i feel bad for never having money to participate in work functions
I know that feeling. What do you tell your coworkers?
oh i've brought lunch or i have lunch plans that day.
I think you risk not building social ties with your coworkers but sometimes you have no choice.
i can barely pay our bills and get gas and food. i hate to do it but i don't have $5 for a pizza party of $10 for so and so's retirement