Birthdays

How do you feel about birthdays?

It's an interesting topic to observe.  Throughout much of my life, I have worked on my birthday, either in a paid role or a not-for-profit role.  It's been rare that I have been 'off work' on my birthday.  

Last year was an exception and one I really enjoyed. My birthday (the actual day) was day one of a trip to Cape York, traveling along with friends as we explored the remote stretches of Far North Queensland! I had requested and been granted leave for this trip.

However, in all my years of work, both paid and unpaid, I have never taken the day off, just because it is my birthday.  Through the years, I have observed that many people call in 'sick' or just don't turn up to work, because they are celebrating their birthday. Some I have spoken with say, it's their right.  Now, I understand that for some people, their birthday is highly valued, but what they may fail to understand, is that not coming to fulfill your employment contract, simply because you want to celebrate, puts strain on the employer and your fellow co-workers.

So how might you celebrate your special day of birth and still be considerate of others?

• communicate with your employer. If you want the day off work, negotiate the time through annual leave or a rostered day off.
• negotiate time off during the day if you are having lunch with family or friends.
• plan time to celebrate after work with family and/or friends.

What I have written may cause some readers to 'get their backs up'!

Just not turning up to work, creates concern and potential resentment.  Birthdays are important, however, so are fulfilling your commitments to your workplace (whether paid or voluntary) and clients.

Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (NIV)

Celebrating our birthday by serving others - now that is something to think about.