To not go on a work team 'holiday'.

[awayintheclouds]

Some colleagues who work in my department have planned a trip abroad over 4 days next month. The job I work in is primarily remote based, with little office time, so their plan is to go to Italy for a long weekend, and work remotely on the Monday and Tuesday.

I was told about this yesterday, and am feeling pressurised to go to. The company will not pay, and if I was to go I would have to pay for it out of my own pocket. I have tried to make an excuse that now is not a good time, but everyone else seems on board, and I'm worried if I don't go I'm going to look unreasonable/unsociable.

Do I go and use money I can't afford right now, or just appear boring and stay here?

I have told them today that I can't go, but will be in the office on those days, so I can cover as best I can, so they can 'make the most' of their trip. Will see how it goes down...

Erm just say no? How bizarre that you're even asking this.

Is there a reason why the others want to go? When I had a corporate job these jollies were often arranged to hide an affair - with other colleagues being used as a smoke screen of ‘work’?

It’s utterly mad in any case. I’d say
‘I’ve already planned my holidays with family but thanks for thinking of me’

If you don't want to go, don't go. No-one will remember it after a week anyway