# New and Unimproved Workplace Rants **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 14, 2015, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-and-unimproved-workplace-rants/734638 "2015-10-14T15:44:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 4363
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-and-unimproved-workplace-rants/734638/4363 "2026-03-07T01:01:36Z")
I started to post this in the [gifts from the company catalogue thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-from-the-company-catalogue-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/1026072), but after writing it, I decided this is a better place. In recognition of 30 years of service at my employer, I’ve received a $100 Amazon gift card! The letter ends with a warning that it “_is considered taxable income_” (their italics). Because the gift card showed up a few hours after the congratulatory email, in my head I’d set $250 as a reasonable amount to satisfy a “recognition for the longevity of your service”. Small in the grand scheme of things, but large enough to be a nice token of appreciation. $100 (really about $70), seems closer to a brush off. I guess it could have been a $25 Starbucks card. The FAQ on the website says I’ll be invited to a recognition ceremony\[1\], but no mention of that in the letter. The website also says I should have received something every 5 years, but I never have. According to the website I should have a handful of useless pins by now. * * * 1. if I do get invited, I’m not going unless it includes lunch --- _[View the full topic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-and-unimproved-workplace-rants/734638)._