Family Feud: Should I Pay Cousin for Job Referral? -

AITA for not paying my cousin a finder’s fee after landing my job? Family tension arises as I navigate whether I owe him for the referral or not.

Are you obligated to pay a ‘finder’s fee’ to a family member who referred you to a job? This Reddit thread delves into a dilemma faced by a 27-year-old who landed her first full-time job after a long search.

Despite securing the position through her qualifications and efforts, her cousin insists on receiving a percentage of her first paycheck as a gesture of gratitude for the referral. As the family gets involved, tensions rise, with divided opinions on whether the cousin is entitled to such a fee or if the job seeker is justified in refusing to pay.

The Redditors weigh in, with many supporting the job seeker’s stance of not owing anything for a job obtained through her merit. From questioning the cousin’s entitlement to highlighting the family dynamics at play, the comments reflect a mix of perspectives on the situation.

As the job seeker seeks validation for her decision and navigates the familial conflict, the thread raises intriguing questions about gratitude, entitlement, and boundaries within familial relationships. What’s your take on this scenario?

Are you Team Job Seeker or Team Cousin?

Original Post

I (27F) recently landed my first full-time job after months of searching. To celebrate, I treated myself to a nice dinner using my savings.

My cousin Matthew, who referred me to the job, now demands a ‘finder’s fee.’ He insists that I owe him a percentage of my first paycheck as gratitude for the referral. However, I don’t believe I owe him anything as I secured the position through my qualifications and interviews.

Matthew called me selfish for not acknowledging his help and refusing to pay him. Now, our family is picking sides, with some supporting Matthew’s claim for a finder’s fee, while others agree with me that I shouldn’t have to pay for getting a job on my own merit.

The situation is causing tension within the family, and I feel torn between standing my ground and avoiding conflict. So, AITA?

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