Had to choose between a big catering gig and a small wedding last Saturday

The catering job was for 200 people at a corporate event, but the wedding was for a couple I've known for years. I picked the wedding, even though it was only 40 guests and paid less. The corporate planner called me 'unprofessional' for backing out, but the bride cried happy tears when she saw the cake. Has anyone else had to turn down a big money job for a personal reason? How did you handle the fallout?

4 comments

4 Comments

colethomas1d ago

The corporate planner calling you unprofessional is out of line. You had a prior commitment to people you care about, and that matters more. Good on you for making the right call.

jakel251d ago

Missing the point ryant50 brought up. The real cost is trust. Break a plan with friends, they stop counting on you. Do it for work, your boss sees you as unreliable. That planner's comment proves it. They only see the work side, not the whole person. Your time belongs to you first.

charles_baker281d ago

But what if the prior commitment was just a casual dinner with friends? Where's the actual line between a firm personal obligation and something you can move? If my kid's school play gets called unprofessional to miss, sure. But a last-minute barbecue? That's a different talk.

ryant501d ago

What's the real cost of breaking a promise?