So it is my 15th anniversary at the place I work and Wednesday they are having the "yearly" ceremony where people get their pin.

I don't plan on being there.

Honestly, it isn't anything big but I simply do not want to go.

But everyone is shocked when I tell them I am not going and will be sitting in my office, as if I don't have a right to. Um... no, if it isn't mandatory, I don't have to go. Everyone acts like I have some obligation to go since they are giving me a pin. Err.. no, I don't want the pin, I didn't ask for the pin OR the ceremony and I don't see why I am obligated to do what they want.

But I am starting to feel like I will be hurting myself if I don't go. I could take a day off but I have work that will need coverage for. I could call out sick but that wouldn't exactly be subtle.

I hate that I don't have the right to do what I want to do.

[happysobercrafter]

I am going to stumble saying this, so please take that into account.

You do have the right to do what you want to. However, this is work and missing the ceremony done by the people who pay you will be a big slap in the face to them. I agree with you, I think you will be hurting yourself if you don't go.

I wish I could help. What do you not like about your work, if that's ok to ask. If not, I respect your choice.

[Skeezyks]

I would like to second what HappyCrafter wrote. It took me a lot of years to realize that, when it comes to work, there's something to be said for the old adage "go along to get along." You've been with this company for 15 years. Assuming you plan to stay there for another 5 or 10 or whatever I think the wise thing to do is to simply "bite the bullet" & show up.

Hi Emily Fox Seaton. I so understand this. Congratulations anyway.

[Travelinglady]

I understand, but evidently your colleagues want you to have the pin and the honor. It is a "Thank You" to you. I encourage you to go and have fun. Congrats on 25 years!!

[happysobercrafter]

How did the ceremony go?

[Misery Business]

I can understand if the ceremony is going to cause you anxiety in anyway. Maybe you should talk or if you are not comfortable with that send an e-mail to your supervisor explaining your situation why you do not want to attend. I think if they knew your reasons they would understand. Either way. congratulations on your achievement of 15 years. Heck, I have never had a job yet.

Originally Posted by HappyCrafter

How did the ceremony go?

I didn't go.

Sorry I couldn't bring myself to do it. Plus I have a friend at work and we talk about how we use each other to go to these events but, as usual, when it came time for this event she was no where to be found.

[happysobercrafter]

I respect your choice. And you don't need to apologize, not to me.

It's a shame they weren't offering a monetary bonus, instead. I'd likely throw a pin in the trash, unless it was gold and could be cashed in at a gold buyer shop. A pin offering is obnoxious, in my view.

[unaluna]

People dont go to the Oscars and stuff either. Who is doing it for whom?

[happysobercrafter]

@Emily Fox Seaton

Honey, I owe you an apology! When you expressed your feelings, I came back with what I thought you should do. I was wrong. You are there; you know what is going on and it isn't for me to tell you what or what not to do.

I wish you the BEST!!! xoxoxoxox

Originally Posted by HappyCrafter

@Emily Fox Seaton
Honey, I owe you an apology! When you expressed your feelings, I came back with what I thought you should do. I was wrong. You are there; you know what is going on and it isn't for me to tell you what or what not to do.
I wish you the BEST!!! xoxoxoxox

Oh no worries Happy!

Your response was fine. Tx.