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Post by Skellinton on Mar 21, 2018 2:31:50 GMT
So, this is a total PVM thread, I don’t want to be Compwallaed, I know I am being ridiculous!
So, this last week I have been at my job 20 years. There is a boss who is above me, one person that is my cohort that has been with us 5 years that also works full time, 2 other people below me that work part time, and several other people who work about 10 hours a week. During the first 9 years things were pretty good, I had one boss, then the 10th year all hell broke out with my boss, she ended up being fired and left our program in dire straits. I was interim boss due to my seniority and I was thrilled to be put back in my regular position when they hired my next boss. She had a lot of work to do to get our program back in order and did a great job. She was there about 4 years and she then retired as she was of age to do so for SS. When she left she was given a nice low key party but our board ( we are kind of run by a board, but they really let the boss do the day to day work. They have monthly meetings, but are not super involved, more a check and balances thing due to the fiasco that wasn’t my first boss) gave her a lovely quilt the kids worked on and some other gifts. The new boss was hired from within, he was one of the people who worked directly below me part time.
I should be clear, I have less then zero desire to be the boss. Not only would I not be good at it, I wouldn’t enjoy it even a little. I would never want to deal with staffing situations, nor would I want to be sitting in an office all day. I love my job description, and if it came time for me to either move up to the boss position or quit, I would quit without a second thought.
In any event, the boy boss was with us about 3 years as boss before he moved 2,000 miles away. When he left the board threw him a huge party and he also got some lovely and thoughtful gifts from the kids and board.
When one one of my previous cohorts quit to be a stay at home parent there was a nice party for them and all the kids and parents brought a book for them and their child.
Can you see how petty I am and where this is going? In a few months one of the people directly below me is moving across the county and she has been with us 4 years, and I know a party is planned for her although I don’t yet know what the kids are doing. One of the 10 hour people are retiring a month after that and she is the second longest employee after me, at about 9 years. A party is being planned for her as well.
I know I am super petty, but I feel like 20 years is a pretty damn big deal and no one else has ever even come close to that since before or after I have been there, and it kind of hurts my feelings that no one even acknowledged it other than to say, “Wow, 20 years, that is a long time.” I don’t /didn’t bring it up, but we are redoing our website and so that kind of information was included and I know my boss and the board are aware of when the “anniversary” was.
Maybe I am being taken for granted, but maybe I am just not worth celebrating. I am also pmsing, but right now I feel pretty damn unimportant and under appreciated. Is 20 years a big deal or is it totally not?
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Post by beaglemom on Mar 21, 2018 2:34:50 GMT
I think it's a huge deal, especially since there has been so much other turnover!
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psiluvu
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,217 
Location: Canada's Capital
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Post by psiluvu on Mar 21, 2018 2:35:01 GMT
20 years is a big deal. Congratulations on the milestone. Sorry you are not being celebrated, you should be.
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Post by 950nancy on Mar 21, 2018 2:45:49 GMT
You are in education, correct? I think it can really be hit or miss. We were given a 20 year pin (too tiny to read what it said). At my retirement, I received a district blanket and a free pass to all of the home games for the schools. If you aren't leaving, no one makes a big deal at all.
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Post by Skellinton on Mar 21, 2018 2:49:40 GMT
You are in education, correct? I think it can really be hit or miss. We were given a 20 year pin (too tiny to read what it said). At my retirement, I received a district blanket and a free pass to all of the home games for the schools. If you aren't leaving, no one makes a big deal at all. Yep, but not a traditional school. I started joking last year when everyone started realizing how close I was that I expected a fancy pen for my anniversary, I would have even appreciated someone even acknowledging it other then when it was brought up by the website stuff. Thanks guys, I do appreciate the validation, even though I asked for it! You guys are great.  |
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AmeliaBloomer
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,842
Location: USA
Jun 26, 2014 5:01:45 GMT
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Post by AmeliaBloomer on Mar 21, 2018 2:59:04 GMT
Seems like the culture there is to reward leaving, not staying (for a loooooong time). Nimrods. Here, this is from us validators:  (I dare you to print out two of those and wear them to work as earrings.) |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 1, 2024 19:39:56 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2018 2:59:28 GMT
I think 20 years is a HUGE deal! Congratulations!
That said, in my office, those leaving get a party. Those celebrating longevity milestones are overlooked. I hit 10 years in mid September. No one said boo about it.
