This isn’t about me but for my dad.
My dad has been with his company for 30+ years working with heavy machinery. After hitting his 30 year mark he was considering on retiring fairly soon. He’s much older now and he understands his body isn’t the same.
A few years ago his company had been bought out. Everything the original company had promised him had been wiped out and now he’s too scared to retire.
He recently had a fall at work, usually a fall doesn’t seem like much, but with the way he landed he ended up overstretching some muscles in his arm and ankle.
They had to put him his arm in a cast and he has a slight limp. After a few days of being out he started getting messages asking when he plans on returning. He struggles to stand up from his seat. I can see him stressing about this.
30+ years for what? For a pat on the back and a handshake? For a “Great job!”?
When he hit his 30 year mark he was given a paper certificate acknowledging his loyalty for the company. My mom was angry and she ordered him a plaque instead, with a photo of him posing with the company logo.
Company loyalty doesn’t mean anything these days.
Netizens’ comments
- Company loyalty hasn’t meant anything for a long time. It’s cut throat and the only thing that matters is the bottom line.
People should get what is due to them. - We had 4 guys all working 30+ years retire all within this last year a few months apart and every time we had a company lunch, which was just pizza and they would give a little speech saying how good they did and gave them a statue trophy thing with their name on it and years there. And that was it.
- Company loyalty died a long time ago. I’ve been with my company for almost 20 years. I just survived my 4th lay off round over last few years.
I’m looking for a new job but I’m 47 so may have issues due to age.