To never attend a work event again?

[missbattenburg]

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]

Yep - horrific! I never go unless I absolutely have to.

[PootrolliumJelly]

Work events are shit and to be avoided whenever possible.

[sonjadog]

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]

I used to travel abroad for work on my own, gets easier the more you do

[rosamacrose]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[sonjadog]

"I don`t think.." is what that should have said.