Workplace Surprise Stories

While preparing for a conference, checking and rechecking documents, booking flights and hotel for guest facilitator and putting together meal plans, I didn’t pay attention to everyone disappearing. Then one of the executive assistants came to tell me I was to report to the conference room. All I could think was “who did I upset this time?” I knocked before entering somewhat panicked I had missed a deadline when they started singing ‘Happy Birthday’. I asked whose birthday it was and they showed me the cake. It wasn’t until that moment I realized I had forgotten my own birthday. The people I worked with didn’t forget.🥲 Even the director of DHS managed to walk right by my desk without alerting me. I hate surprises and often don’t mention my birthday until days later so I don’t have to deal with being in the ‘m center of attention. That was many years ago but it is still my favorite birthday memory of all time.

Honestly, the sweetest work surprise I ever got was when my coworkers decorated my desk for my birthday. It wasn’t anything huge, but the thoughtfulness made my whole week.