Of Bonus and Increments

It's time of the year again for bonus and increments not for all companies but at least for mine. After going through last year's scary exercise, frankly speaking any form of payout before CNY is a bonus for me.

Of course there are some who had forgotten about the lesson last year or mistakenly think it's a good year for 2014 and then expect a lot or rather much more from the payout.

There are mixed reactions to this year's payout which is not unexpected.

It's only natural than we compare with one and other but in the process how not to let the whole thing affects yourself is the biggest challenge.

I ever saw an article on this which tides me through the difficult time when I got shortchanged for a bonus payout once.

A guy got 10,000 bucks for his bonus this year and with below scenarios, there were different outcomes.

1). He found out that most of his colleagues got similar amount as him and he felt relieved. Therefore he called home and told his wife he will be buying additional dish back for dinner.

2). He found out that most colleagues got lesser amount than him and he felt elated. Therefore he called home and told his wife no to cook but he will bring the whole family out for dinner.

3). He found out the most of his colleagues got a larger bonus than him and he felt dejected. Therefore he called home an told his wife not to cook his share as he has no mood to take dinner.

Morale of the story, even though the bonus amount is the same but because there were comparison done the person's mood got affected greatly.

Many a times I will remind myself about this story and would be able to cheer up.

Truth is, bonus is suppose to be a happy thing regardless of the amount what other people gets. If you think you are compensate enough for the year of work done than you should be glad for the payout.

That said, not many get compensated based on their hard work. There are many other deciding factors and should you lack one of it, it would affect your payout greatly.

Personally, I think it's the greatest time of the year and you should spread the happiness with your family members.

In my case, both my parents get a sum of monies for their pre-new year purchases for clothes or goodies. Then will set aside another sum for the ang bao during CNY and lastly a feast on the day we go back on the 2nd day of CNY. The amount varies each year with my bonus payout every year, even without any payout last year, I did give them a token sum. Afterall, CNY is a happy occasion for us Chinese, I can do without a proper celebration but I cannot let the family suffer with me.

Like all couples, we do gift each other during bonus period and whether my mood is good or not directly impacts Mr Love the most. It's unfair to take it out of him in the case the payout is not up to my expectations.

Hopefully everyone will have a good payout this year and can have a good year with their love ones.