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Message |
Jkm
Member
07-10-2002
| Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 9:41 am
I have been given the job of getting a "gift" for one of my co workers. They (manager) told her yesterday that they were letting her go (we're no longer doing the books for some plants we sold) and that next Friday will be here last day. (She's a good friend of mine and none of us are happy - another older lady was counting on it being herself so she could get a nice severance (long term employee) and move out of state near grandkids....) Question is a gift at a sorry to you're leaving lunch even appropriate? And if yes, what do you get??
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Julieboo
Member
02-05-2002
| Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 9:47 am
A book on resumes. The phone number for unemployment. A gift certificate to a head hunter.
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Sillycalimomma
Member
11-13-2003
| Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 9:48 am
You know I think it really depends on the person perhaps. Friday is my last day here at my work, but leaving is my choice and this is a company I have not worked at for very long. I would feel very awkward if anyone gave me a parting gift. However, I did work for a company a few years back that I had been at for 2 years and they really were like my second family. I knew I would stay in touch with many of the people there. I was laid off from that job and "on the way out the door" was given a parting gift and lunch from my co-workers. I didn't find it to be odd at all and was actually very thankful that they acknowledge my worth to them as more than an employee, but as their friend.
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Schoolmarm
Member
02-18-2001
| Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 11:16 am
Please acknowledge her work, no matter why she is leaving. Even something simple like a plant would be nice... I had absolutely no acknowledgement of the six years I spent in my last job, with the exception of the president shaking my hand and saying thank you. My department doesn't "DO" things like send flowers when you are in the hospital or retire after 30 years there....why should they acknowledge anyone leaving....well....maybe to have a sense of goodwill. I resent that I was allowed to slip away. I took the secretary to lunch and one of my collegues took me to dinner....another brought cookies on moving day. At other jobs I've had, I've gotten a framed picture of my co workers (waving goodbye to the students on the last day of school), a lead crystal vase with flowers, the Dr, Suess book "The places you'll go", a set of professional books, gift certificates, etc. Try to think of something personal that will show appreciation and remembrance. Lunch is very appropriate...if not with the whole group, then with her friends at work...make sure that she is NOT paying! It will be a while before I forget about how rude my former department was. Don't let her leave harboring more resentment than she already has for losing her job.
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Bandit
Member
07-29-2001
| Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 11:21 am
LOL Julieboo!
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Jkm
Member
07-10-2002
| Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 11:51 am
She's been here about 5 years (that's long term anymore these days).... Would it be in really poor taste to do something funny like -- buy a pink slip (garment), a mug with pencils (says something like 5 cents each), envelope of coupons, nice stationary for resumes, then maybe something a little more respectful....what I don't know though....
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 12:46 pm
I would DEFINITELY get her a gift, but I wouldn't want someone to pick out my resume stationery. I wouldn't be able to laugh at the pink slip if my family depended on the money I was bringing in. I think, if she is a good friend, then something that would forever remind her of you guys would be best. Something that isn't disposable--and is in keeping with her home, her style, etc. In my previous job, I know we have picked out beautiful serving dishes, photo frames, etc. And I, myself, when I retired from my previous job--but everyone knew I'd be looking for employment--received a scrapbook filled with pictures of me working in and around the office, with lovely notes from tons of co-workers sandwiched in between, and also gave me a beautiful computer-friendly (lightweight) leather briefcase. I loved it and used it a lot when I lugged around all my writing samples and resumes (when I WAS looking for work). I'd also give her some handmade coupons for 'cashing in' for lunch dates with each of you, etc. Then she'll know she is loved. And, for a joke, purchase one of the 'voodoo' dolls that come with stickpins and tag it with the evil supervisor's name (or whatever person is most appropriate). That would be funny!
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Jmm
Member
08-16-2002
| Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 5:35 pm
At my last job, my boss retired after 20 years or so. I took my camcorder to work and went around and taped "goodbye" messages from the people he had worked with. I probably had 50 or so people on the tape and finished it with my goodbye message. (yes, I cried like a baby as I taped it. lol) He absolutely loved it and his wife wrote me the most wonderful note thanking me for taking the time to do it. She told me that they had showed it to their kids and grandkids and they were all so moved at the wonderful messages that everyone left for him. If doing a video tape is not feasible, maybe buy a nice autograph book or journal and have people write little messages for her.
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