Internauts Donate $95K To Retiree After Company Throws Him A Sad BBQ Party As A Goodbye

In a fast-paced world, people change things in the blink of an eye. After a particularly hard Thursday at work, employees spend evenings sending CVs. This practice would’ve bewildered our grandparents, who believed in loyalty to one company. Sadly, that loyalty is often overlooked – John Bartlett dedicated 42 years to the same company and for his retirement, he received a certificate of appreciation and a BBQ party. Luckily, his coworkers jumped in and showed John just how much he’s worth it.

More info: TikTok

John dedicated 42 years to the same company. When it was time to retire, he was let down by his employer

Image credits: m3nta11y1ll1

For 42 years, John commuted on a bus and a train to get to work every day. Despite a long commute, he enjoyed his job. “He loves working here so much he didn’t want to retire,” his coworker Sonia said.

Unfortunately, the company did not appreciate his dedication. After the 70-something knew it was time to retire, there were no balloons, no thank you, no donations collected for his gift. Outraged, Sonia shared “He got no bonus, just a barbeque and a certificate. Don’t be a slave to your job.”

Appalled and heartbroken for John, Sonia decided to use social media to get some justice for her hardworking colleague. In a TikTok, Sonia revealed the shocking behavior of the unnamed company. In the video, John is seen working in what looks like a warehouse unit, concentrated on his task, perhaps, contemplating the next step after retirement.

Internauts Donate $95K To Retiree After Company Throws Him A Sad BBQ Party As A Goodbye

Image credits: m3nta11y1ll1

He received a certificate of appreciation and a BBQ party on the last day of work

Internauts Donate $95K To Retiree After Company Throws Him A Sad BBQ Party As A Goodbye

Image credits: m3nta11y1ll1

Leaving a job can be daunting, especially if you’re not sure of your next step, be it looking for other employment or thinking of what to do with the free time during retirement. Getting a nice goodbye present makes it a little easier, knowing the bosses and colleagues appreciated you.

Sonia set up a GoFundMe under the video explaining his story. People in the comments were outraged learning about the treatment John received and the donations started pouring in. Since the page was set up in October, more than $95,000 was collected for John.

“John is one of the most talented and hard-working employees at the company. He is extremely dependable,” Sonia wrote on the page. She also added that it had been difficult to convince him to take a break as he was always ready for work. Sonia shared, “It doesn’t matter how much we would suggest to take his vacation days, he would still want to work.” If everyone was as dedicated as John, the world would be a very efficient place!

Internauts Donate $95K To Retiree After Company Throws Him A Sad BBQ Party As A Goodbye

Image credits: m3nta11y1ll1

Luckily, his coworker stepped up, recognizing his dedication and hard work and set up a GoFundMe so John could have a proper retirement gift

Internauts Donate $95K To Retiree After Company Throws Him A Sad BBQ Party As A Goodbye

Image credits: m3nta11y1ll1

“Can we give John a little something more for his retirement? Or maybe just some positive vibes and words of encouragement to get him through the rest of his days,” Sonia encouraged the internauts. “He has no wife or kids, however, he does have a nephew whom he loves dearly,” the caring coworker shared more details about John’s life. “It would be nice to give him some kind of company or something to do so he knows that he’s special and loved,” she ended her statement.

Touched by the story, people left heartfelt messages alongside donations. “John, you are an inspiration! God Bless you John, my middle son is named John and I hope when he grows up he possesses the qualities you displayed all these years, loyalty, dedication, hard work and having gratitude, and a positive attitude!”

Another wrote “John – your dedication and work ethic are humbling. Much respect and best wishes to you in your much-deserved retirement. God bless, brother.” The messages are lovely; a shame they came from strangers instead of the bosses of the company he gave so many years to.

Internauts Donate $95K To Retiree After Company Throws Him A Sad BBQ Party As A Goodbye

Image credits: m3nta11y1ll1

The internet came together and did its thing. Now, John can enjoy his retirement with $95,000. That definitely beats the BBQ

Internauts Donate $95K To Retiree After Company Throws Him A Sad BBQ Party As A Goodbye

Image credits: m3nta11y1ll1

Hopefully, John will get to enjoy a nice retirement – he’s definitely earned it!

Internauts Donate $95K To Retiree After Company Throws Him A Sad BBQ Party As A Goodbye

Image credits: m3nta11y1ll1

“Your hard work and dedication is an inspiration, John! We need more like you in the world. All the best to you from NYC!” a commenter wrote.

