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30 Things People Got After Working For A Company For Ten Years, From Grand To Plain Sad
Working for the same company for ten years must require patience and dedication, both of which, hopefully, should be acknowledged. And in some companies, they are; some employers make sure to let their long-term employees know that they are valued and appreciated, especially after hitting a mark as significant as a decade.
However, not all of them have the same understanding of what the token of appreciation should be; that’s why in some companies, an employee might get a pen, while in others, a cruise trip. These are just a couple of examples of what members of the ‘Ask Reddit’ community have received after spending a decade at their workplaces. Shared in a thread started by u/miami72fins, their answers covered all sorts of gifts from great to terrible, all of which you can find on the list below.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
A trip for 2 anywhere in the world (reimbursed up to $7500). My Wife & I did a 17 day trans-atlantic cruise from Florida to Europe for less than $2000 out-of-pocket.
Cecil Parker 2 years ago
My last job gave me 500 dollars after 5 years. 1000 dollars after 10 years. And 1500 dollars after 15 years. They laid me off after 11 years and gave me a 10000 dollar severance check. They rehired me 2 months later and bridged my employment. They laid me off again after 8 years and gave me another severance check for 22000 dollars. I was sorry when they folded but they were a great company to work for. I got lucky when I got that job.
Sheila Carty 2 years ago
I get that people like cruises, but 17 days stuck on a boat is my version of hell. Yes, it stops at ports and whatever, but the rest of the time you are stuck. It's like visiting someone and not having a car to escape and wander.
Carl Drechsel 2 years ago
I got a 30 year pin and a blank certificate thank you Air Combat Comand and A7
UncleJon_TheMadScientist 2 years ago
Wow.. nice to hear some places appreciate their employees
Sara Anderson 2 years ago (edited)
They did that for my father in law and then laid him off as soon as he got back. Corporations are not your family no matter how nice the people and perks seem.
RELATED:
#2
Almost 9 years here. My company gave me a six figure stock bonus (vests over 4 years). I will likely stay here as a result.
If companies reward employees, meaningfully, then employees are more loyal and willing to work hard.
Bobert Robertson 2 years ago
I work for a mulitnational MAJOR auto company, in a mid level role, and for my 10 years I got..... a certificate.
Seadog 2 years ago
Not stock but one one company when I left revoked their matching 401K contribution and the profits so all I left with was the actually money I had put in. And yes I was fully vested. Another company terminated their pension plan 5 years ago. I left them 15 years ago. There is now no record of my pension. Considering how many people have talked to me and the amount of time spent trying to figure out where it is, it would've been cheaper for them to just say oops and cut me a check.
UncleJon_TheMadScientist 2 years ago
Hooray for companies that value their employees, they know who is the real foundation of the business
#3
I work at a midsize HVAC company (about 250 employees), got a signed hockey stick by the whole team and some really good tickets for a game. My boss knows I'm a big hockey fan so it was pretty sweet to get.
Aside from that, they've generally been good to me over the years and it's the reason I've stuck around so long.
Edit: Well that's a lot more responses than I expected. For those who asked, it's the Hurricanes and I work in Service.
#4
I took a voluntary separation and got 10 months of pay on my 10th anniversary. Best choice I have ever made. Found a new job with a 15% raise that started a few weeks later.
#5
At Starbucks, at 10 years you get an extra couple of shares of stock, an award, and you are eligible for one year off with no loss of stature when you come back(it’s called a coffee break) and, if you are over 55, been with them for over ten years and then retire, you get a pound of coffee a week and 30% off for the rest of your life.
Sonja 2 years ago
This sounds nice but I'd like to see the statistics on how many they fire days before they become eligible...
Wintermute 2 years ago
Been there. The company "delayed" the bonuses for a round of people who agreed to step down before a massive layoff, and thus we all became ineligible for the yearly bonus. Only $600 for me, but some people lost thousands. No good deed goes unpunished in corporate America.
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Aspiring Canuck 2 years ago
We've stopped buying coffee from them because of what they're doing to unions in the US and Canada. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/28/will-starbucks-union-busting-stifle-a-union-rebirth-in-the-us
Tyranamar Seuss 2 years ago
Their retirement is a bag of coffee a week? Woohoo!! Starbucks is so generous.
#6
A tie clip. I am a woman.
Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
True, and they should give men hair clips.
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Charles McChristy 2 years ago
I got a pair of women's socks and a small piece of chocolate for Xmas this year.
Hugh Crawford 2 years ago
Women can wear ties. Seems like a thoughtless and cheap gift either way.
Leekier 2 years ago
I do occasionally but it’s really not that common; this sounds like the sort of place where they didn’t expect to employ us.
