To have walked out of my work Christmas party in favour of dining alone

[Namechangey23]

New employer..I don't know many people as yet. Works Christmas party on Oxford st. No real entertainment, no food (yet!) and dull dull small talk, which, to be honest, was never my strong suit. God it bored the absolute tits off me. So I've walked out at 7.30pm in favour of dinner alone in a nice Turkish restaurant. Sod wasting a child free night on that rubbish! Life's too bloody short! Should I have stayed to show willing, AIBU for leaving...or would you do the same? Yes I've seen the mistake in the title and no I can't change it.

No one cares.
Honestly
No one gives a damn
Most people hate the crappy parties and we're glad you left so that they could do the same.

People who can't be arsed to make small talk, often think they're above it.

I started a job in 2016 and the first day was an all team meeting and Christmas meal, with an overnight in London. I stayed an hour and then went back to the hotel and got some room service. Totally understand.

I would have not gone at all. YABU to walk out super early, though. Better to make an excuse and not go at all.

50+ people, I think you’ll be fine. If anyone noticed you missing they’d assume you were in the loo or talking to others out of their direct sight.

I’ve never heard of the term French Exit before.

Yes we are. What of it?

If you’re not willing to listen to the (majority) opinion then what was the point of your thread? Did you just want everyone to validate your weird and rude behaviour?

I’d finish your dinner and head back for a hour with some tale of how you had to take a call regarding Aunt Mildred etc and were struggling to get sorted.

the fact your new I would of made an effort I think you know you were rude but just don’t care

If its just drinks and mingling, then I'd be out of there, too. I don't drink, I'm hard of hearing so loud or crowded venues are impossible for me and tbh, fuck that shit. I don't go to parties with friends, why would I spend an evening watching colleagues get rat faced? No thankee.

I’m guessing several ppl may have worked out you leaved early OP, as I’m thinking as a new employee you will have been watched to see if you fit into the corporate system.
This is exactly the comments I’ve made to my dd who has just started a new job, and they are watching her like a hawk!!

Well done, that woman. I've never had the gumption.... waiting and waiting for half hard burned, half rock food (once only I'm glad to say!).

Your colleagues are going to think you a bit odd. Would you really rather sit alone in a restaurant than with colleagues?

Far better to have made an excuse to not go at all.

Well, let’s hope they aren’t all saying “ Phew, thank goodness she has gone, she was really bringing down the mood.” 🙂

Yup

French exit??

It will look strange.

I'm just intrigued what others think because first time I've ever had the balls to do that. Will I be judged at work? About 50 percent chance I'd say so far looking at this thread. Not trying to score cool points with randoms on the internet haha??__ maybe I'll inspire someone else not to put up with this shit too! I think I've just snapped with it all. Wondering if it's just me or anyone else feel the same really?

You could have found someone you work with and made an effort to get past the small talk and get to know them better. Or were you the most exciting person there and everyone else just isn't worth your time?

Very snotty of you.

I couldn't care less if they did! It was a bar so not really a collective mood per se.

It's fine. Leaving a big expensive dinner would be rude but you've shown your face at the pub thing.

Just say you had a headache and had to go. If anyone asks.

Have you considered at some point they’ll realise you’re missing and might get concerned? Nothing will highlight your flounce more than the boss/HR getting contacted out of hours because you’re AWOL.I get you didn’t want to be there, but walking out without a word is pretty childish.

Also… 50 people cannot all be boring. If every conversation you had was dull, check out the common denominator.

This sort of comment makes me very glad I don’t work in an industry where this matters. Why on earth should people feel
under pressure to perform socially? Unless the job itself or PR based or requires networking, who cares if people want to stay at a Xmas do or leave early??

No-one's above it, or more special than any one else. We're all as human as each other.

I love this.

Exactly OP, they don't own you, you're not a child and don't have to ask permission to leave.

I would have left too but I'd have told someone I wasn't feeling well and needed to leave. But we're all different.

Hope you enjoyed your solo, peaceful meal ❤️

I’d find it really rude if one of my team or my colleagues did this. But enjoy your meal.