Repay for jacket when I leave?

[Anonymous]

So I work in a place where it is usually kept pretty chilly inside. The manager sent out an email asking if we wanted monogrammed jackets, that cost $60 and that they are trying to cover the cost of them with the unit budget. I replied that yes I'd like one if the unit will subsidize all or part of the cost. Now I'm feeling a bit guilty because I'm not sure that I will work there as long as I had planned- i.e. planned to leave in January and now may wind up leaving in July! I guess I'm feeling guilty about them paying for a jacket for me and only staying a couple more months, vs almost a year. I work in an industry that has very high turnover among staff, but it still feels wrong to do that. My question is should I offer to reimburse the unit for the cost of the jacket? In the past I think when they had the budget they bought new staff jackets and when they didn't staff had to pay for them on their own.

[Anonymous]

Your manager said the unit is trying to cover them. Wait. See what happens.

[Anonymous]

We give apparel to our staff each year and they keep them regardless of when they quit.

[Anonymous]

Monogrammed with your name/initials?

When I left my last job, I left all the apparel in a drawer. But nothing had my name on it.

[Anonymous]

That would be a nice gesture, especially if you want to keep good relations with this group and will need references later on.

However it is not necessary.

[Anonymous]

Is it a uniform? Can you wear your own jacket? If it's cold and you have to wear this certain jacket then it's a uniform. So don't feel guilty.

[Anonymous]

To me, it depends on how you’re leaving. If you love the job and want the jacket, offer to pay for it. If you could care less about the job or organization, leave it in a drawer.

[Anonymous]

To me, it depends on how you’re leaving. If you love the job and want the jacket, offer to pay for it. If you could care less about the job or organization, leave it in a drawer.

[Anonymous]

Do not repay this. $60 is less to the company than to an individual and you don’t owe them that or anything else

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Monogrammed with your name/initials?

When I left my last job, I left all the apparel in a drawer. But nothing had my name on it.

Yes, with my name and credentials on it and the company name.

[Anonymous]

Don't worry about this. Once you have a better job, you can ask them if they would like you to repay. But seriously, don't focus on this.