Congrats to this employee for standing up for what they think is the right thing, even when it makes them unpopular. Not everyone has the backbone to do such a thing. As the OP may soon realize, sometimes it helps to go with the flow instead of making a big deal out of something small. Perhaps the resolution will lead to change in their company, though.
U/winterlilybell works on a small team with just three other coworkers and their manager. OP writes that their boss tends to give the employees small and impersonal presents for holidays, so their colleagues suggested gifting the boss a present for her upcoming birthday. When one colleague told the OP they should all chip in money, the OP strongly disagreed.
The OP isn’t wrong with their stance, but in a company so small, their decision is sure to make waves. It could distance them from their coworkers, and if their boss finds out, it could be potentially super awkward. But on the other hand, if the OP didn’t get a raise they wanted, maybe they should start searching for another job they’ll be more comfortable in (and get paid more!).
After that, this guy is so annoyed about a neighbor’s stick pile that they reported the dude to the city.