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Ugh_What_Now 2 years ago
"Women can wear ties" No... look. If you're at a company gifting tie pins for a 10th anniversary, it's most likely that company has a standard of dress(dress code), and she almost certainly could NOT wear a tie. That's exactly the point. The entire reason the tie clip was chosen as a ten year marker was to show seniority/ranking at her place of business. Think a bank/law firm. While "a woman can wear a tie" may be a statement to make, it isn't something every judge you stand in front of cares about, and your client's case is more important. "Thanks for working at the Law Firm, but you'll always still be just a woman!" Is what that pin said.
#7
Not a goddamn thing.
You think a company that gave raises of 4¢ (yes, that's correct. 4 American cents) gives a s**t about you working there for 10 years?
One coworker got a 1¢ raise. He complained, and they fired him.
F**k LKQ.
Kaedyn Walsh 2 years ago
I feel that. :( My factory 'generously' gave us all a .35 cent raise to help with inflation during covid lockdown. I tell ya, all the extra groceries we all were able to get with that .35 cent raise was beyond description. We all had Waigu beef every night at our homes, even were able to take 3 month long vacations on it. I mean we already make between $13.55 and $15.81 an hour so yeah. That 35 cents absolutely sent us all into the next tax bracket. One guy even bought a Lamborghini - but sadly it had to be last years model. He was 70 cents shy of being able to afford the current years model. :( But he DID have it painted a lovely deep blurple, so that was cool. I went out and tossed all my clothing I've had since the mid 90s and filled an entire walk in closet with extreme high end womans designer clothing and shoes. Our owners generosity with the inflation wage totally changed our lives 1000000000 fold! We all have yachts now. It's nice.
Roberta Surprenant 2 years ago
Worked at national chain nursing home and got a whole ten cent raise...
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chops jones 2 years ago
Omg out of touch if they even use this phrase... everyone wants to be compensated fairly for work.. not enslaved.
Load More Replies... Timbob 2 years ago
It’s called Capitalism my friend. The rich, (republicans), get richer, and the poor, (the rest of us) get poorer !
chops jones 2 years ago
San diego calif... minimum wage is 20 bucks every biz owner complains or tries to add surcharges or complains. mcdonalds informs their employees of calfresh food stamps.. wow . The wealthiest business in the world inorms of midicaid & food stamps! A ONE BEDROOM HERE IS $2000. Mcdonalds is the devil.
Load More Replies... brittany 2 years ago
at my job no one has gotten a raise in 4+ years. no one. stuck at 12 an hour which is the lowest anyone pays in our state for the industry we work in. we keep asking and pleading, showing our numbers to justify a raise. we've now been told our department is taking over another branch's department and we will be doing double to work with no new backup employees and no raise. if we can get their numbers up we can MAYBE get a raise next year,
Sassy Frass 2 years ago
Apparently this month is the typical hiring period. We received "thank you" cards with the same note signed by someone on the executive level none of us know. They've all been thrown into the open trash bin outside of the Managers office whenever received.
Justin Rogers 2 years ago
14 years of abusing and breaking my body for absolutely zero. Final straw was threatened to fire me because I wanted to leave work in the middle of the day t be with my mom because my brother had just passed away. I will never be able to retire because he hired me at 15 and paid me under the table for the entire time
Jerry Mathers 2 years ago
The question is why stay with a company that pays so little in raises. I understand hanging on until you get something else, but once you get that other job, just quit. No notice and tell em that the raise is why.
Brenda 2 years ago
I started working part-time in college. After I graduated and started working full time, I asked how much of a raise I'd get, and my supervisor LAUGHED at me and walked away. (Mind you, this was my field of study in college and knew more about it than 90% of the people in the place combined!) So I stayed part-time and started working a job that paid $5 more. Come harvest time I started leaving my first job after my 8 hours and my supervisor got TICKED at me for "not putting in full time hours". I worked 40 hrs a week, meaning I was working full time. Plus a job where I'd work another 8 hours, if not more!
#8
I remember working in a fast food joint (think, very large global chain). I started in '96 and in '08 I got my reward for ten years service.
It was a pen and pencil.
Yup.
Kaedyn Walsh 2 years ago
The generosity and appreciation they showed for your commitment, the hours you worked, the constant bs that most customers bring, putting up with the grease, spills, rushes that don't seem to end, and having your hair, clothing and home smell like Greasy Food, is just overwhelming /s. I'm fairly sure that pencil is the kind that doesn't sharpen correctly so it gets cracked and part of it falls off in a sharp angle, and the lead just snaps off with a single letter written. "Only the very best for our hard working, loyal and long time wage slaves! <3" Ugh, I would have walked eons ago. Get the training as a shift manager or even assistant then leave and climb higher at a different and better paying job with less stress and no greasy skin and the wonderful 'essence of work-grease' taking over your home. Down with uniforms and name tags and visors! (I know op left 16 years ago, but maybe others in that situation currently will see my words and flee. FLEE, YOU SAINTLY WORKERS! <3
SCP 4666 2 years ago
I fled some years ago. Can't believe I put up with this s**t for so long. Everyone should leave this kind of workspace. And I do mean everyone
Load More Replies... Pieter LeGrande 2 years ago
Hey, I got a gold pen. Would have been better if the gold colour hadn't peeled off after one week.
