Christmas party coping strategies

[Olive180]

My work party is on Thursday and I'm dreading it. It's a 3 course meal with my department of 60ish people, followed by drinks at a nearby bar. I've only been working there a year, most people work remotely, and everyone is miserable (lots of redundancies/restructuring). I don't really know anyone going except for my line manager who never speaks to me except for our monthly 1:1s, and one woman in my immediate team who I've met in person before a few times, we have zero in common, and making conversation was a struggle. I'm planning on making a quiet exit en route after the meal.

Anyone else dreading their Xmas party and any tips or words of support?

Enjoy the food and the company of others, remember, we've been locked up for 2 years, we've missed a lot. Don't make it into a bigger deal than it is and take the car for an early escape.

..But I get the impression nobody really enjoys anyone's company any more? 😅

Talk briefly to as many people as possible to see if you can find some kindred spirits among them.

Just remember that if you're feeling like this, others will be too.

I hear you op. Mine is worse as we are literally stuck together with no escape for 4 hours! (can't go into details, in case anyone is on here) I feel ill at the thought of it. Wish I had the courage to say no, but colleagues are generally good people, I just hate enforced 'fun' and big crowds. It will take me days of being on my own to recover ( I am a social acting introvert).

I totally get you @TellySavalashairbrush. After a couple of hours of enforced social fun I'm exhausted and just zone out. I have nothing more to give! I get overwhelmed by lots of people and noise too.

Good luck with your 4 hours!

Mine is Wednesday. I'm an admin person in a team of very intellectual academics. I'm naturally shy and always feels anxious about things like this. I'm just planning to enjoy the food, make small talk and I know I'll feel better after a glass of wine. It'll be over before you know it. Good luck!

It once gave me great joy to tell my manager that rather than make up excuses to avoid these do's, I'd rather tell the truth - that I really didn't enjoy socialising out of work. Though I omitted the bit about all my colleagues (including said manager) being such bastards that I'd rather not work with them either. Didn't stay there long.

You don't have to go?

I do. Big presenteeism culture, and I've paid £50 for the meal...

Well the fifty quid has gone whether you go to the thing or not, so I would be tempted to have a migraine, family emergency, leaking toilet,sick cat or whatever you can think of, spend another tenner on a decent supermarket meal deal and stay home with a box set.

That sounds wonderful @viques ...

Make an excuse and don't go, honestly out of 60 people nobody will miss you. Do something you enjoy instead. Life's too short!

and that’s why I’m not going to mine!

Why are you going?

What are they going to do, fire you?

Honestly, if you're dreading it that much then just don't go.

We’ve got ours on Thursday too at a restaurant,. I was looking forward to it until one person said they were bringing their partner. Now it’s snowballed and lots are bringing their partners & now I feel the dynamic has changed. I’m sure it’ll be enjoyable but it won’t be a night out with the girls anymore.

If there is 60 people going you're bound to find one or two you'll get on with.