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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Susan J on June 2, 2004, at 14:43:26
My mother has worked for a small business for over 30 years, and she's retiring at the end of June. Her boss is the type who doesn't want to face unpleasant things and he procrastinates a lot, so when my mother asks him how he plans to manage her position after she's gone (she's the one and only office manager), he just ignores her questions. He'll just deal with it when it happens. He might even be harboring hope she doesn't leave. (He's 75 or something, so doesn't *get* people who retire in the first place).
Anyway, I just had this horrible thought that he won't do ANYTHING like a retirement party, lunch, or present for my mom when she leaves June 30. I know she'll be devastated. I've called my dad and brother and we'll do something special for her that night. I think it's a Wednesday, like taking her out to a really nice restaurant or something. And I might be able to get my dad to take her somewhere for a long weekend after she retires.
Is there anything else I can do? She's the type that has suffered and self-sacrificed to make sure that place runs and I don't think they (3 brothers run the business) appreciate her work and committment.
I hope I'm wrong about all that, but even so, can you guys think of anything else I can do for my mother for her retirement? (This isn't very easy for me because we have a strained relationship anyway).
Posted by AuntieMel on June 2, 2004, at 14:50:14
In reply to Dilemma, posted by Susan J on June 2, 2004, at 14:43:26
Can you call one of the bosses? If so, don't ask him if he is having a retirement party. Instead, ask him *when* it is and sweetly offer to bring some old pictures and a book for everyone to sign. Tell him how much she's enjoyed her years there. And, if you're feeling really nervy, volunteer to help consult on the going away gift.
If you can't call the boss, how 'bout calling a couple of co-workers to arrange things. Again, don't as "if," ask "when."
Just one suggestion.
Posted by karen_kay on June 2, 2004, at 14:56:26
In reply to Dilemma, posted by Susan J on June 2, 2004, at 14:43:26
and send her flowers on her last day of work. if other people aren't joining in, send them from the office. imagine the smile on her face when she receives flowers from her coworkers. and what about taking her for lunch on her last day? (if the others don't have anything planned of course)
how very sweet of you to be concerned for her! (((susan))))
Posted by Susan J on June 2, 2004, at 15:30:33
In reply to Dilemma, posted by Susan J on June 2, 2004, at 14:43:26
Thanks for the suggestions! I'm kind of scared of my mom's boss, but calling him might be a good idea.
I just called my dad and he told me my mother was adamant that nothing big be done for her. Good to know, and I love the flowers suggestion. Duh, I just sat here last week and watched my secretary get about 5 bouquets of flowers for her retirement, including one from her husband. My mother LOVES flowers and that would be a cool thing to send her on her last day.
And Pop agreed the dinner thing is a good idea, too. I just hope the boss does *something* to acknowledge all the years my mom's been there.
Posted by TofuEmmy on June 2, 2004, at 18:58:59
In reply to Thanks!, posted by Susan J on June 2, 2004, at 15:30:33
I'd send the flowers 2-3 days before her last day so she can enjoy them for those days, AND so the boneheads in the office can have a couple days to think about what to do, make a reservation, buy a card, etc. It might give them enough reminder plus the extra time to really do something. Emmy
Posted by Noa on June 2, 2004, at 19:48:08
In reply to Dilemma, posted by Susan J on June 2, 2004, at 14:43:26
May send flowers to her at the office? Maybe that would be a hint for them?
Posted by Noa on June 2, 2004, at 19:49:20
In reply to Re: Thanks! » Susan J, posted by TofuEmmy on June 2, 2004, at 18:58:59
Yeah--what TofuEmmy said--that's what I meant but she said it better. (I have to remember to read the rest of the thread before I respond.)
Posted by AuntieMel on June 4, 2004, at 10:53:52
In reply to Re: Dilemma, posted by karen_kay on June 2, 2004, at 14:56:26
Wow! You're more devious than I am. I like!
This is the end of the thread.
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