Sum Guy 2 years ago
I think companies fail to realise that they don't have to spend money, they can give that person 2 full weeks off extra that year and it will be okay.
Anthony Jordan 2 years ago
"I think companies fail to realise that they don't have to spend money" You fail to realize that two week's pay does require the company to spend money.
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Laura Williams 2 years ago
Wow ten years and they gave you something worth from 2.00 dollars to maybe 10.00 dollars. Run don't walk away.
Seadog 2 years ago
Reminds me of a money saving idea I submitted to my employer in the late 80's. They of course went for it immediately as it would save them around $10K/yr indefinitely. The reward? A check for $125. The officer over my department tried to argue that it should be a yearly check but they wouldn't hear of it.
michele mbennett101044@yahoo.c 2 years ago
Perfect instrument to write a note expressing your feelings about this.."I can't say how much I've enjoyed working for XYZ Co, no, really, I can't!" Read between the lines 🙄
#9
I got to pick an item - fancy steak knives I actually really like and a $250 gift card to my favourite bike shop
Kaedyn Walsh 2 years ago
See, that's a nice gift! Hopefully they last a lifetime, retain their blades and help you be the best chef possible :)
Nae Nae BB 2 years ago (edited)
My hubby's 10 year we got a nice clock, his 20 year they gave him an option for which gift he wanted up to a $500-$600 value. We chose the Dyson fan/heater that looks like a big 0, best gift. But at 25 years (he will reach that in a year and a half) the gift is up to a $1000 value and the list of options is really cool. Edit- he also has stock options and is gifted more every year and gets annual raises along with monthly bonuses. It's a great company.
#10
Either a $2000 TAGheuer watch or $2000 worth of travel credit. (Took the travel)
Kaedyn Walsh 2 years ago
Right on! That's THE best choice because not many CAN travel, and to be able to do so really opens ones eyes and mind and outlook to more things in life - and in ones self - that they'd never do if they were 'land locked' to their motherland.
#11
A paper saying they planted a tree in another province that I will never see.
Sonja 2 years ago (edited)
Donation gifts are a fcüking scam. They pay next to nothing and even if they pay a good amount, they get the full tax exemption because of course you wont get the receipt to put it on your tax return. They'll put it on theirs.
Sue User 2 years ago
Yep. Two years ago got $50 gift certificate. Last year a box of chocolates ( good stuff ) and this year a donation in my name. Currently brushing up my resume.
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Laura Williams 2 years ago
Awww, they helped plant a tree how much you much you must of felt so appreciated. Run don't give two weeks they don't deserve such courtesy. Leave on a shift the manager has to cover.
UncleJon_TheMadScientist 2 years ago
Hahaha just as bad as a relative "making a donation in your name" to some strange charity and you even get a "brick" with your name placed on the sidewalk somewhere downton....
#12
10 years was too long ago to remember. For 30 years, I received an "AI-personalized" video of my career, in practice a 60.000-sharp seconds video glorifying the company, where the first two seconds were "[insert name here], remember what we did together".
In other words, a level of b******t well beyond a diarrhea epidemic in any large herd.
Lucky2BAlive 2 years ago
Love the BS remark. Just sounds like the company doesn’t know the difference of cleaver or clever, I usually say. I live on a ranch so I know the difference between horse puckie and bull puckie. (I once left a meeting singing … It’s beginning to smell a lot like horse ****, everywhere I turn. … and handed in my two weeks vacation leave followed by two weeks notice)
Laura Williams 2 years ago
Hey you felt so appreciated they spent 2 seconds on you for 10 years. I'm sorry they think of you as a drone seriously why do you guys stay?
arthbach 2 years ago
In 1950, Alan Turing formulated the Turing Test - to test a machine's ability to exhibit intelligent behaviour equivalent to, or indistinguishable from, that of a human. In 1956, Artificial intelligence began as an academic discipline. Since then many computer science students have had modules in AI. In more recent years, students have been able to do full degrees in Artificial Intelligence, and the general public has become more aware of AI in the last 10 years.
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#13
I got $1000x yrs of service every year at my last job I lasted a little over 15 yrs.
Georgie Montague 2 years ago
Yes, so OP got $15,000 in recognition of 15 years of service. Nice bonus!
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Laura Williams 2 years ago
If you got 15,000.00 that would be awesome some how I don't think so.
Sum Guy 2 years ago
My brain can't understand this sentence... maybe it's the English as a second language thing
Jessica N 2 years ago
Nah it's poorly executed. They meant $1,000 per year that they've worked there, so year 15 was 15,000$
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#14
I bounce around too much for my jobs so I asked my mom who was in finance from the late 80s on. Her 10 year anniversary was a cell phone and a week-long trip to Italy. She also got a stipend in the form of traveler’s checks. Her 20th was done as a group of other 20 years where they were flown out to dinner at the CEOs house and then a vacation. Her 30th was a selection of vacations but she opted for the cash bonus. Today, I’m pretty sure most anniversaries would be forgotten and it would be a normal day for a lot of workers. They don’t really do “big” stuff anymore.