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Post by melanell on Mar 21, 2018 3:01:04 GMT
I'm sorry you feel irked by it. It's certainly an accomplishment and it's pretty natural to want a bit of credit for your accomplishments once in awhile. It sounds like the precedent has been set that people get parties/gifts when they leave. So perhaps when the day comes that you leave, people will give you an extra great party and they'll all be saying "Wow!! Do you realize how long Skellinton has been here?!!?"  |
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Post by workingclassdog on Mar 21, 2018 3:05:04 GMT
So, this is a total PVM thread, I don’t want to be Compwallaed, I know I am being ridiculous! So, this last week I have been at my job 20 years. There is a boss who is above me, one person that is my cohort that has been with us 5 years that also works full time, 2 other people below me that work part time, and several other people who work about 10 hours a week. During the first 9 years things were pretty good, I had one boss, then the 10th year all hell broke out with my boss, she ended up being fired and left our program in dire straits. I was interim boss due to my seniority and I was thrilled to be put back in my regular position when they hired my next boss. She had a lot of work to do to get our program back in order and did a great job. She was there about 4 years and she then retired as she was of age to do so for SS. When she left she was given a nice low key party but our board ( we are kind of run by a board, but they really let the boss do the day to day work. They have monthly meetings, but are not super involved, more a check and balances thing due to the fiasco that wasn’t my first boss) gave her a lovely quilt the kids worked on and some other gifts. The new boss was hired from within, he was one of the people who worked directly below me part time. I should be clear, I have less then zero desire to be the boss. Not only would I not be good at it, I wouldn’t enjoy it even a little. I would never want to deal with staffing situations, nor would I want to be sitting in an office all day. I love my job description, and if it came time for me to either move up to the boss position or quit, I would quit without a second thought. In any event, the boy boss was with us about 3 years as boss before he moved 2,000 miles away. When he left the board threw him a huge party and he also got some lovely and thoughtful gifts from the kids and board. When one one of my previous cohorts quit to be a stay at home parent there was a nice party for them and all the kids and parents brought a book for them and their child. Can you see how petty I am and where this is going? In a few months one of the people directly below me is moving across the county and she has been with us 4 years, and I know a party is planned for her although I don’t yet know what the kids are doing. One of the 10 hour people are retiring a month after that and she is the second longest employee after me, at about 9 years. A party is being planned for her as well. I know I am super petty, but I feel like 20 years is a pretty damn big deal and no one else has ever even come close to that since before or after I have been there, and it kind of hurts my feelings that no one even acknowledged it other than to say, “Wow, 20 years, that is a long time.” I don’t /didn’t bring it up, but we are redoing our website and so that kind of information was included and I know my boss and the board are aware of when the “anniversary” was. Maybe I am being taken for granted, but maybe I am just not worth celebrating. I am also pmsing, but right now I feel pretty damn unimportant and under appreciated. Is 20 years a big deal or is it totally not? |
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QueenoftheSloths
Drama Llama
Member Since January 2004, 2,698 forum posts PeaNut Number: 122614 PeaBoard Title: StuckOnPeas
Posts: 5,955
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Post by QueenoftheSloths on Mar 21, 2018 3:07:13 GMT
I feel you. Our old owner would acknowledge our birthdays/work anniversaries to varying degrees. Example, managers got weekend trips, us regular employees got candy. But at least they were acknowledged. Our new owner does nothing for regular employees. If he does something for managers, they are all doing a very good job of keeping it secret.
I had my 14 year anniversary in November. It was not acknowledged, but I did receive a very unwelcome change to my scheduled hours, so I guess that was my gift???
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Mar 21, 2018 3:07:34 GMT
Well I'll give you kudos!! Twenty years should be celebrated! I got a pin for 5 yrs, a pad with logo for 10 years and a pen/pencil set for 15 years. Unfortunately my first 10+ years were in different dept, all went together for benefits etc, but not for 'awards'.
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Post by AussieMeg on Mar 21, 2018 3:07:41 GMT
I will validate you - 20 years is a big deal, congratulations!  I just hit 19 years this month. For my 10 years my boss (who started about the same time) and I were taken out for lunch. We also got a framed certificate and I think a pen (or was the pen for my 15 years?). Another colleague who hit 30 years got to take a certain number of people out for dinner at the company's expense. I'm not sure what the company does for 20 years of service, but I hope it's a lunch at least. I hope your company does something nice to mark your 20 years of service. |
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Post by stampinbetsy on Mar 21, 2018 3:13:18 GMT
I understand how you feel. I have a church musician job (which is very part-time), and I've been there for 21 years (22 in August). I rarely get formally appreciated for anything. Unless my Christmas bonus counts.
