The Lunch Order Dilemma: When Your Steak Choice Becomes a Statement
The iconic pub lunch - it’s practically woven into the fabric of corporate culture here in Melbourne. Recently, a discussion caught my eye about someone wrestling with whether to order an expensive steak at a team lunch, and it sparked some interesting thoughts about workplace dynamics and social expectations.
Picture this: you’re sitting at a restaurant with your colleagues, scanning the menu, and there it is - that perfectly marbled, premium cut that’s calling your name. But it’s nearly triple the price of what others might order. The eternal question emerges: will you be “that person”?
Looking at the comments online, it’s fascinating how this simple decision becomes a loaded social statement. Some suggest going all-in with theatrical flair - ordering the expensive cut while dramatically highlighting the wealth disparity. Others adamantly warn against it, viewing it as a career-limiting faux pas.
The whole discussion reminded me of a lunch I attended at a well-known steakhouse near Collins Street last year. One colleague ordered the most expensive item on the menu, complete with all the fancy trimmings. The subtle eye rolls around the table were practically audible. For weeks afterward, it became an inside joke in team meetings - not exactly the kind of workplace legacy anyone wants.
What’s particularly interesting is how these small decisions reflect broader social dynamics in our workplaces. The same people who might hesitate to order an $80 steak might think nothing of showing up with the latest iPhone or designer bag. Somehow, conspicuous consumption during a shared meal hits differently.
The timing after a corporate reorganization makes it even more delicate. When teams are adjusting to changes and potentially dealing with colleague departures, flaunting expensive tastes can come across as particularly tone-deaf. Some of the online comments about executives complaining about their yacht problems during layoff periods really hit home - we’ve all encountered that disconnected manager who just doesn’t read the room.
Perhaps the solution isn’t about the price tag itself, but about reading the social context. There’s nothing inherently wrong with enjoying good food or spending your money how you choose. The key is being mindful of the setting and your role within the team dynamic.
The next time you’re faced with this dilemma, maybe the question shouldn’t be “Can I afford this?” but rather “What message am I sending?” Sometimes, saving that premium steak experience for a different occasion might be the smarter play. After all, team lunches are really about building connections, not about what’s on your plate.
Mind you, there’s always the option of coming back solo another time for that fancy steak - when your order won’t become tomorrow’s water cooler conversation. The parma might not be your first choice, but the comfortable atmosphere and good workplace relationships it preserves might just make it taste better.