Left job after 25 years, all I got was flowers 🫣

Same happened to me.

And only one bothered to turn up in Court for the sentencing.

And no bunch of flowers, not even a cake with a file in it. 🙁

To add: I’m sorry that you’re feeling sad, OP. The flowers are still a lovely gesture, though times have changed a lot and so many people - even high earners - are struggling these days.

Similar here!

And only one bothered to turn up in Court for the sentencing.

And no bunch of flowers, not even a cake with a file in it. 🙁

I think these things are often down to how good your colleagues are at organising gifts and who is in charge of the collection. We have had well liked people leave or have significant birthdays but their managers are crappy and unorganised so the collection and card etc is never well done. Then at other times there will be random non events that get a big fuss mainly due to the person spearheading it.

Same here for us. People are far less generous now. We actually stopped doing most of the usual collections because so many people had stopped contributing. With most of us working from home now, it’s no longer a case of someone walking around the office with an envelope and everyone chipping in a pound or two. If it’s a bank transfer, it feels like it has to be at least £5–£10, and with the cost of living being what it is, most people just won’t do that unless it’s for a very close friend / colleague.

I had a similar thing! Worked for a hotel for over 30 years, when I left I got absolutely nothing. The general manager was on duty during my last shift, walked past me and just gave me a nod and a grin, not even a handshake. The department colleagues I was on my last shift with did say good luck but that was it.
I left on good terms, I got on well with everyone, one of them I’d even helped to get a job there. I didn’t want the red carpet rolled out but at least an acknowledgement of 30 years of service would have been appreciated.

I didn’t know goodbye presents were s thing. Everywhere I ever worked had a lunch or very occasional drinks, but never a gift! Why would you want a gift from a place you are leaving?

15 years with company, never took sick leave, covered weekends etc when contractors needed access. Due to circumstances out of my control I no longer could do the role, so had to resign, no card, flowers, contact, nothing. Yes you are just a number.

My dh also retired after 25 years just after me. Nowt from the company(which took over the business about 11 years ago , not even a thank you. Yet for ten years of them taking over, everyone got a bunch of m&s sunflowers and prosecco delivered with a "isnt it a wonderful company!" Card.

Coffee mugs and a trip to the pub

This.

it's only ever collections where I work.
NHS, so I wouldn't expect anything tbh. It would cost them a fortune to give all long service staff leaving presents. Money that would be better spent elsewhere.
Your colleagues got you something and that's what matters imo.

I’ve worked at the same company for a long time and seen lots of people come and go. The leaving gifts have always been a collection from the staff - as far as I know the company has never given anything on top of this. If I left tomorrow I wouldn’t expect any different and personally I would be fine with that as nobody forced me to stay for so long. Perhaps expectations depend on what sector you work in?

A friend was in one job for 30 years and got nothing.

Maybe it's just me, but I'm not sure why anyone would expect a gift just because they happen to have stayed in the same job for 25 years

What’s wrong with flowers? Why aren’t they enough?

Lots of people just don’t have spare cash.

I don’t understand, your colleagues had a collection and gave gifts. I retired after 30 years and had gifts off colleagues, my employer ( public sector) doesn’t provide gifts.

I don't understand why the flowers mean they didn't do a collection? Maybe they bought the flowers with the collection money? A box of flowers can be anything up to £60 can't it?

I'd say most of us were actually realistic and have thankfully woken up to the realities of working to survive.

What an uplifting microcosm of miserable, cynical twats this thread is.

I’ve just passed my 10 year anniversary at work and all I got was an automated email saying congratulations on 10 years …..then at the bottom it told me how to share it on LinkedIn!!

I was tempted to share it, with an accompanying post saying this was all I got!

I’m not grabby, but this left a sour taste. Friends have money or extra days annual leave for passing 10 years.

Oh and this is in the private sector
, no I am not working for a cash strapped charity or public sector.

This is the reason I work my hours then log off.

I find these little leaving ceremonies so cringeworthy that I have always avoided going in on what was supposed to be my "last" day. After all if you are moving on there is nothing your employer can do about it. The only exception was whan I finished my job at the uin because I continued to do contractual work for them.

You did also get a salary and pension contributions for 25 years.

on top of alcohol and chocolate from colleagues, what else did you expect from the company?

I have never heard of a company using company money to buy a gift for someone who has chosen not to work there anymore. Retirement is different. But you have decided you don’t want to be there anymore. It’s nice that colleagues have used their own money to buy things for you but I think you’re out of touch if you expect the company to do something. You’ve turned your back on them, they are doing the same to you.