To not go to Christmas do due to this?

[KeiraKnightley2]

I work in the private sector. Me and the one other person who lives a 1.5 hour commute away either get a taxi home after or a hotel stay. I've done both.

This year I asked for a taxi and at first they said yes. The next day I received an email saying budgets this year wouldn't stretch to it so it isn't possible. So I'll need to travel in and I won't be able to relax because then I need to worry about travelling back again.

The trains are hellish enough just now never mind the week before Christmas. In all honesty I've been struggling lately due to a bereavement last month but thought at least I can show face then have the taxi home.

There's always the feeling you need to be seen going to these things. Would you suck it up even if it's pretty crap?

Will they cover a hotel?
If not just don't go. You can either decline or be really enthusiastic until you come down with something the day before, this gives you the opportunity after to talk about how disappointed you were to miss it

No @SgtJuneAckland - I had a hotel last year and taxi the year before that. They've said they'll offer neither to me or my colleague.

I've already expressed my disappointment to the person organizing who I get along with, so I don't think I'll get away with an excuse now.

Jesus how bad are the budgets that they can't stretch to two taxis so we can enjoy our night? We work bloody hard year round.

I'd just decline, it doesn't sound like fun.

A few years ago, I’d have said go for one and suck it up. Now I commute and understand how hellish trains are at the best of times, I’d sack it off unless I desperately wanted to go.

I've almost always worked in the public sector so the idea of an employer paying for a hotel or travel costs are alien to me.

Surely you either cover it yourself or not go? If it's compulsory then they pay.

Definitely don't go

Who cares what anyone thinks 🤷‍♀️

Just say you can't go as you have budget constraints

I also think I'd be more likely to suck it up another year @RudyKazoo

But with how I'm feeling just now with the bereavement being in a big group is already taxing. The thought of doing that then getting myself home is something else.

@sushiburger brilliant 🙂

I can't believe that anyone would expect employers to pay for a taxi or a hotel to enable staff to go to the Christmas party. It's not their fault that you live that far away from where you work, is it?

But @DietrichandDiMaggio the point is that they usually do - every year for staff out of town.

My colleague/friend who has worked there longer assured me they spend money on all sorts of unnecessary nonsense but then can't 'stretch' to this.

I’ve never known an employer to fund it - unless they were inviting you in to a different location from your base office.

I don't really get why they were paying for you in the first place unless your position is work from home? Why are they paying for your travel expenses but not others, like where is the line? We have people at our company from all over UK and Europe and company doesn't pay for any of their expenses when they come in for Christmas as it's an optional nice thing. That said if you don't want to pay to go I don't see anything wrong with not going.

^^ This.

They'd pay for a taxi for 1.5 hr journey?!!.

For me it would depend on the politics around the party, is it important to be there for your position, to be seen and to be part of the social functions? If not, then I wouldn’t bother as it doesn’t sound like you are up for it.

I’d be annoyed at not getting reimbursed but if I thought it was a necessary evil then I’d buck up and go. Parties aren’t always fun, sometimes they are more work than the job. It’s kind of shit because the expectation of a party is leisure and enjoyment but it’s often just longer working hours and inconvenience.

TBH even if my employer offered to pay for a taxi, I don’t think I’d go. I spend enough of my time with people from work, I’d much prefer being a grinch on my own at home in my PJs.

@WhereIsBebèsChambre that's how long it will take me by public transport.

Will be an hour by car, more or less. As I said - they do it every year

My company pays for everyone’s taxi’s for the Xmas do. I live nearly an hour away so usually take them up on the offer but I’m not really feeling it this year so I’m going to drive instead.

I take it driving yourself isn’t an option? If not and you can’t afford the taxi then I’d say that’s a totally fine reason not to go.

@Finestreason well this it - no one ever says you have to be there but there is a definite feeling its somewhat expected for appearances.

It's not as though I'll be sacked - but I'm sure it's a bit frowned upon not to go. But everyone else has a short commute home in comparison to me and my colleague.

Standard in lots of workplaces. If it’s the norm then it’s shit if it changes.

Yes @Merryoldgoat it's the fact they said yes then emailed the next day changing their minds...

Is it an evening do or daytime? If daytime then I do think you are obliged to go. But not if it's in the evening and in non-company time.

So @YellowRibbon710 the merrymaking starts at 3pm with secret Santa given out, champagne, etc

Then the meal is at 6pm (though this usually means 7/8).

Just decline to go.