Kaedyn Walsh 2 years ago
According to many on here, they get penny raises, or a ceo handshake. Lifelong stupid Starbucks coffee. Small petite gift cards.... probably to a place they'd never shop at.... and a tie holder thingie for the female worker. /swoons in jealousy/
Anne Reid 2 years ago
I worked for NYC. In my department, after 5 years, you get a pin to wear over your badge. I had to repeatedly ask for mine, got it in my 9th year. Got my 10 year pin in my 13th year.
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Susan Barton 2 years ago
I had an accident,not work related after 17 years and did not even get a goodby when I could not return.
Seadog 2 years ago
My mom worked the same job for 44 years. She took a year off in an attempt to use up vacation time that had built up. They also paid out the maximum allowed by the state (state job) and she still came out losing time. All she received gift wise was a cheap plaque to hang on the wall.
Sassy Frass 2 years ago
Meh, we get an automated "Thank you (insert name)! You're appreciated for being part of our team!" Email on our anniversary.
#15
I got 500 Pounds, 2 extra days holiday ( I now have 37) and dinner for my spouse and I.
At 20 years you get a another month's wages and dinner for up to 20 people.
Lucky2BAlive 2 years ago
I would have, at the 20 person dinner, invited my boss, his or her spouse and 16 home displaced persons to a meal of a lifetime … but that’s just me.
#16
A cheap pin along with my continued employment.
A previous job gave me a nice mantel clock at 5 years. That clock is now almost 30 years old and still works great.
Liam Storer 2 years ago
Well, your previous job understood that quality over quantity is worth a lot more.
#17
Fortune 75. Letter, actual pen/paper, thanking me for my 10 years, extra week of vacation, monetary award, and an anniversary gift chosen from a catalog ($300 bakeware set).
The 20 year was even better; all the above but grabbed a lever action rifle instead of bakeware.
Kaedyn Walsh 2 years ago
Rifle sounds cool. Was it a good brand, I hope? No sarcasm and snark here. I hate guns but I sure can appreciate a good rifle as a 'thank you' gift, esp if the worker is into hunting or target shooting.
Brobro McDuderson 2 years ago
Wow, that is amazingly supportive and kind, esp from someone who doesn’t like guns. Seriously mind-blown how considerate this post was, didn’t think there were looked like this anymore. Star for the day.
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Mariotevez 2 years ago
Let me guess guns are bad unless you call the police to save/protect you with... guns???
Load More Replies... Lucky2BAlive 2 years ago
I don’t own a gun (my decision and wicked klutz gene) but ai do support responsible ownership and support the NRA. But I wonder if in this day and age offering firearms is the wisest *L … can’t help but laugh a little sorry. But on the other hand kinda a cool gift. ((I got a coffee mug … and not even a nice one)
David 2 years ago
lever action is a style from the mid 1800s, very popular among small game hunters today. If you live in certain parts of the country where hunting is common, a good level action is a very nice gift. You know there parts of the country where they give off school for the first week of hunting season because of how integrated it is in the culture.
Load More Replies... #18
I hit 25 years recently. I got some headphones that I picked out of a catalog and a thank you card where a bunch of people misspelled my name.
#19
23 years this year they gave those with 20 years service a free breakfast! Those who were off that day got nothing…
Sonja 2 years ago
Free breakfast should be a regular thing for all workers. As a 'reward' for twenty years of loyalty that you only get if you happen to be there at one single day it's an insult
Whitefox 2 years ago
My company feeds us all 3 times a week every week. It's usually pretty decent food. They do a fair bit to keep us happy. No complaints here.
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Justin Rogers 2 years ago
Finish up a high end job and gives a pizza party! 2 medium pizzas and a 2ltr of diet for 6 guys! Mf eats 4 pieces because he's the boss
Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
Most companies I worked for - free breakfast - grocery store bagels and cream cheese - and coffee - ( it was a fortune 500 companies)
Laura Williams 2 years ago
Nope out people find a job where they actually think you are human.
Seadog 2 years ago
We used to celebrate everyones birthday by letting them pick what the company was buying us all for lunch. Usually BBQ or pizza. Then they decided everyone would bring a dish, it went downhill pretty quick from there and I think 2019 was the last time they did anything at all.
#20
I got a plaque with my name spelled wrong on it.
Michael Largey 2 years ago
Mistakes like that are a form of unintentional honesty. They neither know nor value you.
The Mediterranean Fruit 2 years ago
When I ran cross country I recieved a little award at the end of the season. It was an informal award that my teammates voted on. When my coaches gave it to me they were mortified to learn that they (my coaches) misspelled my name. They were so embarrassed and said they would get me a new one with my name spelled correctly, which they did. But I kept the original one anyway because that was the one I recieved at the banquet, and it has more meaning.