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Post by Zee on Mar 21, 2018 3:19:23 GMT
Those are all going-away parties, correct? In the hospital we usually held going-away parties, but not anniversary parties. So in your case, I wouldn't feel slighted, but that's what I'm used to (no anniversary parties).
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Post by crazy4scraps on Mar 21, 2018 3:20:29 GMT
That should be considered a big deal because it IS a big deal. Congratulations on this milestone anniversary!
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Mar 21, 2018 3:26:22 GMT
It is a big deal, that's for sure. You should be proud.
However, the only way anniversaries are marked in my office is if the person whose anniversary it is brings in treats and sends out an email to the listserve saying, "It's my anniversary, treats in the kitchen." And then if you're lucky, 10% of your coworkers will write back and say something laudatory.
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Post by jlynnbarth on Mar 21, 2018 3:26:53 GMT
Congratulations on 20 years! That’s a huge deal! If I worked with you and knew about it, I’d have celebrated with you! Those type of milestones are important to me too. Longevity in a job isn’t as common anymore so it’s appreciated by me. Heck, I try to make it a big deal for my coworkers that make it a year. It’s hard to find good reliable people and I want them to know that even if my boss doesn’t recognize it, I do. (I’m the administrative assistant to the boss). Again, congratulations!
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AllieC
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,087
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Post by AllieC on Mar 21, 2018 3:32:54 GMT
Those are all going-away parties, correct? In the hospital we usually held going-away parties, but not anniversary parties. So in your case, I wouldn't feel slighted, but that's what I'm used to (no anniversary parties). Yes same here. We get an acknowledgement at an annual event but that is it.
I do think that leaving an organisation is a totally different scenario so although OP you feel slighted, it is a not the best comparison to be making.
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Post by Skellinton on Mar 21, 2018 3:48:59 GMT
Those are all going-away parties, correct? In the hospital we usually held going-away parties, but not anniversary parties. So in your case, I wouldn't feel slighted, but that's what I'm used to (no anniversary parties). Yes same here. We get an acknowledgement at an annual event but that is it.
I do think that leaving an organisation is a totally different scenario so although OP you feel slighted, it is a not the best comparison to be making.
Well, to be fair there isn’t anything else to compare it to. There hasn’t been anyone else that even made it to 10 years. And no one acknowledged it at all, except for the off hand comment after I said 20 years when they were asking how long I have worked there as they were updating our info for the website. There have been parties for all the people leaving I mentioned, 2 people who had weddings, and 2 people who had babies. I don’t have anything else to compare it to because there isn’t anything else to compare it to. I just wish someone would acknowledge it, that is all. I don’t expect a party, I would actually feel really awkward if they had a party for me, just some sort of recognition. |
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Post by pierkiss on Mar 21, 2018 4:01:23 GMT
30 years of working at the same place is cause for celebration! I do wonder if with the turnover nobody knows you have been there 20 years? Do you guys do Christmas parties or something similar? At my husbands former employer long term anniversaries would be celebrated at that event. Maybe your company does something similar?
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Julie W
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,209
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Post by Julie W on Mar 21, 2018 4:41:36 GMT
I'm sorry this is happening to you! 20 years IS a big deal. I would be upset too!
I will have 20 years at my company next year. It's a large company (200K employees) so they have guidelines to ensure the celebrations are consistent, but you can expect a certificate, another gift, and for your boss to acknowledge it with some personal celebration (cake, tacos, whatever you like) with your team.
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Mar 21, 2018 5:09:24 GMT
while I agree with you, it sounds like everyone else you've described got parties when they LEFT- is that right? Maybe that's the difference?
Who do you report to, that would / should be the one to acknowledge your longevity?? And I agree with you wholeheartedly. Perhaps if the management started celebrating the people who STAYED rather than the ones who left, people might be more apt to stay longer!! (huge congrats on the 20 years, by the way-- it's tough to stay at one company that long, with the change in the way companies treat their employees nowadays.)
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Post by vjlau on Mar 21, 2018 5:14:14 GMT
Congrats! That IS a big deal, and I would probably be a little sad it didn't get celebrated as well.
However, I'd look at it that the parties thrown are for people leaving. Hopefully when it's your time you'll get an amazing blowout!
My husband has felt very much like you over his career. It's hard to feel unappreciated. On his "big" anniversaries - 5 years, 10 years, etc. we've decided to make the celebration for him! He usually takes in donuts or bagels etc on his anniversary day. Then when people ask, it's a mini celebration and everyone loves a treat. You could go that way?
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michellegb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,918
Location: New England and loving it!
