I work as an executive assistant to two extremely well-paid, high-level professionals (they make a million a year with bonuses). Yesterday, one of them gave me a gift card with a note "thanks for all you do". I checked the balance: fricking $25 bucks!!! All I could think was "WOW". I was stunned. Now keep in mind, I just love working with the guy, he's an awesome person. I went through all possible scenarios: Q: Does he just not know what's appropriate? A: Not possible - he's been in the business way too long AND has a wife who most likely helps him out. Q: Does he value me THAT little? A: He's never given me any indication of a problem. Always praising my work, says he couldn't do his job w/o me. Q: Is he just that cheap? A: I do his expenses. He has no problem spending 1K+ on a round of golf at an exclusive club w/ clients. The other person I support typically gives me a card with money in it-say 500 or so. I gave the f'ing card to our garage attendant!! HELP ME - what to do??
2007-12-21 01:12:21 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Other - Family & Relationships
I know the reason for the season but, guys, I spend more time supporting these people that I spend with my own family! Additionally, I put in over 90 hrs of OT in the last 3 months for them. I think I have the right to be pissed when the industry standard bonus for a position like mine is typically equivalent to one months salary.
You bet I'm pissed!
2007-12-21 01:22:26 · update #1
While I appreciate you taking the time to respond, I am getting the impression that you aren't familiar with an executive level position such as mine. This question was obviously interpreted as if I were an elitist snob. I'm not. I come from a blue collar background and have worked VERY hard to get where I am. End of year bonuses are standard at this level.
PS: I'm a single mom, don't drive a Lexus, pay out of my pocket over $6K a year just to commute and park downtown for my work, and certainly don't live in a mansion!! :)
2007-12-21 01:48:16 · update #2
Hi -- I actually own a company, but we have one sole client. This client makes near 35-40K per month as a result of our involvement. This last year, they lost a major partner, and risked large business loss, we/my company kept them above the line. Last Friday, we received a year-end bonus with a note, thanks for your support... and $500 bucks! Our situations are the same, we are entire firm..... what are we supposed to do with this? It's insulting, and getting nothing would have been better. Our plan... is to not mention it, not even thank them for it. We are going to seek out another contract, with another client in 6 months.
In your situation, I would ask for a meeting, and say that its regarding your performance at work. I was at a restaurant recently, and by mistake, thought I left a 5$ bill, but it was a 1$ bill. The waiter approached me and asked, "What could I have done to give you better service?" I said, it was amazing, and then he showed me the 1$ dollar.
Say something, bonus money is based on performance, and 25$ does not say, JOB WELL DONE.
2007-12-22 07:32:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I completely understand where u r coming from and the proper thing to do is to say thank u no matter how cheap it is. I personally would be happy for a 25 dollar gift certificate. It is the thought that counts but i agree it could have been more. Who knows... that could have been a test to see how u would react and next time there could be something better. maybe he just wanted to see if u would appreciate a small gift?
2007-12-21 02:01:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would be upset, but yet last year I was told I was getting a x-mas bonus and never recieved it. My boss is great to work for and I was just thankful that I have a job in this time when so many dont.
I would say you are missing the reason for the season. Be thankful that you have a job and and move past this.
2007-12-21 01:18:10 · answer #3 · answered by TAS 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should keep the free gift. Let's suppose that the perfume had a 30% discount as an sales incentive (just like the free gift is an incentive), would you give your boss the perfume and the cash equivalent to the 30% off? I don't think so, so why would you give her the extra gift?
2016-05-25 07:16:14 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should be gracious.
He may not be the one who picked out the card. And well to do people sometimes do tend to be cheap. Ever noticed that some of the fanciest cars are parked outside the thrift stores? That's how they keep their money, by pinching pennies.
By the way, some of us would be happy to get a $25 gift card.
2007-12-21 01:31:24 · answer #5 · answered by nowyouknow 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A gift is a gift... to put conditions on it is shallow... but to re-gift it to someone else because it was "cheap" in your eyes, is even worse... So, I take it the garage attendant is waranted the "cheap" gift even though it wasn't given by you to him as an act of kindness...
As an employer, I look to give a gift to my staff based on their attitude... How will it be received, doesn't matter to me. I don't owe them an expensive Xmas gift. They owe me their dedication to their work, as to which I pay them for... If you were my employee, & I learned that you re-gifted my gift, I doubt seriously if I would give you anything ever again!
So, because you are a working Mom for executives, you are owed a suitable bonus? I don't think so.... A bonus is never EARNED it's a gift! IT is NOT manditory... After reading all your add'l comments, I have to say - your attitude deserves less than this gift card...
2007-12-21 01:23:10 · answer #6 · answered by T. 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First off? WOW- I would be just as pissed as you. I really have no AWESOME advice on this, I would feel exactly the same way you do. But for fear of possibly losing my job I would be forced to keep my mouth shut. It is after all the thought that counts...just cause they are rich doesn't mean they have to give you 500$....
2007-12-21 01:17:46 · answer #7 · answered by confused<3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, he didn't have to give you anything. You get a paycheck. You were $25 richer that day. If you chose to give it to the garage attendant, rather than appreciate the money yourself, that's your loss.
2007-12-21 01:20:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
some times in life you need to be thankful for small mercies...some people need that to help out for christmas dinner...please donate it to charity or a worthy cause..and you will be blessed and so will your boss and the charity for giving to the less fortunate.
2007-12-21 01:20:13 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
aw you poor baby
try living in the real world
you know what my christmas gift from my boss was?
see you on the 26th he said
wow some people have no idea how spoiled they are
i bet the whole way home to you huge house in your lexus you just didnt know what to do with yourself did you
2007-12-21 01:20:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