xmas bonus

[Aquila]

No bonus here. Instead, we get furloughed for a pay cut. So far, I still have a job, and that's good.

[snapdragen]

Nope - another guvermint worker

[blackhillsbiker]

I get a small one, for which I am thankful. I'm grateful to have a job this year. So many small local print shops have gone under. I'm glad we are still busy.

Deb

[badger]

interesting how many civil servants are on this site! is it that cycling attracts government workers, or are government workers more attracted to cycling because we need the outlet?

[Becky]

interesting how many civil servants are on this site! is it that cycling attracts government workers, or are government workers more attracted to cycling because we need the outlet?

I was thinking that same thing! I ride much more now than I did when I was in the private sector, simply because there's no routine overtime and more flexible schedules. Sure, I put in extra hours when the project calls for it, but it's not the norm to do 50 and 60 hour weeks. For me, the decreased pay is offset by my improved quality of life.

Of course, we definitely need the outlet too

[Pax]

interesting how many civil servants are on this site! is it that cycling attracts government workers, or are government workers more attracted to cycling because we need the outlet?

In my previous occupation I worked non-stop and was on call 24/7. Now that I'm civil service I work 37.5 hours a week and NO call...I actually have time to pursue my interests now.

[OakLeaf]

Of the two non-retired people I ride with on weekdays, one of them's a federal employee ... it's really easy for her to take off work on short notice when the weather forecast is good.

[badger]

well, I suppose that's true.

[Maxxxie]

The place I work for has a performance incentive scheme in place (read: bonuses). Depending on how well goals have been achieved, a bonus can be as much as 20% of gross annual pay. That's substantial, in anyone's language.

This year, due to the downturn, no bonuses for anyone. Also, no payrises. I feel totally gipped, because I worked much harder this year than the previous five years I've been with the company. It's been really hard slog. But what can you do? At least I wasn't counting on that money. There are people in my department who were actually relying on a bonus to pay their bills.

Max

[shootingstar]

At least I wasn't counting on that money. There are people in my department who were actually relying on a bonus to pay their bills.

Max

Relying on bonus to pay bills is never a good thing.
It is nice if any employer made the effort to pay for a small luncheon/some food either catered or restaurant at least for employees in lieu of money bonus at Christmas. When I did work in govn't, some lunch food was brought on-site with everyone bringing in potluck dishes.

It doesn't have to be a lavish meal but it's the spirit of how such a meal is held. Some great memories where staff put on funny skits, hidden musical talent of some employees that we never knew about. Those types of Christmas staff parties I remember the most..the more modest ones. Looking because of where I worked there have been just unusual, fun parties:

legal aid--lawyers, IT folks did some great skits. IT folks were all remarkably gifted musicians.

courts/Judges-- oh, geez the law clerks did parodies of the judges who they worked. Gotta be careful here. But just some great stuff there. Food was just canapes and abit of wine. That's all.

last employer-- contrasting skits because employees were ex-patriate with work visas from Germany, U.K. Aussieland, Philippines.. Some jokes that only Germans would understand ..but then Canadians did a parody of 12 Days of Christmas by making the whole theme on progress of construction project..that reflected some wierd stuff that happened on our project.

[lph]

Of the two non-retired people I ride with on weekdays, one of them's a federal employee ... it's really easy for her to take off work on short notice when the weather forecast is good.

Yup, thazz me

[Aggie_Ama]

We have the opportunity, twice a year we are eligible for a bonus based on personal goals and company sales goals. It is 3.5% salary each time, so not huge but way better than nothing. They also have 3 prizes you can win this quarter and they are really nice, our company treats us well.

[kenyonchris]

LOLOLOL!! A Christmas bonus?!?! For a cop? Uh, no. I am fortunate not have had my pay CUT this year. Our city can build a new library (when we had a perfectly good old one) and host four expensive "festivals" a year, but we have not had raises or increased benefits in three years for any of us.

All that is ok, but *nothing* makes me madder than to have some person that I have pulled over for speeding or whatever use the tired old argument, "yeah, you know, my taxes pay your salary." AGH! Do they think I DON'T pay taxes?

It's not being underpaid/overworked....we chose this profession and the hours involved and knew the pay going in. It is being whacked over the head with statements like this time and time again. I actually had some guy who got out of his car the other day to yell at me. I was directing traffic in icy slippery conditions and had essentially closed the road while we pulled a car out of the ditch...it had slid in. I had been out there, wet and cold, for over an hour, my feet and hands were frozen, my lips were blue, and there was no end in sight. This doofus stomped down the hill I had trudged up and down to tell me he was missing the GAME. God give me patience. I told him to toddle back to his warm vehicle and turn the radio on because he would be there awhile. He told me that I should be flipping burgers somewhere for all the thought I had put in to how I was conducting the roadway. I lost my patience and told him if he didn't get back to his vehicle in the next 30 seconds, I was going to arrest him on a parking violation (yes, I can do this), obstructing the roadway, and impeding an investigation. This made him no end of unhappy, I will tell you. He tried to turn around on the two lane road, slid into the ditch and had to wait there...for me. He was waiting awhile. A long, long while.

So no raise. But sometimes fate (God, kharma) makes for moments that are worth more than money.

[kelownagirl]

I get a nice collection of chocolates, soap, wine, Starbucks cards, Christmas decorations, and cards/pictures made by 7-8 year olds. Sweet.

[shootingstar]

So no raise. But sometimes fate (God, kharma) makes for moments that are worth more than money.

Maybe you might end up helping a pregnant mother deliver a baby along the way ..like one of those rare featured cops. Always great stories.