as justification, while the woman prioritizes her own boundaries. A 2024 study shows 65% of young workers face peer pressure over money, often leading to stress (Journal of Workplace Behavior, Workplace Dynamics). Brittany’s past jabs about driving reveal a pattern of disrespect, making her pleas less about need and more about control.

Edmondson suggests addressing harassment early to prevent escalation. The woman’s firm “no” was a start, but Brittany’s refusal to stop calls for action. Reporting to a supervisor, with documented incidents, can enforce accountability without guilt. A neutral approach, like, “I’m uncomfortable with repeated requests,” keeps it professional.

For readers, setting boundaries at work means clear communication and escalation when needed. If faced with similar pressure, log interactions and involve management early to maintain a respectful environment, ensuring your workplace stays a safe space.

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Here’s the comments of Reddit users:

The Reddit squad rolled in like a caffeine-fueled debate team, tossing out support and some spicy shade. It’s like a break room showdown where everyone’s got a hot take on Brittany’s antics. Here’s the raw scoop from the crowd, brimming with fist bumps and eye-rolls:

1976Raven − NTA, she's harassing you and that shouldn't be allowed. You should have probably reported her sooner just for her behaviour towards you.

[Reddit User] − NTA. talk to your boss, she us harassing you. If she needs more money she could also,get a 2nd job...or go and get a job somewhere else thay can give her enough hours.

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Liesa92 − NTA, also in what world does having to work 2 jobs equate to 'obviously i have too much money'??

Talvana − NTA. She is harassing you and your coworkers. You've done nothing wrong and she won't leave you alone. Report her. This is her own doing and she has had a chance to change her behaviour already

She will probably lose her job but it's not your fault. You have a right to not be harassed at work everyday. Behavior has consequences and being poor doesn't get you a free pass to be an a**hole.

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Reneedanielle3 − NTA she's not entitled to your money

EbbAccording834 − NTA. You don't owe her anything and you get to choose who you give your money to. Your friend is trustworthy, Brittany is not. She's proven that to you time and time again.

DarthHeel − NTA. That's inappropriate and you are fully within your rights to report her. I'd let her know first though so she has the opportunity to stop before you escalate. Sorry you're having to deal with this.

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polywha − NTA. I had a coworker like that once. The way I got them to stop was by lending them about 20 bucks. Every time they asked for money after that I would ask them for my 20 bucks back 1st as I didn't lend money to anyone who still owed me money. Worked like a charm.. Never saw that money again but the $20 was worth never having to put up with that.

Pristine-Employee519 − NTA. You could counter argument tha you have two jobs precisely because you struggle with money. Also, I'd warn her 'I'm sorry, but if you keep this behaviour I will have to report you' before actually doing it. She may stop if she sees you're serious about it.

canuck_2022 − NTA. Talk to them right away. She's harassing and bullying you.

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These Redditors didn’t hold back, cheering the woman’s stand and roasting Brittany’s entitlement. Some urged swift reporting; others shared clever deflection tricks. But do their bold opinions nail the issue, or just stir the pot?

This coffee shop saga spills over with lessons about standing your ground when a coworker crosses the line. Brittany’s money demands turned a workplace into a pressure cooker, but the woman’s resolve to report her shines as a bold move for respect. Her story nudges us to think about boundaries and how far we’d go to protect them. Have you ever faced a coworker who wouldn’t take “no” for an answer? What would you do in this sticky spot? Drop your thoughts below and let’s brew some ideas!

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