#21
We get a Rolex at 15 years
Trillian 2 years ago
Never understood the appeal of expensive watches. But you can always sell it I guess. At least it is something that shows appreciation of the employee.
David 2 years ago
well the cheapest ones at 7k, so it had resale value. But also the fancy watch is an old tradition in many white collar corporate jobs going back 100 years. So it does show appreciation, has resale value, and is rooted in corporate culture.
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Kate 2 years ago
And I'm sure they wouldn't give the absolute bottom-line type of Rolex, right?
Load More Replies... Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
At least you now have something to pass down as inheritance? Our son is getting a fire poker.
#22
Very large Fortune 100 company - I got to make a selection from a rewards catalog site and got $$ for a celebration dinner. I chose a tent and two sleeping bags. At 15 years, I chose a mountain bike. Never got my celebration money. Just hit my 20 year. I chose a large $400 LeCreuset Dutch oven this time and I have $200 to spend on a celebration dinner with my team or with my family and friends. I’m taking just my friends out for a nice dinner this Friday at our local Japanese steakhouse and slapping the corporate card down.
#23
I'm an older guy, so hitting the 10-year mark made me eligible for retiree health insurance.
And I think they still have that, though they've unfortunately discontinued the defined-benefit pension for new employees.
Kaedyn Walsh 2 years ago
That, imo, is the WORST thing all employers ever did to the collective workers (at least in the USA). Getting rid of pensions and filling the void with stupid 401k's. I mean those are /nice/ but at least with a pension it's not going to risk being eaten by stock crashes and stuff.
Wintermute 2 years ago
Yeah. Tying the entire US economy to the stock market was the stupidest thing we could have done for functioning capitalism. And now they're trying to get healthcare hitched to that wagon too.
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Laura Williams 2 years ago
How much are co-pays and can it be used with other insurance? Crucial to value. If co-pays are high or it cannot be used with other insurance it is worthless.
#24
The concrete thing is an extra week of paid vacation. You started with two weeks when hired, then you got 1 week at 3 years, 1 week at 5 years and 1 week at 10 years. Also a big congrats and recognition company wide email from the company and a little plaque.
VioletHunter 2 years ago
At least that's progress but starting with only 2 weeks is downright criminal!
Craig S. (EvilSausage) 2 years ago
Tell me you're not American without telling me you're not American.
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Christina Born 2 years ago
My husband gets 10 days. 5 of which the company mandates he use at Christmas when they are shut down. The other 5 are to be used if you have to take a day off because of sickness for you or your family. He uses FMLA for his parents, but even then he has to use his days off first, so he effectively has Christmas week and that's it for actual leisure. Been here 3yr. Had to move states to care for his parents. He left a company after 15yr with 5 weeks of vacation and much higher pay too.
Yer maw 2 years ago
What the hell? You start with a week?? I started my new job just in September there, I get 7 weeks as standard every year
sturmwesen 2 years ago
Now I am jalous. I got 27 days at 8 years. I started with 25 I think.
Load More Replies... Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
When I worked for a company - it was after a year you got 2 weeks paid time off - vacation , 4 days sick, after 5 years you got one extra week of vacation. you were never "allowed" to take the 2 weeks all at once, and usually many of those days were used for things such as dr appt, car maintenance etc. I' don't think I ever took a full week off.
Isabella 2 years ago
I am so happy being in Europe, with my 30 days of vacation per year to which are added national/regional bank holidays!
Toni Rankin 2 years ago
I'm retired now but at my company, in America, I had unlimited time off. As much as I needed, whenever I need it. It's not just in Europe.
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Donkey boi 2 years ago
I started my current role with 5 weeks. I've just been told that as it's 10 years next week, I get 6 weeks, starting in January.
#25
In the past, we used to get to pick from a catalog of company branded stuff. I think 10 years would have gotten you something valued at approx $1,000. I was in our India office one time when they were celebrating work anniversaries and the people who hit 10 years were given a gold coin with the company logo. Waaaaaay cooler than what we got in the US but my understanding is that gold is highly integrated into the culture.
Besides that, you would also be eligible for a longevity bonus that would be paid annually alongside your standard bonus. Depending on tenure, it would be between 5-15% of your annual. Finally, at 10 years you would also be eligible for a 1 month sabbatical. Basically get a month off paid for you to do something productive other than work.
None of these programs exist anymore. They were all phased out over time. Now, I believe you get a congratulatory email with a certificate of appreciation you can print.
Cold Eagle 2 years ago
But only in B&W. No colour/ color printer access for you until 50 year service.
Russell Rieckenberg 2 years ago
It's more integrated in some Asian cultures where not too long ago many working class people would not have a bank account.
Load More Replies... Kaedyn Walsh 2 years ago
I suppose as long as they end the email with a happy emoji of some sort, it makes it all worth it. Longevity and dedication to the job ftw, my guy.
