AIBU?
To never attend a work event again?
missbattenburg · 05/10/2018 18:56
There was a work event in another (nearby) country today. For some bonkers reasons (I am quite new to the company) I agreed to go and flew over this morning. I spent the afternoon in an update meeting and then doing a team building activity. This evening there are drinks and food nearby.
Everyone I know is not here - they have all found reasons not to attend. Except my boss.
I went to the meeting. I took part in the activity and popped into the bar for drinks but honestly was just stood around like a lemon. I had a quick drink and legged it and am now holed up in my hotel. The drinks started an hour ago.
Only problem is, my boss has just dropped me a text to ask where I am.
I replied to say I had scarpered early and gave a vague excuse.
This'll count against me, won't it?
I should have just not bothered coming - attendance wasn't compulsory.
I just hate these things 
Languageofkindness · 05/10/2018 19:01
Yep - horrific! I never go unless I absolutely have to.
PootrolliumJelly · 05/10/2018 19:09
Work events are shit and to be avoided whenever possible.
sonjadog · 05/10/2018 19:09
Take a deep breath, stick on your best smile and head out there again. There will be other people there who feel the same and at these events no-one really knows each other. Go over to a group, smile and introduce yourself. Ask the others where they come from, what work they do and then take it from there. You can do it!
topcat2014 · 05/10/2018 19:18
I used to travel abroad for work on my own, gets easier the more you do
rosamacrose · 05/10/2018 19:18
What sonjadog said. Go and talk to your boss
Brilliant opportunity for a 'one to one'
Get the heads up on what's happening in the future 
ForalltheSaints · 05/10/2018 19:18
You have flown. Some people get air sick or feel unwell afterwards. You need rest.
Suggest that to your boss in a few days time.
missbattenburg · 05/10/2018 19:18
sonjadog I could have done with you a hour ago 
. I have now sent the text to say I left early so think it'd be weird if I turned up again.
Having spent all afternoon making small talk, I felt like I'd run out of steam by the time the drinks started...
missbattenburg · 05/10/2018 19:23
Thanks topcat2014. I've done a fair bit of work travelling myself (USA, Europe, even 18 months in India). It's not the travelling.
At the risk of this being a drip feed I didn't mean. My work in India was exceptionally stressful and I came about as close to breaking as I have ever been. Towards the end of my time there was a work event I had a panic attack at - never having had one before or after. Even though it doesn't feel like I am, I wonder if I am holding onto that somehow?
That said, I never did like these kind of events so it'd be wrong to say it's all about that.
BrokenWing · 05/10/2018 19:27
I used to do this in my younger years in the 90s, but they were more piss ups natural and relaxed with people I worked with regularly and were a brilliant laugh, can't be arsed now they are all labelled team building and networking, and are "organised fun".
sonjadog · 05/10/2018 19:48
If you can´t face going back, tell them tomorrow that you had a headache and went to bed early. But then be chatty over breakfast tomorrow/at the morning meeting, so that they don't think you are the weird unfriendly one.
I'm not anyone really enjoys networking, but it is really important.
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