Friday, December 13, 2013

Office Christmas Party!

Today we're having our Annual Office Christmas Party. We take two hours out of the middle of the day to come together and eat, act goofy and eat some more. This time there is an Ugly Sweater Contest and a White Elephant Gift Exchange. This means that there is really no work going on here today. So far we've eaten fudge and cookies and played Candy Crush Saga on Facebook. All appointments have been put off until sometime next week and there are people starting to hum carols in the halls. All in all, good fun!

But what I am really hoping for is that during the luncheon/party, there is also an announcement. An announcement letting us know about our Christmas bonuses. I kind of feel like Clark Griswold in A Christmas Vacation. I've already spent my bonus based on the nearly confirmed rumors that we are getting one. Now I'm hoping the bonus is cash and not the Jelly of the Month Club membership that ol' Clark got from his boss!

I also feel somewhat conflicted about getting a bonus at all. You see, if we, as a not for profit human/social service agency does well, we are only allowed to keep something like 10% of our overhead for profit. The remainder, if any, gets sent back to the state. For the past several years, we have not been able to give our employees any raises though they certainly deserved them. We just didn't have it in our contracted budget and the county that contracts us kept red lining it before they would renew our contract. But last year, we did well and our boss had to return money to the state. Money that could have been given to employees who work hard every day. So this year, he asked out board to approve a bonus for everyone. And the rumor is...the board approved. So why the conflict? Because if a human/social service agency does well it means that more and more people are in need of social services. People are poor, in need of housing and mental health services and it means that our economy is suffering. It's the sad fact that when the country is hurting, our agency and others like them thrive. It's like making a gain on the sorrow of another. Still, I know that what I do is sorely needed so I cannot think of it in those terms. And I will take that bonus. And maybe think of a way to give a little back too. After all, what comes around goes around. But right now, I'm off! Going to join in the caroling! TTFN!

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