#26
17 years with a government company and I got a ham sandwich and a paper certificate to thank me for my years of service.
I don’t eat ham.
Cloud Fisher 2 years ago
29 years with a State of Alaska institution. 5 yrs - lapel pin. 10 yrs - blue mug. 15 yrs - I chose a framed art of dried wildflowers (still beautiful! locally made!). 25 yrs - chunky blue glass swirl with my name & 25 yrs ago on a metal plate. 28 years in, my department gave each employee and student a lapel pin; hadn't received a logo pen or a certificate previously. The institution, the department-- those did not appreciate employees. But my supervisor -- she did. I worked with and for her, not them. I appreciated her tremendously, also.
Pa Pa Panda 2 years ago
When I hit 30 years government service they set me (via inter office mail) a 25 year service lapel/tie tac pin.
Laura Williams 2 years ago
Yep run just run. Let them train new people and find another job. Seriously 29 years, that sucks.
#27
A gold ring. At 15 years, they put a diamond in it, and at 20 years get a gold watch.
At ten years full time, got a third week of vacation. At twenty I'll get a fourth week.
Carrie B 2 years ago
Respectfully, we Americans know this. Why do people feel the need to point stuff out like this every time? Yes our healthcare sucks and we're greedy fat idiots. How's that?
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#28
My stepdad worked for Aetna insurance over 20 years and was given a $5 Starbucks card.
Kevin B 2 years ago
Don't get me started on Aetna. I don't work for them-just have the insurance through my job, and they are the worst. It is actually cheaper for me to pay for my family out of pocket for health visits than to use them. I've gotten so many claims denied and in medical debt (in the thousands) for legit personal health problems. They nickel and dime their clients, and apparently their employees. Humana or even BCBS was way better when I was with them years ago...
Marinasongs1432 2 years ago
We had to pay double just for my ambulance ride because they don't cover for emergency services! Bastards.
Load More Replies... Sue User 2 years ago
Nope. I got one for two years. There is not a Starbuck within 40-50 miles of where I live. Tried to use it while visiting my brother, couldnt see anything on menu under $5.
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Ovata Acronicta 2 years ago
I stopped an $800 theft at the store I worked at once - purely accidentally, person was trying to go out the in-door with a cart full and I was walking in at the same time, he saw me and fled (we were definitely trained to just not intercept these things so the company wouldn't have to pay out for us when we get hurt). Got a $5 card for said store. Lmfao get fcked.
M O'Connell 2 years ago
They probably wanted you to quit so they could replace you with a lower-paid new hire.
Georgie Montague 2 years ago
In Australia we all get 4 weeks ( full time staff, that is, not casuals) and if you work for the government you get 5, from the get go.
#29
A substantial bonus check and more PTO. Also a raise shortly thereafter but that was part of the annual performance review rather than explicitly related to an anniversary.
#30
I got to choose from a few items, all of which we adorned with the company logo, two small rubies and a small diamond. I picked the pocket knife.
#31
I got a piece of paper that said “congrats on ten years of service.”
That’s it.
Firstname Lastname 2 years ago
My piece of paper was at least put in a cheap frame. Repurposed the frame for a picture at home before shoving the certificate somewhere.
Liam Storer 2 years ago
Hopefully in the trash where it rightfully belongs.
Load More Replies... Kaedyn Walsh 2 years ago
NOT EVEN A BALLOON? WTF IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE? How utterly rude.....
#32
I got an extra week's vacation (to 4 weeks where it capped) and got to pick from a catalog. I think I chose a watch that stopped running after a year or so.
#33
Got a pin. Looks to be worth about $5 when purchased in bulk.
Maggie Scotese 2 years ago
Sounds like my last job. 15 years, and I was earing 47 cents more than when I started. And they cut my hours to get out of giving me any benefits. I did not feel bad when I quit without notice a few months later. Also, I ordered the service pins for the office. They cost $1.23 each when ordered in bulk. $3-ish if they have the company logo on them.
#34
The CEO extended to me a laurel and hearty handshake.
Kaedyn Walsh 2 years ago
Wait..... an actual.... handshake? From the CEO? Holy s**t, my dude, he saw you as an equal for a few moments. I bet you were in awe and didn't wash that hand for 2 weeks! Dude, that is WICKED cool! (I know I'm commenting all snarkily on many of these and i HOPE those coming behind me see these as the pure saccharine sarcasm it all is 🤣. Truly I'm waiting to see if our 1 penny raise guy above can be beat by an even more stingy company, but I think he may be the winner.....)
Ovata Acronicta 2 years ago
Can confirm, except it wasn't a reward for anything, the CEO was just ? in my area and stopped in the store? Didn't wash my hand for weeks. jk. He seemed an interesting person but the Thanksgiving letter he sent that year was so fcking tone-deaf, talking about spending it with his family while the stores were kept open and we had to work it.
