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?

I would think it weird to expect more than a thank you - a mention in a report or on social media is the most I’ve ever had
I do always treat myself!
For last big promotion bought myself an omega watch
For recent success I treated myself to a pair of manolo blahnik shoes

Gracious

I get it OP. Sometimes you want more than a well done - a promotion for example, a mention in the staff newsletter, a mention on the intranet or something other than a verbal well done. In my case, I won a national award. I'm being asked to do media interviews but my manager doesn't want me taking time off for that so neither me (nor the company) are getting any good press. It's madness!

I get that you're disgruntled because you feel your achievement wasn't recognised sufficiently but dear Lord, Passive Aggression is just so tiresome to witness.

I enjoy what I do which is why I put in a lot of toil to achieve similar again, and because it is the right thing to do.

Then why expect excessive praise or a gift? Unless there is some industry expectation etc I don’t see it.

Just realised we work together, OP.

Congrats on the third star. I think our employer sees that as a reward in it's own right rather than giving a gift as well.

I think last time the gift from Colin on fries was of a personal nature and not related to your passing the food hygiene exam at all.
Ann Summers would be an odd choice for a gift to celebrate a career milestone and, if you recall, he was always saving you the uneaten hash browns from breakfast too.

@throwingawaymyshot thank you, I identify with some of your story. And I'm a Hamilton fan too, if that's what your username refers to.

Do they usually reward people with gifts for workplace achievements, @DoingItForTheKid? I think that's what makes the difference here. If they do and you didn't get something, I can see being annoyed (although being pass agg years later will just go over their heads, I think - hence my earlier reply). We do at my business - it's v much part of the culture so if one of our team had won an award or something, and we didn't get them a gift, I can imagine them feeling the same and I'd totally understand.

But if they don't ordinarily (or just generally aren't that kind of employer, if things like your achievement don't happen often - how big are they on birthday presents etc? For example, we buy gifts for people passing driving tests, getting engaged, buying their first house, but I've worked places where people have gone off on maternity with a card and a 'see you in 12 months') then I think you were being a bit naive to assume you'd get one and more put out than you had cause to be.