What's in a Gift Card?

It’s such a simple thing, really. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until I had it back in my life.

And when I did realize it, I almost cried. Seriously.

It started at my new job when I was given a project with a quick turnaround. The deadlines were really tight, and it was important that I meet the deadlines so that this project would be ready on time. So, I did what I always do: I buckled down and got it done, quickly, efficiently and with (hopefully) few errors. The co-worker that I did the project for was thrilled. And so, what did he do? He told my boss that I should be given a gift card for my efforts.

I really don’t NEED the gift card, honestly. But it is what it represents that almost made me cry: recognition by my peers. It’s a symbol of a little something “extra” to show for my efforts. Other co-workers had nothing but good things to say about my efforts and my willingness to help and be responsive as needs arise.

Why is this such a change for me? Well, let’s be honest: newspapers aren’t exactly flush with money these days. Most days, in the world of the daily grind that is a newspaper, I didn’t get any recognition at all for hard work. Occasionally, I’d get a pat on the back (which was nice) with a “good job.” And I did love that (it was more frequent in my last position at the newspaper in the features department; news is more of a do it right or get yelled at mentality, unfortunately), but sometimes it just isn’t … enough.

So as I sat there, looking at my gift card to the Cheesecake Factory, and realizing it’s implications and what it meant to me, and how i felt about it, I almost cried. I really enjoy my new job.

This is my second gift card in as many months. (I think they like me.) And when we go make the family trip to redeem those cards, I will be thinking of my great co-workers and the gift they gave to me and my family.