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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

A pen!!

38 replies

maybetomorrow22 · 17/07/2015 21:56

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??

OP posts:
Twodogsandahooch · 17/07/2015 21:57

Is it a decent one or a biro?

Only1scoop · 17/07/2015 21:57

Are we talking Mont Blanc or bic biro?

MarchLikeAnAnt · 17/07/2015 21:58

Yanbu go back and stab them in the eyes with it

OhEmGeee · 17/07/2015 21:59

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

GoofyIsACow · 17/07/2015 21:59

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

Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost · 17/07/2015 22:05

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. Grinbecause that's just what you do when you receive a gift, whether you like the gift or not. It's an unwritten rule

Original poster
maybetomorrow22 · 17/07/2015 22:28

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

OP posts:
Original poster
maybetomorrow22 · 17/07/2015 22:29

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

OP posts:
TheRealAmyLee · 17/07/2015 22:32

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

Nolim · 17/07/2015 22:33

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

Sycamoretrees · 17/07/2015 22:33

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.

Original poster
maybetomorrow22 · 17/07/2015 22:35

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

OP posts:
Mrsmorton · 17/07/2015 22:40

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.

Original poster
maybetomorrow22 · 17/07/2015 22:40

sycamore I now feel bad for complaining about a pen. A pill box would come in so useful Shock 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".

OP posts:
Sallyhasleftthebuilding · 17/07/2015 22:43

Pen is naff and impersonal.

TheFormidableMrsC · 17/07/2015 22:45

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 Smile

springlamb · 17/07/2015 22:46

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

Original poster
maybetomorrow22 · 17/07/2015 22:47

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

OP posts:
springlamb · 17/07/2015 22:47

22 years and counting.

Sycamoretrees · 17/07/2015 22:48

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 · 17/07/2015 22:48

I tend to try and leave without anything.

Original poster
maybetomorrow22 · 17/07/2015 22:49

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

OP posts:
molyholy · 17/07/2015 23:43

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 · 17/07/2015 23:53

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 · 18/07/2015 07:20

Out of curiosity what would be considered an appropriate present?

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