Do you do the Christmas work do?

Islandmaid

This week we had the annual forced festive night out published at work.

Frugal Queen's blog yesterday prompted me to post

I was one of two that has chosen not to go, it doesn't appeal to me and I,d rather spend the money on my family.

My manager, in front of all of my colleagues called me miserable for not joining in and asked me why - I was pretty blunt with my reply, stating I prefer to spend money when I chose and a cheap Indian at a poor restaurant followed by a drunken stagger around the local pubs watching the work tensions that have been simmering all year coming to the fore was not my idea of a good night out and that was that - I only asked was his reply

So who feels pressured to 'join in' the work do? Or do you love an organised do?

If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply!

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Bathory

I'd rather go and file my own teeth than attend any more office works parties.

I did use to go out on booze ups years ago. Half an hour to get served at the bar to drink overpriced mulled wine whilst battling through crowds trying not to spill any drinks. I really don't care if others think I'm miserable as its not for everyone and nobody should be made to feel bad for not going.

suki1964

We had a works do last week and I opted out to go to the cinema with husband instead

We had a lovely meal, a couple of drinks, saw a fantastic film and had change out of £50. Works do was a tips share out of £100 each which most people promptly spent in the bar and spent the day after hanging together. I still got my tip money and treated myself to new jeans and boots


I know I had a brilliant night and no sore head the following day

Unfortunately we have another two in the next couple of months which I have to devise plans to avoid

Rainy-Days

Bathory wrote: »

I'd rather go and file my own teeth than attend any more office works parties.

:rotfl:Love it! Sums up pretty much how I used to feel about the works 'do'! Having said that, we used to do it by Department as I worked in Government and we simply could not all go out in one go.

I suppose because we were a bit more advanced in years (35+) it kind of allowed us to have a pleasant meal and then go home around 10.00-10.30pm. That worked for me as well. Works Christmas 'do's' are always funny events and at every single one I have been to I could never ever relax. Not my idea of a good time at all!

I don't have to 'suffer' it now though as moving up here has given me the freedom from being on the treadmill.

worried_jim

Cant wait for it! Been to every one in 23 years! Its a great time to let your hair down, hang around near the boss and share his champagne whilst doing some major !!!! licking. I've definitely progressed through the ranks by turning up and joining in.

cherie1122

I used to go to every single one until one year I found the confidence to say No. (that was a boozy trip along the canal)

I didn't go to any after that and people got used to the fact. No excuses needed - I just said I wasn't going and that was the end of it

nearlyrich

Until last year our company had a great black tie event for staff and partners which was always a lot of fun. Last year they did staff only and it was a shared party venue at a conference centre. I went to bed before 10pm as the entertainment was a photo booth and a couple of casino games which I don't enjoy. The younger members of the team were doing shots and throwing up not my idea of fun to be fair. So this year I have said no as I can't be bothered doing the trip from Manchester to the outskirts of London twice in one week as they can't even co-ordinate a team meeting on the same day..

MallyGirl

I enjoy it as I am a homeworker so it is a nice opportunity to spend some time with colleagues that I rarely see face to face. We have to make a £10 donation towards the evening, and this year it is 20s themed fancy dress if you want to so I have bought a cheap flapper dress, but the company will pay for the rest including my travel and hotel.

beanie414

Islandmaid wrote: »

My manager, in front of all of my colleagues called me miserable for not joining in and asked me why - I was pretty blunt with my reply, stating I prefer to spend money when I chose and a cheap Indian at a poor restaurant followed by a drunken stagger around the local pubs watching the work tensions that have been simmering all year coming to the fore was not my idea of a good night out and that was that - I only asked was his reply

:rotfl:I bet he regretted asking you in front of everyone.:T

Janey3

Dreaded them - but I always went and managed to slap on a happy face! - not only that, I had to attend OH's works do's too - they were even worse! Retired now, so I don't have to worry anymore.


The only one I really enjoyed was when we hired a coach and went to a night club and saw the drifters and then went for a curry afterwards.


I admire you for sticking to your decision.

Nargleblast

Let me see....pay a fortune for an overpriced meal and entertainment (prices hiked because of the season), be in a place overcrowded with other firms' works outings, taking ages to get served at the bar, sitting in little cliques at separate tables, people's other halves not able to join in the conversation as lots of work "in jokes", taking ages to get served each course of your meal, seeing younger members get rat-faced on shots and cocktails, queuing for the loo in a club only to find one cubicle out of order....And when you get there you see why nobody is using it......getting annoyed at the loud behaviour of other groups even though your own group is just as loud.......expensive taxi home, feeling like death warmed up the next day...


No thank you. I don't mind a quiet, civilised lunchtime thing but the full evening blow-out is not for me.