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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not want to go on company away day to build rafts

186 replies

Mascarponeandwine · 21/07/2019 22:22

Just that really. It’s held off site, in the grounds of a Manor House. You are divided into groups of 7 or so, and given tasks to complete, such as survival skills, go carting, gladiator type duals or building a raft sort of thing. Does anyone actually enjoy these things, or are most of my colleagues secretly disliking it too. AIBU to bow out by booking leave? Or am I not being a team player?

OP posts:
QOD · 22/07/2019 07:45

@AleFailTrail i actually got sent to Rome and actually had a gladiator lesson ... I was so fat I couldn’t get the costume on and a colleague caught the sales director on the nose with a wooden sword.
Good times ...

pastapestoparmesan · 22/07/2019 07:46

I absolutely love this kind of stuff, but only get to do it with children because I’m a teacher. Although having read the thread, it’s probably a lot more fun with children!

MoviesT · 22/07/2019 07:48

These aren’t for everyone (natch) but surprised to see so many people so down on them. To me it’s a paid day of work where you are just larking about...in some ways, what’s not to like?

I appreciate that these activities can be difficult if you have to overnight or if you have caring responsibilities or a disability, but that aside, I have observed that they can for example go some way to sorting out difficult dynamics in teams where you get cliques (if well organised in picking teams). I assume studies show that a team who have ‘bonded’ even if over just hating the whole experience, work better together. Thus why money is spent on them? I work in an organisation now where these things aren’t affordable although I have experienced them in the past. For me, that’s a shame. I think they are well meant and often worthwhile.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 22/07/2019 07:50

Book leave.

Skinnychip · 22/07/2019 07:50

Luckily i work for a very small company.(4 people) I know there is no budget for this, but we all know each other v well and work well together anyway. Everyones been there about 15+ years and have gone to each others weddings/parties etc.
Ive taken my DS to several parties at a laser quest place and was quite shocked when i saw on the website that adults do it too. I can't imagine why anyone above 12 would find this remotely fun and the actual venue is as grim AF

growlingbear · 22/07/2019 07:51

Wow, what a great way to out people with medical problems and non-visible disabilities.

@Purpleartichoke - you've just perfectly articulated my deep fear of these things. I'm profoundly dyspraxic and because of this very unathletic.I can do basic things like jog, swim, bike but none of the springy hoist-yourself up over stuff these ToughBugger projects demand. The idea of changing from the cheerful competent team member people know me as to a jibbering jelly of fear in front of people who aren't close friends makes my stomach ulcer flare up!

Namechangedonceagain · 22/07/2019 07:52

This sounds SO fun! I'd love to do it.

MissClareRemembers · 22/07/2019 07:52

Sounds truly, unbelievably hideous OP. I can only sympathise.

To not want to go on company away day to build rafts
Crinkle77 · 22/07/2019 07:54

I don't know why companies insist on doing these things when they know everyone hates them and they're usually at weekends at stuff which is such an intrusion.

spingiscomming · 22/07/2019 07:54

Oh god -I’m joining a new team soon as was planning on making everyone do the spaghetti marshmallow challenge in groups during my first week - it’s office based and only takes an hour - but from the discussion here I’m scared my new team will think I’m a wanker for trying to get them to do an activity. Should I forget it ? ( I always liked the raft building days - remind me of when I was a brownie)

HellYeah90s · 22/07/2019 07:54

Mini golf and bowling etc are bearable but this survival shit is awful. Situations like this I milk my epilepsy Grin because I am absolutely useless at survival crap, never did guides and I loathe camping / tramping etc.

It is a waste of time / money.

WoollyMummoth · 22/07/2019 07:55

Like a pp has just said these experiences are great when you take a group of Year 5 kids. No pressures and a laugh for the carefully selected staff/mates you go with Ie people you like.
The thought of spending the day with either major league competitive types or grumpy bastards is not so appealing.

WoollyMummoth · 22/07/2019 07:56

Don’t do it spingiscomming. They will hate you to hell. Take doughnuts instead😁

myself2020 · 22/07/2019 07:57

hate these with a passion. luckily this years happen during my leave (that i booked ages sgo)

Ijustwanttoretire · 22/07/2019 08:00

I always dread these coming up but always end up enjoying them - also the public sector so no money available, which makes the organisers really have to wrack their brains to come up with interesting stuff on a shoestring..

PineappleSeahorse · 22/07/2019 08:00

I'd forget it. You are working with grown adults I assume. If so then drop it. I'm sure that you're very nice and not a wanker but though this sounds like one of the more bearable ideas I've heard I wouldn't be thrilled and I'd be wondering what fresh hell was next.

MilkTrayLimeBarrel · 22/07/2019 08:01

I had to go on one of these, labelled an 'Assessment Centre'! It was 2 days of hell and you were watched and marked on everything you said and did. I hated it!

FiveShelties · 22/07/2019 08:01

Hate this stuff. Years ago I worked for a company that wanted each member of staff to put together an act/comedy routine to perform in front of all staff. I resigned - best thing I ever did - if I wanted to be a performer that is what I would have done.

Nothing would persuade me to get up and sing or try to do stand up comedy ever.

Tensun15 · 22/07/2019 08:04

No, absolutely hate these kind of things!!

Especially if I was to get cold & wet... trust me I would not be a happy, team building kind of person if I was freezing & dripping wet... or muddy! Just not me!!

Think I would be honest and just say, I'm happy to work and be a fellow good member of my team but building a raft etc is not for me.

PineappleSeahorse · 22/07/2019 08:06

If I ever return to dating one of my first questions will be "What's your opinion of team building exercises?" and if their reaction is not akin to the Wicked Witch of The West when she's just had a bottle of Evian chucked over her then we are clearly incompatible.

BlueSkiesLies · 22/07/2019 08:08

I like them. You get to be outside, being active, with your team.

spingiscomming · 22/07/2019 08:08

@WoollyMummoth
@PineappleSeahorse

Duly noted -> baked goods it is then!

Original poster
Mascarponeandwine · 22/07/2019 08:09

In addition, i fear I’m an away day snob Blush. I have worked for companies that spend a decent amount of money, and quite enjoyed the days. A day in Europe wine tasting, a day at silverstone trying out cars, half a day cooking at daylesford. I wasn’t even senior! Now, I face a day building rafts at the local stately home. I feel a bit like I’ve been for dinner at chiltern firehouse and now have to go back to the local school disco.

OP posts:
snitzelvoncrumb · 22/07/2019 08:09

I would go if it was during work time, I refuse to do this sort of thing on weekends/days off. As its half a day I would book leave.

Lyricallie · 22/07/2019 08:09

I love this stuff at the end of our graduate scheme we went away for a week to do it all. Think it helped that we were all really good friends and it was a paid week off work and we got to go to a beautiful new place. The food was pretty good too.