As of last week I’ve been at my current job for 9 years. My contract specifies that I receive a longevity payment every year on my anniversary. Due to the kindness of my employer and their recognition of my professional experience prior to my current job I am actually credited with an additional 5 years on the job. This means that this year I got a longevity check for the equivalent of 14 years of service. It’s still not a lot of money – this is public service, you know – but it’s a nice little bonus every year right around my birthday.
I have a rule that I use my longevity money each year for something that’s just for me. Years ago I used my check to buy my first sewing machine. Another year I bought myself a really beautiful winter coat. A few years ago I bought my first spinning wheel. You get the idea.
This year I bought myself something I’ve been longing for since last Christmas: a macro lens for my Canon Digital Rebel. It only arrived last night so I haven’t had much time to play with it yet and I’ve definitely got a learning curve to conquer but I think I’m going to love it.
I think you all will, too.
Julie Said,
A bonus? From a municipal job? I’m moving!
Kirsten Said,
Oooooo! Lucky you! That lens sounds wonderful!! Have fun playing with it.
Ruth Said,
I have camera/lens envy.
Karen Said,
You are so lucky!! Imagine being appreciated for staying at your job.
margene Said,
Wowzer! That’s so cool!
Manise Said,
Cool lens. Lovely Halloweeny yarn. Julia’s?
Kate Said,
::jealous::
I also think it’s pretty awesome that your job appreciates you like that.
LittleWit Said,
I can’t wait to see all the beautiful pictures you will be taking with your new lens.
Anne Said,
You deserve every penny of it – and now we’ll all benefit with lots and lots of photos!
liz Said,
Lucky Ducky!
Congratulations!
Robin in VA Said,
Awesome!! Congratulations, you deserve it!
Wool Winder Said,
That’s a great present to give yourself.
Chris Said,
Congrats on your “longevity” and on the excellent new lens!
Kat with a K Said,
Oooh, exciting new toy! And I’m way jealous of your bonus. Are you hiring?
(Seriously, let me know if you hear about any area libraries hiring…)
Joanne Said,
OH BOY!! Which one did you get? I have a Digital Rebel XTi and I’m lens shopping! I am so happy for you, that’s a really nice toy and now you can take nice macro pictures of bugs, raindrops, ribbing, kitchener stitch and flowers.
Karen Said,
Congratulations! I bet that will be a lot of fun to learn and play with. Have fun!
Kristi aka Fiber Fool Said,
/me is soooo jealous!
elizabeth Said,
Very cool! I wish my office would adopt such a policy. Instead, they increase the workload of those who have been here the longest (almost everyone who’s been here 10+ years works for three attorneys). They don’t care if you quit because they can hire a replacement (untrained, inexperienced) for less, and if you leave, you lose your seniority. It’s a lose-lose situation.
Dinah Said,
Has it been that long? Where did the time go!
Cheryl S. Said,
Bonuses are a good thing!
Teyani Said,
whoa – awesome – congrats on your bonus.. and I love your way of thinking about it.
You deserve special treats!
Nora Said,
Sweet! I’m so glad you use the bonus money that way – well deserved!
Sarah Said,
That’s very exciting! I’m getting a large bonus this week too! Yay!
Kat Said,
Fun!
Danielle Said,
Happy longevity!
(Umm, that sounds kind of wrong, but you get what I mean!)
claudia Said,
I’m jealous. What did you get?
Joy Said,
Great – enjoy the new toy!
vanessa Said,
cool!
Carol Said,
Wow!!!! Love the idea and love the photo. Looking forward to the shots as you play around with the lens. Is that the Scout Swag Socktober? I checked the yarn online and yours seems a bit darker. I love the depth to the color!
heather Said,
wow. that looks like a fun toy
Laurie Said,
I so agree with your philosophy. Can’t wait to see all the closeups. You have such a good eye.
scoutj Said,
which one did you get? I love my 105mm!!! Yay for you!
jill Said,
Good for you!
JessaLu Said,
Very cool!
Leslie Said,
Oh, I have lens envy. What a great purchase!
Catie Said,
So nice to be appreciated! I know you’re going to love your new lens. Good on ya!
Hillary Said,
Sooooo jealous!
Norma Said,
lucky ducky! I would love to have the patience to actually USE the camera correctly, but of course I don’t. Have fun with it — it’s a great present to yourself! And thanks for the shout out yesterday for the RSP fund drive!
maryse Said,
congratulations. a macro lens is on my wish list too.
~Kristie Said,
Congratulations! What a wonderful thing to buy something just for you. Although, with us getting to view your photos, it’s really a gift for all of us.