When Your Sobriety Anniversary Falls During a Work Shift
Your sober date lands on a double shift. You want to mark it, but the break room is busy and you may not get to a meeting until the weekend. Choose the part you want to keep on the date itself and set a separate time for anything that needs other people.
Separate the date from the gathering
Decide what you’d like to do on the date even if you have only a few minutes. You might send a message to someone who knows the date, take a walk before your shift or set a coin on your bedside table where you’ll see it before leaving. Give yourself a specific moment you can realistically keep.
If you also want to attend a meeting, find a time that fits your roster and travel. The guide to AA meetings around shift work covers finding options when the same slot is hard to make. If the group recognizes milestones only on certain days, ask what it can arrange before inviting anyone.
Tell people when you will be available. “I’m working until ten. I’d love a quick call tomorrow morning” gives a friend a clear plan. If your shift is extended, send a new time when you have a break.
Decide what belongs at work
A coworker who knows your sober date may want to congratulate you. Let them know if a private message would suit you better than a gift on the desk. You might say “Thanks for remembering. Can we keep it between us at work?” You can also welcome a quiet word if that feels comfortable.
If you want to take a medallion to work, think about where you keep personal things and whether it could be seen by someone using the same space. Keep it at home if you’d rather. If a friend plans to hand it to you later, share our examples of what to say when giving a sobriety coin so they can choose words you’d be glad to hear.
Before asking a meeting to include your name on a notice, see how to agree on anniversary announcement wording. You can choose what to share there even if people at work already know.
Make a plan that survives a shift change
Arrange a second time for anything you would miss if you were called in. A friend can check in the next day, a private card can wait until you meet, and the group can confirm its next opportunity to present the chip. Tell anyone holding the coin when to check back with you.
When the day is over, notice which part you wanted to keep. You may be happy with one message or decide to make time for a longer visit next week. If someone gave you a chip or checked in with you, our private thank-you guide offers ways to respond when you have time.
If a friend wants to bring something to your workplace, be explicit about the address and whether deliveries there are welcome. They may be able to leave it with you after work or bring it to a later gathering. Give them the choice before they arrange a delivery.
Medallions to consider
When ordering a coin for a later gathering, select the sobriety milestone you want to recognize.
The photos show sample milestones. Confirm your choice in the Sobriety Time selector.
Tricolor Opulent Deep Blue Diamond Sparkle
Elite deep-blue design with a stone-set triangle. The selector lists 18 months and annual milestones from 1 to 65 years.
Tricolor Glittering Silver
Deluxe silver-colored design. The selector lists annual milestones from 1 to 40 years.
Common questions
Can I collect a chip after my anniversary?
Ask the group how it handles recognition when someone misses the date. Tell them the milestone you want to mark.
Do I owe coworkers an explanation?
You can keep the date private and use your usual break or time off as you choose.
Keep reading
Compare designs and milestone options in Elite Medallions and Deluxe Coins.