John is truly an inspiration. Nowadays, people change jobs very often – approximately 30% of the total workforce will change jobs every 12 months. Why do people change jobs so often, then? Well, there are a few reasons behind it:

Seeking better pay;
Wanting a new challenge;
Desiring less stress;
Looking to escape a toxic environment;
Experiencing burnout.

During 42 years of employment, John must’ve experienced all of the above, yet he still chose to show up for his work every day. Luckily, he now has $95,000 to enjoy his well-deserved break thanks to the great coworkers and the generosity of strangers.

Do you have any retirement or leaving party disasters to share?

People in the comments were outraged about John’s situation

Internauts Donate $95K To Retiree After Company Throws Him A Sad BBQ Party As A Goodbye

Sometimes the world can be a dark place but you just how to know where to look for some good news. Hint: take a garner at my profile. I write about happy things like dogs, good teachers and inspiring elderly people.

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What do you think ?

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InfiniteZeek 11 months ago

I have no loyalty to companies, I have loyalty to my work. I will not half-a*s my work, in fact, I will do it better than everyone else, but I will not give any company a single second more if I am not being paid adequately for it.

9points

Steve Ramsay 10 months ago

Worked 40 yrs as a (Millwright) mostly in Power production as I was trained in a Hydro power plant. When I had to retire the Union said I was to young for a disability retirement and received a large cut maybe 60% in benefits. After the new Aorta graft I gave up my insurance and now rely on the VA which I do receive excellent care. I learned to be loyal to self, family and a few good friends. Did not expect any BBQ, nor received anything in Hospital or since except from family and the few friends. I was 57 and love the fact at 72 my retirement is still going and my wife will receive the same as long as she lives and her family is long lived. Do not expect and you will not be disappointed. Enjoy life first, job way down the line in importance to being happy.

1point

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VintageViolette 11 months ago

Most places wouldn't even give a BBQ.

2points

pep Ito 11 months ago

There are countries where you retire and receive a pension. There are others where you depend on your boss to give you money or on the hearts of your colleagues.

1point

Kimberley Dillon Chapman 11 months ago

That is heartbreaking. Shameful company.

1point

GryphVPN 1 week ago

Well-done Sonia and "friends of John!" Mr. Bartlett definitely deserved more than he received from the company. But the fact that you and others stepped up for your co-worker as you did says so much about yourself. I'm worried that all this may affect you negatively inside the company. It shocked me that the company's name was easily found. I was hoping to find a comment from the company taking responsibility for their mistake and giving Sonia the credit she deserves. More likely, I imagine if the company name does get out that the management would make continued employment unbearable and/or look for reasons to terminate Sonia. Hopefully, the amount of coverage this has received will protect anything like that from happening and the company will have learned a valuable lesson for the future.

0points

Uncle Schmickle 10 months ago

This is what the " work ethic " used to be like. It's fine if you really enjoy your job, and some people have nothing else in their life. How many times have you heard about retirees passing away within 5 years, because they had no life outside work. These days, I really don't know if employers would appreciate reliability, dedication and job longevity.

0points

Viv Hart 10 months ago

When you retire, your firm/company should give you a pension, that you have been paying into during your working days.

0points

Mandy Delaforce (PC Girl) 10 months ago

People mix work mates and family, all the time. Your work place is your work place. They don't owe you anything other than a fair wage (which seems to be a rarity in USA). Manager change every few years, so it's more than likely that none of his manager actually knew him personally, so it's just another dude leaving. I do hope that he gets to enjoy his retirement, but there is a sad fact that he'll probably just spend the next few years staring at the TV. :(

0points

Eugene the Jeep 11 months ago

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Miss Frankfurter 11 months ago

I hope you don’t believe what you’re saying. I hope you’re pointing out that the vast majority don’t have all that money, a lot of people just asssssume we do. So many of us are in the same situation as this gentleman. So many of us have to go out and get a job because there’s no way we can make ends meet on a fixed income. Ruined everything for subsequent generations? Newsflash folks, every generation blames the one before. (A line from a popular song in the ancient 90’s.) When you get here you’ll be blamed too. It’s not fun. You’ll wonder what you did so wrong? It’s called the circle of life.

3points

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InfiniteZeek 11 months ago

9points

Steve Ramsay 10 months ago

1point

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VintageViolette 11 months ago

Most places wouldn't even give a BBQ.

2points

pep Ito 11 months ago

There are countries where you retire and receive a pension. There are others where you depend on your boss to give you money or on the hearts of your colleagues.

1point