Load More Replies...
MaryHadaLittleLamb 2 years ago
I was hoping someone would get the reference! 🤣
Load More Replies... Lucky2BAlive 2 years ago
At least they didn’t treat you like p**n in game of life (sorry couldn’t help myself)
#35
A certificate, in pdf form
Kaedyn Walsh 2 years ago
Wait. They couldn't even get you a 50 cent flimsy plastic Dollar General frame made of fake wood? How stingy of them. The absolute /nerve/. I bet if you tried (aka dared, had the gall and nerve) to print it out at work, you would have gotten shamed for wasting paper and ink while on company time.
#36
I will hit 10 years if I’m still at my current job in mid-2025. I’ll get an extra week of vacation, $1000 worth of company stock, and recognition in a company wide service award email. Guess which one of those I don’t care about.
Sonja 2 years ago
This OP sounds cynical and ungrateful. You can complain about a company wide recognition mail if that's all you get. But if it is accompanied by a thousand bucks and a whole week of extra vacation you better be happy because it's a package deal.
Craig S. (EvilSausage) 2 years ago
I don't know why people are criticizing the OP. S/he doesn't care about the congratulatory email. Like c'mon, you would? I mean sure, the extra vacation time and the stock are nice - and that's why s/he didn't object to them.
#37
I work for a city in the SF Bay Area, and at 5, 10, 15 and so on, we get to pick something from a catalog. At year 5 I picked a *tiny* Buck knife that I never use. At 10 years, I got a quesadilla maker that spits oil at you. Also the whole edge is hot, so it's tough to open without burning yourself. 15 Is coming up soon, so who knows what thing I'll pick!
Kaedyn Walsh 2 years ago
So you open the quesa maker with the buck knife. And then at 15 you get the apron, gloves and company logo face mask so when it spits at you again, you'll be safe <3
What do you think ?
GirlFriday 2 years ago
I hit my 10 year anniversary in August. From the company, I got a cash bonus of $10K before taxes, an employer contribution of $25K into my 401K, another 40 hours of PTO each year (I am up to 35 days per year), and I was called down to the Yard of Bricks at the beginning of a race by our CEO, given an engraved Tag Heuer watch (the official timekeeper of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway), and I got to wave the green flag to start the race. From my direct boss I got a fancy dinner for my partner and I and tickets to an art exhibit that I really wanted to go to.
Tams21 2 years ago
It's amazing how dumb some companies are. Not only is some sort of (non patronising) gift a fair reward for good work and loyalty, it also ensures continued loyalty, increases morale and thereby productivity and if done right, the effect will also spill over to other employees. It isn't even about what the gift is, it's about making someone who spends a huge amount of their life working for you feel they're appreciated for doing so.
Michael Largey 2 years ago
My retirement from my last job coincided with my 25th anniversary of working at the school. Each year there was a ceremony where they awarded token acknowledgements for certain years of service - 10,15, 20, etc. When the central office wrote me to invite me to the ceremony, I replied that I couldn't come that day and asked that they mail me whatever they were giving me. It's been nine years, and it still hasn't arrived. I have a little space on a shelf that stands empty waiting for it. I look at that space whenever I ask myself if I miss working there.
WFH Forever 2 years ago
I also did 25 years at a school/university. I got a folding camp chair for 25 years of service and can never escape the emails and snail mails inviting me to join the alumni association for a sizeable annual charge.
Load More Replies...
JP 2 years ago (edited)
My 50th birthday and my 10 year anniversary was on the same day. It was normal to bring treats for the office and put up a sign. Mine said "Happy 10 yr Anniversary and 50 yr Birthday to [me]". I got called into HR for lying about my age. My supervisor was there, too...he accused me of lying about my age for whatever reason. *Seriously?!?* I made HR pull up my w-2s to prove my age. So, my 10 yr anniversary gift was not getting fired for lying. EDIT TO ADD: My supervisor was personal friends with HR head, so nothing ever happened to him for this & other c**p he pulled.
Dr Robert Neville 2 years ago
For my 5 year bonus I received a whopping £100 payment card, approx 1% of my annual salary. To add insult to injury you have to provide the card issuer loads of details about yourself to activate the card, the card doesn't activate and then you have to phone them, they don't answer, after 3 months of non use they charge you £3 per month as a "service charge". So essentially I got nothing, it's not worth the time and effort it'll take to try and retrieve the remaining funds.
Rob Chapman 2 years ago
Sears. For being there 15 years I got a pin (about the size of a penny) that said "15 years", and I was told I had to wear it next to my name badge. I didn't. So...I got written up....for not wearing my anniversary "reward". That company deserved to die.
