Department Xmas Do

[ItsAllAboutTheBass7]

It's a small departmentmental Christmas do, around 10 in total. Looking it's either a Pantomime, Crazy Golf or Bowling at the minute.
I feel like I'd enjoy these ideas if I was 12, but as I'm not, I'm reluctant to waste an evening of my life
Would you make the effort and go?? Or find an excuse??

Really depends on whether you like your team or not and want to spend an evening with them. I've worked at places where I'd rather stick pins in my eyes than go to the Christmas do and made my excuses. I've also worked at places where even if the 'activity' isn't my thing, I'll go because we have a fun night. I'm not a huge fan of organised fun and prefer drinks and/or a meal, but if everyone gets in the spirit and you like your colleagues, they can make for a good evening.

I would just prefer a voucher if the company are paying!

I'd be more likely to go if it was one of those options rather than a meal.

Unless you’re about to leave the job then you should go.

I don’t think people need to be available for constant office socializing, but showing up to major things like a department Christmas party is in your best interest.

People who have worked in industries where they’re distinct outsiders who have historically not been allowed in (women, people of color, Jewish people, etc) recognize the importance of workplace socialization for career success and advancement. It’s why a lack of inclusion in those areas can be extremely impactful discrimination.

Whilst I don't love the work Christmas do, I go along and make a good effort for a couple of hours, and usually leave at the natural break where people are discussing moving on somewhere. We are mostly WFH so I don't see my colleagues all that often in person.

Excuse me, knocking on 50 and me and friends and colleagues love a night clubbing. Honestly the ageism!

We did a bowling evening one Christmas

It was really fun mainly because it got you chatting to people who don't normally chat to. Normally you go to a meal and you naturally sit next to your work buddy and and near 2/4 other people and that's it for the evening

I’m with you OP. I would hate this! Happy to go out for a meal but does sound more like something planned for children.

I would rather make an excuse not to go rather than suffer it😀.

I love my colleagues. I would cheerfully attend almost any evening event with them.

Previous employer I declined each and every event without any explanation beyond No thank you as I loathed the place.

It depends if you like your colleagues.

Panto, you're probably a bit late to book / it's bloody expensive if you're not in the Gods.
Crazy golf or bowling might be a bit teenage-date but they're a way to have a laugh together, no alcohol required, you can eat before you go etc.
We're doing a bring and share and a game of skittles. Is it my number one choice of fun? No. Am I happy to do it to spend time with people I like? Yes.

Do you like your colleagues? If so go - even if it's not your favourite activity. It's about spending some time with them coming up to Xmas and getting on with them. It'll probably be helpful at work.

If you don't like them, work primarily by yourself or don't give a shit - then miss it.

I definitely wouldn’t go for either panto or bowling, I’ve tried both once, never again.

I wouldn't be bothered about any of those OP and would probably decline gracefully.

Unless it's all expenses paid by the company of course - then it would be rude not to attend