To want to be passive aggressive rather than gracious?

[DoingItForTheKid]

I achieved something outstanding at work. Line management were verbally grateful but it was a direct report that bought me a gift to celebrate.

It's now a few years later and I'm expecting a similar achievement. When I inform management, I want to sign off with something along the lines of "I'm off to treat myself now."

Can you think of a good PA quip, or a gracious one for me to use?

Do they not pay you to do your job then?

Why would you be PA to your polite and thankful bosses because they didn't buy you a gift for being good at the job they pay you to do?

Precious

Is it customary within your organisation to receive gifts/bonus for work well done?

We’re you singled out not to receive that treatment that others have received?

Why do you think you should receive a gift?

Maybe they didn’t rate your achievement or rate you as highly as you rate yourself?

A gift? Why?

They've acknowledged the achievement, so why do you also need a gift?

Hahahaha. Oh my god.

I think we need more context here as I can't think of a single field of work where an achievement (however big) merits more than an acknowledgement and thanks from management?

Oh good God, just take pride in doing your job brilliantly and don't be all adolescent about it. They either won't see your brilliantly subtle point or they will and they'll think less of you for it. If you've got something to say, say it directly.

Oooh! I know this one!
My mum used to get tea towels😁 And carnations. For anything. Christmas, birthday, International women's day, promotions, baby, direct boss's promotion, namesday, x years long service, baby's birthday and so on. We still have cupboard of tea towels 30+years old. Good quality. Maybe alert your bosses and bring these #rarecommunismblessings here!

On a serious note. You will make yourself look like a tit if you try to demand presents

I achieved something outstanding at work... It's now a few years later and I'm expecting a similar achievement.

Is your name Donald? Timeline checks out 👀

Some organisations have a recognition culture, I do a lot of work in this area for my own work. Organisations like that would naturally recognise a big achievement through a card, small gift, recognition at a team event, etc.

Others... don't. If you have moved from a recognising org into one that isn't, there can be a bit of a culture shock. But if your current culture isn't into recognition, what on earth do you think a PA comment is going to achieve?

Oh dear lord no please don't
One they will probably not remember that someone else bought you something - in which case it's not passive aggressive it's just aggressive
And two, even if they remember and are embarrassed/awkward about it then this will just make it worse

When I inform management, I want to sign off with something along the lines of "I'm off to treat myself now."

If you said that to me than I wouldn't take it as PA, I'd just reply "Okay, have fun!"

I didn't realise that Trump was on Mumsnet

You'll just sound bizarre if you say that!

OP we need you to reply!

Sure. Because that’s not obnoxious at all.

I don’t understand.

@ThatScottishGirl

OP we need you to reply!

Perhaps she's being passive-aggressive.

Very curious about the industry and the gift... What did you receive last time and what would you expect your employer to give you this time?

If you don't have reason to believe that they usually bestow gifts for this type of achievement, I think you're wasting your time thinking about it and would only embarrass yourself and confuse them. If you're being singled out with the lack of gifts, then maybe it's appropriate to say something.

I doubt your employer will have a clue what you are referring to OP, as they won't have held a grudge memory about it in the same way you have. At the time of typing, 100 per cent say YABU because no comment, gracious or PA is necessary.