I have been an Administrative Assistant at various jobs for 30 years. Most recently, Executive Assistant to the owner of a family owned business. Although we have 125 employees at this location, I am the only secretary supporting 6 executives. Last year, my first year at this job, the owner and 2 other executives presented me with a beautiful plant arrangement as well as an extremely generous gift card. This year the day came and went with no mention of this "special day". This was the first time in my career that I was not thanked in some way. I know that this was an oversight on their part and that I am appreciated for the work I do but I still feel hurt by it. Should I just try and forget the oversight, knowing that someone will probably at some point realize it or is there a diplomatic way to mention it without appearing greedy or silly?
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Thank you all so much for your insights! I really don't know why this bothered me so much but I have "gotten over it" with your help. This IS the best job I have ever had, the people I work for are very kind, supportive, appreciative and thoughtful. Thanks again for reminding me to look at the big picture!
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Debra on
5/3/2012 2:25:53 PM
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as i've read the other replies - I must agree with the others, let it go - if you're fortunate to have been 'thanked' in years past - that's great! if this business shows their appreciation with words and such throughout the year - then you are appreciated! not getting something on 'admin asstnt day' shouldn't upset you if you are a confident, self-assured woman! you stated you've had 30 years at various jobs you must have learned that you are your own best friend and you should have established enough confidence to know you're valuable to whichever company you work for. not every company shows appreciation for their employees the same way - some don't show it at all - i know I've worked for a short time at one of those jobs - so relax - if you enjoy your position and plan to stay a while at this one and get along with your coworkers..............you've got it made!!
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sylvia frey on
5/3/2012 1:08:16 PM
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I also would suggest that you forget about it. I have been in that same position at times. But I am strong enough to know my contribution to my workplace and am confident in what I do. I do believe that it was an oversight. Just let it go and have a great day!
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Lisa Williamson on
5/3/2012 8:15:14 AM
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I feel the same as some of the other replies. I would rather be treated fairly throughout the year and have that shown on my yearly review and raise than being acknowledged on just ?one day.? My boss forgot it last year and I didn?t bring it to his attention. This year he didn?t forget. It also makes me feel uncomfortable when no one else (other than bosses day) in the company has a special day.
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Sheila Hoh on
5/3/2012 8:12:38 AM
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I would forget it. I am sure it was an oversight and since you know you are appreciated, maybe there is just a lot going on right now. I wouldn't take it personally or view it as you aren't doing a good job. Some people believe this is a "Hallmark holiday" and since you are employed and seem happy with it, I would let it drop.
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Andrea Ryba on
5/3/2012 8:01:29 AM
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Although my boss has never gone without gifting me on AP Day, if he did, I would be a little bothered too, but I wouldn't say anything. I'm just happy I have a good job and a good boss. Will you be giving your boss anything on Bosses' Day?
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Masterg on
5/3/2012 7:30:08 AM
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It's not worth creating tension. With last year being your first year, they may have made an exception and acknowledged the day in an effort to relay how grateful they were to have you on board. You would be surprised how many executives/bosses do not acknowledge the day at all. Bottom line....did you take the job solely for the acknowledgement and gift you would get on AP's day? I think your answer is going to be no. You took the job because you needed a regular paycheck and benefits. So with that in mind, let it go! --I hope this doesn't come across as harsh, as it isn't intended to be. I'm just relaying to you the same pep talk I've had to give myself at some point in time!
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Anonymous on
5/2/2012 2:10:14 PM
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In our organization, there are only three admins in our Central Service Division. The CFO gave us a pizza party with the rest of the employees in the Division and gave each of us a bouquet of flowers. Unfortunately, my CEO who I report to did not say one word. It has bothered me, but at least something was done for us. I suggest next year maybe putting it on their calendars. I am going to put it on my CEO's calendar next year and maybe I will at least get a card.
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Alice on
5/2/2012 2:04:13 PM
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The fact that you ?know it was an oversight? and that you are ?appreciated for the work? you do tells me that you are working for decent people and are otherwise happy with your job. They may have forgotten, but it is not a national holiday that has a lot of reminders. I?d let it go and not take it personally if I were you. That said, I always received nice flowers, gifts, etc. at my prior job, but my last boss was an absolute tyrant (the organization went through 3 CEOs in 3 years). I am much happier at my new job even if they do not remember me on Administrative Professionals Day. It means more to me to be treated with respect and appreciation EVERY day than to receive a once a year token and then be harassed and demoralized daily.
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Violet on
5/2/2012 12:25:25 PM
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Debra,
If you have a long-term, close relationship with this executive, then it would be OK to let him/her know your feelings were hurt by the oversight. If the executive(s) have changed many times over the last 30 years, I would let it go. It seems now-a-days, many younger executives feel that Administrative Professional's Day is dated and old-fashioned. I have had bosses that believe we get paid for what we do and an occasional, verbal "Thank you for a job well done" is sufficient.
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Pam Maestas on
5/2/2012 12:15:45 PM
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