If yoiu are feeling the pinch this year, how do you handle the following...?

[nkf]

The Christmas work lunch/dinner. I love my colleagues and my work but I don't want to spend money on a work outing. I work across two departments and that means two meals out and I don't want to spend money on a work and I won't enjoy either because of the money.

If you are in this position and feel the same, what do you say/do?

I definitely hear you on this one - we have FOUR Christmas "dos" in work this year - they kicked off on Friday and although that did include a buffet and the first drink it was in the arse end of nowhere so taxis were a nightmare. The next is on the 15th, a meal locally but still an arm and a leg, then the 20th and the 22nd! And it's not just the booze or taxis or food it's the outfits, sitters, time spent hungover - I've said no to the last 2, way too close to Christmas anyway!

My colleague (who is young, free and single) cornered me and demanded to know why I wasn't going to all of them and when I explained that it was a number of reasons she just huffed and said I was boring! I was so mad it made me determined not to cave in - too easy to spend money you don't have on drink!

Well maybe being grown up, having maybe a mortgage, obligations, DCs etc is boring. Tough - that's life unfortunately. She'll learn.

I'm awash with leaving do's at the moment.

Stinking NHS

Collections, lunches, 'do's.... ARGH!

Be honest - you should be proud you are being sensible! XX

Another vote for honesty. You certainly won't be the only be who can't afford it and it will also be a useful line for people who don't really want to go (I.e. me, hate work night's out with a passion).

Another vote for honesty. You certainly won't be the only be who can't afford it and it will also be a useful line for people who don't really want to go (I.e. me, hate work night's out with a passion).