Holiday Tips for New Professionals
Use the holidays to thank coworkers
If 2013 marked the year that you entered the world of work, now’s the time to concentrate on thanking all of the people who helped you make the transition from carrying a backpack to toting a spiffy, new briefcase or computer bag.
As a rule, don’t gift up. To your boss or a supervisor, a genuine handwritten note or a brief conversation thanking them for the opportunities they have afforded you should suffice. If you feel the need to do more, make your gift a small, office-appropriate one.
Unless your office policies prohibit gifts, you should think about giving small tokens of your appreciation to the support staff members who have smoothed your transition. A gift card from the local Starbucks might suit your coffee-gulping Admin perfectly. While the people in the mailroom or copy center might appreciate a tin of cookies or popcorn. These really are the cases in which “it’s the thought that counts.” The fact that you remembered these people can pave the way to building relationships with the coworkers who sometimes are most critical to a new professional’s long-term success.
Don’t forget other service providers
Beyond the people in the office, a slew of other service providers have likely helped launch your career. Think about all of the people who have helped you make the transition—the personal shopper who helped you select a handful of stylish suits; the stylist who trimmed your hair into a low maintenance, always-looks-right cut; and the waiter who serves you at the restaurant where you’re now becoming a regular. Smart, new professionals recognize these folks during the holiday season, too!
To the extent you’re not pinching pennies, consider giving holiday tips to the people who make you look like the successful professional that you’re quickly becoming:
Hairdresser or barber – give a personal services provider a tip equivalent to the cost of a normal service. If a typical haircut costs you $150, give your hairdresser or barber a $150 tip this month.
Restaurant waitstaff – at restaurants where you’ve become a regular, leave something special for the people who have repeatedly served you. In most cases, I leave 20% as a regular gratuity, and then one time during the month of December, I’ll hand my favorite members of the waitstaff a crisp $100 bill.
Doormen and porters – if you live in an apartment or co-op, you’ll want to give the doormen and porters a gratuity, especially if they help with your luggage when you head out on business trips or deliver business materials to your front door. The appropriate amount will vary by location—you’ll gift more in New York City than you will in Omaha. If you’re unsure what’s appropriate, check with a long-term resident or your superintendent to determine the norm where you live.
Parking garage attendants – if you park in a garage near your office, you likely interact with parking attendants daily. Heaven only knows they can speed or delay your trip to and from work. Consider tipping between $10 and $20 dependent on the amount of personal service you receive.
Finally, if you plan to travel during the holidays, recognize all the people who help smooth your way during this hectic travel period. With skycaps at the airport or train station and doormen at a hotel, give a tip of between $2 and $5 per bag. Thank housekeeping staff by leaving $2 to $5 on your pillow each morning. For restaurant wait staff, leave approximately 20%.
And please consider increasing the amount you leave for the people who serve you on Christmas Day. Remember, these people have given up their holiday to help ensure you enjoy your own.
What You Need to Know
Successful students and new professionals use the holiday season to thank all the people who have helped them launch their careers.
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