I am invited!

Today I got an invitation that made me really happy. It was from the old peoples home where I volunteer. They have a 30 year jubilee this year, and we, the volunteers and the workers there are invited to join the celebration.

First when I saw the program I thought it was a choice. Either a ferry ride on the lake, a showing of the Masoalahalle in Zürich zoo or a dinner, before realizing it was all three. Wow!

It reminded me of when I, early in my career, was working for a medical state-run clinic, and we got exactly nothing. Not for Christmas, not for New Years, not for Easter, never anything. Not even sweets to go with coffee. Ever.

After that 4,5-year stint with the clinic, I left for the capital and joined an American commercial firm. Two months after I started working there we had a so called kick-off. Four days in the north with everything for free. Travel, skiing lessons, hotel, food, drink and fun. I couldn't believe it! Where did all the money to pay for this come from I wondered. But because I worked in finance I soon after figured it out. But imagine my delight, young, inexperienced and all this served to me. For free! I couldn't believe my luck.

And now I have almost the same feeling. Mind you, I know it's not that big of a thing, but to me, it's grand. It shows me that they appreciate my volunteering, and of course, that in Zürich there is still a lot of money.