Galaxy Origins
Which day to choose
The first day is the favourite: HR can usually tell you the start date, and nine o'clock is close enough. The last day works too, with the time of the leaving drinks. Use the office town as the place. We frame the catalogued galaxy that was directly overhead with the place, the date and up to sixty characters from the team.
For someone retiring after a long career, see retirement presents.
The collection
Leaving presents are usually paid for by the office whip-round. One person orders and pays; the collection can cover it. If the pot is short of a framed piece, a gift voucher from the smallest size lets them choose their own date later, and it is valid for three years.
- Jo · first day 6 Jan 2014 · Manchester · the office won't be the same
- To the best boss we ever had. From the whole floor.
Running it without the awkwardness
Someone has to keep the secret, chase the money and sign the card on behalf of people who forgot. Set the order date three weeks before the last day and work back: a fortnight for the collection, a day to agree the line, then order. That leaves room for delivery before the drinks.
If the leaver is senior, ask their PA or a long-standing colleague about the first day; if they joined a long time ago, the first day at the old building is a nice touch, with that town as the place.
