A pen!!

[maybetomorrow22]

I have just returned from leaving drinks for my leaving do from my work( I have left for a new job) and have been presented with a pen.

A pen... .

After nearly 7 years service, I get a pen.

AIBU to be slightly ungrateful for a pen??

[Twodogsandahooch]

Is it a decent one or a biro?

[Only1scoop]

Are we talking Mont Blanc or bic biro?

[MarchLikeAnAnt]

Yanbu go back and stab them in the eyes with it

[OhEmGeee]

Depends what you mean op. Is it a biro or a £300 pen?

[GoofyIsACow]

What kind of pen...? Oooooh Is it one of those multi coloured selection pens

[Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost]

Oh I suppose it's the old clique. It's the thought that counts but I do tend to agree with you. It does seem somewhat measley. I mean what type of pen is it. Just a biro or gold plated with your name on and a message, thank you for your services or wishing you well. As that does put a slightly different spin on the matter.
However I am sure you would have very happier with wine chocolates flowers and bubble bath, as most of us would be.
I can just visualise the scene you being presented with the pen, acting all grateful but inwardly thinking WTF. because that's just what you do when you receive a gift, whether you like the gift or not. It's an unwritten rule

[maybetomorrow22]

It's nothing special, in a presentation box. No message or anything. Apparently they were running around at 5pm to get something for me. Pretty thoughtless considering my last working day was Monday...

I'm quite tempted to stab them in the eyes, DH certainly was up to the challenge.

Kinda cements that my decision to leave was the right decision

[maybetomorrow22]

I did have my "oh that's so kind of you" face on or maybe that was the wine glow

[TheRealAmyLee]

Just stab them, no decent jury would convict you. Sounds like leaving was DEFINATELY the right thing.

[Nolim]

Is that a thing, leaving gifts? I though the usual thing for a leaving do was drinks and maybe a card.

[Sycamoretrees]

I got a bone china pill box with the company logo on! What am I going to do with that. Surely it's not that hard to come up with leaving presents that people appreciate.

[maybetomorrow22]

goofy I would have loved one of those multi coloured pens...... Might have come in useful for my colouring book

[Mrsmorton]

you sound slightly ungrateful OP. As the person who usually organises the leaving thing, I've never had one (move departments every few years) so, yeah, a pen isn't great but. Y'know.

[maybetomorrow22]

sycamore I now feel bad for complaining about a pen. A pill box would come in so useful I hope you have moved onto better pastures.

Nolim I don't think it is something new. I have always contributed to a leaving contribution or been involved in organising a "do".

[Sallyhasleftthebuilding]

Pen is naff and impersonal.

[TheFormidableMrsC]

Depends on the pen. A Mont Blanc would be lovely...but not a Bic.

When I left my last job I got a HUGE box of Jo Malone stuff...at least £500 worth...that was lovely...and made me feel very much appreciated

[springlamb]

My wedding present, from a department of 40 people....
...a fucking wooden parrot.
Well, let's be clear it was actually fucking.

[maybetomorrow22]

Mrsmorton I have organised leaving dos for former colleagues from massive sit down meals to casual drinks and there has always been a thought behind it, however I would not consider a "leaving gift" for someone moving department. Perhaps in that situation I would consider a drinks reception.

I am not ungrateful, just a little put out considering after seven years of service there was no thought or consideration

[springlamb]

22 years and counting.

[Sycamoretrees]

I have indeed, pretty much confirmed how thoughtless and out of touch the management were. They gave a gift becuase they needed to be seen giving one, not because they wanted to do something nice for me. Leaving gifts don't have to cost a fortune to be nice and appreciated.

[DisappointedOne]

I tend to try and leave without anything.

[maybetomorrow22]

atspringlamb maybe one day you will find a use for it on ebay

[molyholy]

I wouldn't care if it was a mont blanc, plated in gold and monogrammed with the tears of a humming bird. A pen is a fucking shit present. I mean, come on. A pen ffs!!!

[rockybalboa]

I got a pin cushion after 15 years service. Clearly some thought went into it as I sew but I already have a pin cushion precisely because I sew... A pen would have been more useful. I can never find any bloody pens bloody DS1 nicks them

[Nolim]

Out of curiosity what would be considered an appropriate present?