Seven years before that life altering day, the company I had worked for merged to join forces in order that both could survive in the global marketplace--a familiar scenario these days. I relocated to the US Headquarters site and was excited about working for a multi-billion dollar company.
My prior 25 years of HR experience had always been in medium sized businesses. Being in my 50's, I didn't want to change employers again. With 5,000 people on the US site alone, I could continue to grow by changing positions within the company. It didn't work out that way.
When the companies merged, I supported a Vice President who I sensed right from the very beginning—didn't like me. Perhaps he didn't like anyone in HR telling him what he could or couldn't do; maybe it was because I was a woman; or maybe I simply reminded him of a person he didn't like.
I have recently recognized that I spent most of my life being a people pleaser. I did whatever I could to be the perfect person so that my parents, husband, friends, kids and employers would like me. Now I met my match--it seemed no matter what I did, I couldn't "win" this VP over.
After the merger, I quickly realized I wasn't in Kansas anymore. One of the things I enjoyed about working in a smaller company was that as the Head of HR—if I saw a need and could make the change. Now working in such a large company—my power was defined as that of "influence." With 50,000 employees, I felt my influencing powers were the size of a grain of salt.
The months and years of selling and implementing initiatives I secretly didn't support and trying to gain skills I didn't have, eventually made a toll on me. Then one day, a colleague remarked that I looked like an abused puppy. Ouch that hurt--but I knew it was true. It was my wake-up call.
For the next several months, I began to figure out what had happened to me. I made a decision to look outside the company for another job. But in the meantime I built up my self-esteem and rediscovered who Jane really was.
Then the fatal day--a lay-off. I went through the usual emotions, but once the shock wore off, I realized it was a gift. I was now free to be me.
After my involuntary retirement, I quickly followed my dream to become a life coach. Now instead of being an abused puppy, people comment about my energy and positive outlook. Do I have stress? You bet—but it's exhilarating and exciting and hardly feels like "work."
Oh, I forgot to mention—I also followed another dream—to move to a warmer climate. Within 12 months of my last day at that company, I moved to Asheville.
I know my experience is shared by many others—how often do you hear "Corporate America" referenced in a less than positive tone? Several of my coaching clients have shared they are numb, they don't know their goals and they don't have a vision for the future.
By trying too hard to make a bad relationship work—whether it is a marriage or work situation, we swallow our true feelings. Over an extended period of time, the good feelings get buried too—creating a zombie-like existence.
If this sounds like you, what can you do?
Wake up - Start observing what is happening around you. Allow yourself to feel your emotions.
Jump up—Tune in to your heart. What dreams have you buried? Pay attention to what brings you joy.
Step up - A dream without action is just a wish. Take one manageable step towards a life that brings you joy and excitement.
Retirement gifts are a common feature of all the activities centered on the happy send off of a colleague who is retiring. A well-liked colleague may receive a variety of retirement gifts - from the owners or senior management of the firm and a close group of colleagues. Retirement gifts are usually given in recognition and appreciation for the services rendered to the firm and the camaraderie between colleagues.
Retirement gifts can vary in value and substance. Some workers are given very valuable gifts as they retire while others are given a plaque to show the appreciation of the company as they retire. A gold watch is a common retirement gift. In fact, the gold watch has become the generic symbol of retirement. A gold watch as a gift is nothing to sniff at, since it may cost a few thousands dollars. Some retirees who receive a gold watch upon their retirement find it ironic since it is unlikely that they will be watching the clock that regularly. They will the have the time to do whatever they want, whenever they want.
You may be facing the agony of choosing a suitable retirement gift. You have a colleague who will be retiring soon. He or she may be especially dear to the entire team. They have tasked you with getting a suitable gift. You passed the hat around and you have managed to collect a tidy sum for this gift. Now the difficult part begins. What do you get this great colleague of yours who is about to leave after having worked at the company for many years? You want to do your best. You need to keep it somewhat a 'secret' so that it will be a pleasant surprise for the recipient. So you cannot approach the soon-to-be retiree for his or her opinion. This stress has already topped off the stress from your regular job. You need relief from the search for a great retirement gift fast!
How To Find Great Retirement Gifts
The first place to get an idea for retirement gifts is the Internet. Submit a search for 'retirement gift ideas'. You will be presented with a lot of sites with information, products and services that will have retirement gift ideas. Many of them may indicate that watches are a good idea. Watches have traditionally been a classic retirement gift. If you are not creative and do not wish to try too hard, consider getting your retiring colleague a watch that fits the funds you have collected for this occasion. You cannot go wrong with this idea; but you certainly will not be congratulated by your colleagues for your originality.
Jewelry for a retiring female colleague may be a good retirement gift idea. You may want to avoid more personal items like rings and necklaces. Brooches, bangles and other forms of jewelry may be highly appreciated by the retiree. This would be especially so if you have a good budget to buy something nice from a well-known jeweler.
You may also choose to get something related to a hobby that the retiree plans to indulge in during his or her retirement. This can include books, DVDs, sport or hobby equipment, enrolment in specialized courses related to the hobby, specific articles of clothing or gear or hobby-centered tours.
If you trawl through the options available, you are sure to find great retirement gift ideas. If you manage to find something that the recipient truly treasures, the gratitude from him or her and the team who assigned you the task will be worth all the effort spent.
Great retirement gift ideas need not all be flashy and expensive. As with most moments of giving, the thought or sentiments expressed are far more important than the monetary value of the gift. The gift is a token with which to wish the best of luck to the retiree who is about to embark on his or her next stage of life. It may even prompt you to consider what you would like your retirement to be like.
You may also decide after frantically searching for a suitable gift idea and not finding one that going out for a nice dinner with the entire team might be a good idea. The good cheer in the company of a well-liked colleague who is about to retire may bring back fond memories for all.
In general, retirement is something that most people look forward to. You can make that moment special for the retiree by selecting something suitable as a token of friendship and best wishes from the plethora of great retirement ideas out there. Ultimately, the feelings of camaraderie and friendship are the most important aspects of sending someone off into the golden and restful era of retirement.
Both Jane Falter & Cindy Heller are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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