I work in an office that's mostly people in their mid-20s to mid-30s (I am also in this category) for a company that really prides itself on having a great "culture".
At least once a month there's a "team night out" which usually involves going to a minigolf course or something like that and drinking the night away. These events aren't strictly obligatory, but it's very much expected that everyone goes, and it's a small company so if someone refused to go their absence would be noticed. These events have started again since the lockdown became less severe.
AIBU to absolutely hate this? I do get on with my colleagues, but to be honest, most days come 5 o'clock I just want to go home, put my tracksuit bottoms on and have something to eat. If I want to spend my free time with my colleagues I will ask them myself, I don't need the HR person to organise it for me. I do resent the pressure to give up my "free" time, not to mention the cost of buying rounds of drinks etc. But all my colleagues seem to genuinely enjoy the nights out and I feel like there must be something wrong with me because I never enjoy them (probably because they're always boozy and I don't drink a lot) and always leave early.
Am I an absolute scrooge? I promise I do have friends and I do go out, I just don't want it to be organised by my employer! When did it become normal for colleagues to party together on a week night? What exactly does this contribute to the company? Please reassure me that I'm not a miserable old fart...