Sarah Schumm 2 years ago
I work for a famous tech company notorious for our products coming out late and our CEO’s affinity for memes. I got nothing for my 10 year anniversary, at first. Around that time a good friend sent me a picture of his Apple 10th anniversary award actually signed by Steve Jobs. I got mad and the next year, since one of our products references the movie “Spinal Tap” I printed out a meme from the movie that said “This one goes to 11” the next year they had a ceremony for everyone 10 years plus but I was busy and didn’t go, so I missed out on the tchotchke. Almost a full two years later to the day I got an email that my 10 year package ended up in the wrong place, and asked me where they should send it. I told them my location, but a week later someone emails me from another location saying they had received it by mistake, and asked me where to send it again. I finally got this really cool gold plated coin for 10 years of service and a tee shirt. On my 12th work anniversary.
Philenzortia 2 years ago
In my last company when I hit the 5 years mark there, they gave an USB with my name on it. Not very useful for 2020 but thank you.
Rick Seiden 2 years ago
I hit 10 years at IBM. They gave me a catalog to chose things from. I picked a GPS (pre-everyone has a smartphone with GPS in their pocket), which was nice, and I used it when I traveled, but I left it in a rental car and never got it back.
GirlFriday 2 years ago
I hit my 10 year anniversary in August. From the company, I got a cash bonus of $10K before taxes, an employer contribution of $25K into my 401K, another 40 hours of PTO each year (I am up to 35 days per year), and I was called down to the Yard of Bricks at the beginning of a race by our CEO, given an engraved Tag Heuer watch (the official timekeeper of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway), and I got to wave the green flag to start the race. From my direct boss I got a fancy dinner for my partner and I and tickets to an art exhibit that I really wanted to go to.
Tams21 2 years ago
It's amazing how dumb some companies are. Not only is some sort of (non patronising) gift a fair reward for good work and loyalty, it also ensures continued loyalty, increases morale and thereby productivity and if done right, the effect will also spill over to other employees. It isn't even about what the gift is, it's about making someone who spends a huge amount of their life working for you feel they're appreciated for doing so.
Michael Largey 2 years ago
My retirement from my last job coincided with my 25th anniversary of working at the school. Each year there was a ceremony where they awarded token acknowledgements for certain years of service - 10,15, 20, etc. When the central office wrote me to invite me to the ceremony, I replied that I couldn't come that day and asked that they mail me whatever they were giving me. It's been nine years, and it still hasn't arrived. I have a little space on a shelf that stands empty waiting for it. I look at that space whenever I ask myself if I miss working there.
WFH Forever 2 years ago
I also did 25 years at a school/university. I got a folding camp chair for 25 years of service and can never escape the emails and snail mails inviting me to join the alumni association for a sizeable annual charge.
Load More Replies... JP 2 years ago (edited)
My 50th birthday and my 10 year anniversary was on the same day. It was normal to bring treats for the office and put up a sign. Mine said "Happy 10 yr Anniversary and 50 yr Birthday to [me]". I got called into HR for lying about my age. My supervisor was there, too...he accused me of lying about my age for whatever reason. *Seriously?!?* I made HR pull up my w-2s to prove my age. So, my 10 yr anniversary gift was not getting fired for lying. EDIT TO ADD: My supervisor was personal friends with HR head, so nothing ever happened to him for this & other c**p he pulled.
Dr Robert Neville 2 years ago
For my 5 year bonus I received a whopping £100 payment card, approx 1% of my annual salary. To add insult to injury you have to provide the card issuer loads of details about yourself to activate the card, the card doesn't activate and then you have to phone them, they don't answer, after 3 months of non use they charge you £3 per month as a "service charge". So essentially I got nothing, it's not worth the time and effort it'll take to try and retrieve the remaining funds.
Rob Chapman 2 years ago
Sears. For being there 15 years I got a pin (about the size of a penny) that said "15 years", and I was told I had to wear it next to my name badge. I didn't. So...I got written up....for not wearing my anniversary "reward". That company deserved to die.
Sarah Schumm 2 years ago
I work for a famous tech company notorious for our products coming out late and our CEO’s affinity for memes. I got nothing for my 10 year anniversary, at first. Around that time a good friend sent me a picture of his Apple 10th anniversary award actually signed by Steve Jobs. I got mad and the next year, since one of our products references the movie “Spinal Tap” I printed out a meme from the movie that said “This one goes to 11” the next year they had a ceremony for everyone 10 years plus but I was busy and didn’t go, so I missed out on the tchotchke. Almost a full two years later to the day I got an email that my 10 year package ended up in the wrong place, and asked me where they should send it. I told them my location, but a week later someone emails me from another location saying they had received it by mistake, and asked me where to send it again. I finally got this really cool gold plated coin for 10 years of service and a tee shirt. On my 12th work anniversary.
Philenzortia 2 years ago
In my last company when I hit the 5 years mark there, they gave an USB with my name on it. Not very useful for 2020 but thank you.
Rick Seiden 2 years ago
I hit 10 years at IBM. They gave me a catalog to chose things from. I picked a GPS (pre-everyone has a smartphone with GPS in their pocket), which was nice, and I used it when I traveled, but I left it in a rental car and never got it back.
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