Background (not U.S., and sort of vague on purpose) : I've been freelancing with Company for 8+ years.
Old Boss (A++) retires after cultivating great working environment in the team (one service among others within Company). Although 'external', I've really been part of that team, included in several 'team building' activities, even been paid on those days ! I lost both my parents, 2 years apart, but each time being unexpectedly away for a full week was not an issue, they even sent flowers for the funerals. I was even asked to increase my daily rate before 2021 began… You get the picture.
So last summer, Corp sends temporary Boss to clean the house: one abrupt termination to start the show, then 6 months of outsourcing, congratulates herself on meeting objectives right after announcing that some of us are basically soon out the door (unless we go and try getting hired by the new contractor). Add treating middle aged people as if they had not worked half of their life already, deception, lies, no mask in meeting room etc. Well, in short: a lovely experience these last few months. /s
New Boss in, temp Boss out next week. OP likely out end of next month since contract expires and new contractor is in place.
How would you go about showing your appreciation at a possible 'going away party', in the most passive aggressive / non fireable / possibly fun way ?
This one may be just a few drinks in a small office, or may never happen (nothing yet in our agendas), but your ideas/experience could inspire someone, somewhere, outliving a horrible boss…