Every Year, I've Donated a Major Prize for My Company's Holiday Raffle. That Stops Now.

"Dear Good Job, In January of this year, after almost 25 years, I retired from my job. I thought I always got along with my co-workers. We weren't "best friends," but there was no backstabbing and meanness between us. I did my job, but admittedly kept somewhat to myself as I was a one-person team. I only socialized with other workers in the common areas, such as the break room."

"The company has a group for company retirees. I had once looked forward to being part of this group for socializing, to "make up" for not being able to develop a relationship with my co-workers due to my work situation. I went to the February meet-up and had lunch with about 10 of the other retirees. They really didn't say much to me, but I chalked that up to being new to the group."

"When mid-March rolled around, I hadn't heard from them, so I called the contact person. They had already met up for the month. April? No contact, but while I was out for lunch with my daughter, the group walked into the same restaurant and right past me without making eye contact. Obviously, I was a little hurt and very disappointed that I wasn't welcomed into this group. I didn't press the issue any further because I realized I wasn't welcome."

After nearly 25 years of employment, a retiree left a one-person role and expected social connection through a company retirees group. The retiree attended a February meet-up but experienced minimal interaction and was later uninformed about monthly gatherings. The retiree discovered that the group met without notifying them and later walked past the retiree in a restaurant without making eye contact, causing hurt and disappointment. For 15 years the retiree and spouse have donated a highly popular lakeside cabin weekend as a raffle prize for the company holiday party, with proceeds supporting the company charitable fund.

Read at Slate Magazine