Jun 26, 2014 0:04:59 GMT
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Post by michellegb on Mar 21, 2018 9:42:29 GMT
Congratulations on reaching that outstanding milestone! I totally validate your feelings and I wish they would acknowledge your achievement in some way. Hopefully, when it's your time to leave the party will be epic!
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Post by mikklynn on Mar 21, 2018 12:23:10 GMT
I completely validate you!
We get a gift that we select from a catalog for milestones with the company, but no other acknowledgement until our annual meeting at year end. I got a plaque for 35 years. Whoo hoo.
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scrappert
Prolific Pea
RefuPea #2956
Posts: 7,960
Location: Milwaukee, WI area
Jul 11, 2014 21:20:09 GMT
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Post by scrappert on Mar 21, 2018 12:42:28 GMT
I validate you!! I am 18 years now in my job. I am not in a supervisor capacity, but I pretty much run my own game. I don't need direction and go above and beyond what I "should" be doing. I haven't received anything for any anniversary. However, someone who has been here less then me, a lead for customer service, received a nice gift on her 10 year. Great. So, I know where you are coming from.
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purplebee
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,793
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Post by purplebee on Mar 21, 2018 12:56:12 GMT
As someone about to complete my 18th year in education (cashier/lunch lady), I offer you my heartfelt congratulations. 20 years is a long time!!!
In my District, milestone anniversaries are recognized at our annual District breakfast, and we receive a service pin and a longevity bonus. I am hoping to make it to my 20 year mark, but I could retire now. I will take it a year at a time.
It does sound like your employer only celebrates when someone leaves...
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eleezybeth
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Posts: 2,784
Jun 28, 2014 20:42:01 GMT
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Post by eleezybeth on Mar 21, 2018 13:00:12 GMT
Imagine the party they will throw when you leave!
We get recognized on the 5's. I didn't get recognized for my 10th due to a winter storm. Took them another year to get me my pin.
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MerryMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,564
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Post by MerryMom on Mar 21, 2018 13:20:58 GMT
It is so timely that this is posted as this week is my 25th year in children services.
OP, I think there are two different situations here:
* The parties appear to be for people who are leaving or are retiring and they aren't parties for years of service, correct?
* What is your agency's policy regarding years of service recognition? I would expect my employer to follow that or at least what has been done for other service recognition in the past.
I personally don't think the two are the same thing and should have the same thing. I think someone leaving for another job/or moving vs. someone's retirement are two different things as well.
If your agency doesn't have a policy about service recognition and retirement, perhaps bring that up in the spirit of "Oh let's make sure this is written down as a policy so that we are being consistent with everyone regarding years of service and retirement".
Be a change agent for yourself and for others after you.
Everywhere I have worked has a policy about what someone receives for retirement and for years of service. It appears your employer is being FAR more generous with that than my employer (government).
Here's our policy:
No parties or food can be purchased with taxpayer funds. Which means even coffee and donuts. Any food we have is either the bosses pay for it or we do a pot luck. I have paid for thousands of dollars in food through the years for birthdays, holidays, taking new employee out to lunch, buying coffee and donuts for trainings, buying bagels for meetings, etc.
Retirement: paper certificate signed by the governor and our director
Retirement gifts are not permitted to be purchased with taxpayer funds. Any gift purchased is from a voluntary collection by the employees.
Service awards start at 5 years in 5 year increments: You get this if you are present at the quarterly all-staff meeting, if not, then it is left on your desk.
5, 10, 15 years: get a lapel pin with the state seal on it and it says 5 years, 10 years, 15 years under the seal-I would estimate these are less than $1 each
20 years: you get a pen that has engraved state seal and it says "20 years" value, meh, maybe $5
25 years: pen and pencil set with same state seal engraving and it says "25 years" value $10
30 years: clock:State seal and it says "In appreciation of 30 years of quality service" value $20
35 years: clear plastic plaque (I hope I spelled that right) state seal and it says "in appreciation of 35 years of quality service" value $25 ish
40 and 45 years: engraved clock- slightly nicer one than the 30 year one, but they are the same clock!! State seal engraving with "in appreciation of 40 (or 45) years of quality service. That one might cost $30
I get why you might feel left out, and I do think that years of service should be recognized. I don't think you can base your years of service recognition with what they are doing for someone retiring or leaving. What has been done for other years of service recognition? I would ask or check your policy.
Congratulations on your 20 year anniversary.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 1, 2024 19:39:56 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2018 13:27:57 GMT
While I think it's amazing you've been at the same job for 20 years I have never heard of anyone being thrown a work anniversary party or receiving a gift.
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