We all dream of the day when we can finally get that higher-paying job that we’ve always wanted. Perhaps it’s not the money that’s driving your friend towards their career goal, but an ambition that they’ve been pursuing for years. Whatever might have guided your loved one towards this moment in their lives, it’s up to you to show that you’re there for them and that you’re proud of them, with the right celebration.
Throwing a quick celebration or impromptu party for a friend that’s been offered the job of a lifetime is a way to really make that person feel like they have all the support in the world. After all, starting a new job is exciting, but it can be scary too. Having a little extra support is a great way to ease the fear.
1. Theme the Presents
If you’re inviting a handful of people to this celebration, there’s a good chance that at least some of them will want to bring gifts. The question is, how do you guide them towards buying the right item? The best option is to think about the job that your friend is getting and theme the party around that. For instance, you could buy some new scissors for a hairdresser, or an office golf kit for an administrator in an office job.
Think about how you can make the celebration all about the achievement that your friend has accomplished by moving into this next stage in their career. Even a new mug for the break room can be a great call in some cases.
2. Keep It Simple
Let’s face it, while we all want to celebrate our loved ones when they achieve great things, a new job isn’t something that some people will want to shout from the rooftops about. With that in mind, think about your friend and consider how low-key they might want their celebration to be. If they’re still nervous about their new upcoming role, it might be better to have a few drinks with friends than a huge event.
Bringing friends together over a good meal and a couple of bottles of wine could be an excellent way for your friend to talk through any of the concerns that they might have about their new job, so that they can start the role feeling confident.
3. Focus on the Gift
If a celebration is totally out, but you still want to show your friend or loved one that you care about what they’ve achieved, then ditch the event and focus on the gift ideas instead. Think about how you can deliver the most thoughtful gift for this moment, something that’s going to let your pal know how much you care.
For instance, if your friend has just achieved the goal of getting a job as a journalist, maybe you could get one of the news stories they wrote for you in crayon as a child and get it framed. The idea is to deliver something that will really get your friend welling up. Bonus points if they can take the gift to work with them too.
4. Get the Family Involved
Usually, it’s the family that will want to celebrate most when a loved one gets a great job. With that in mind, reach out to mums, dads, sisters, and other close family members that have helped your friend to get to this important moment in their life. There’s a good chance that they’re going to want to play a part in your celebration, even if it just means coming along for a quick couple of drinks.
If you don’t want to go anywhere, you could ask the family to host a small get-together in a family home instead, complete with congratulations banners and balloons. Get as creative as you like. You could even bake treats for the whole team.
5. Go on a Shopping Spree
Finally, why not help your friend get prepared for their new job by taking them on a shopping spree? This is the perfect time to shop for everything from stationery to clothes for your friend’s new career. Just before your pal is due to start their new job, get them to come with you into town so you can try on new outfits and buy everything they’re going to need to thrive.
You can even invite a few other friends, colleagues, and family members along if you want and make a full day of the experience.