Am I making a mistake?
My boss has set up a weekly after-work gathering for our department on Fridays. The company pays for some appetizers, and he wants us to get to know eachother more outside of work.
I went to the first one, but then it became a regular thing. My family is waiting for me to come home and I'm ready for my weekend to start! But I'm also concerned my boss will think poorly of me if I don't attend, he's easily offended. Any advice is appreciated.
Be honest and clear with your boss. Tell him you have family obligations and you'll attend when possible.
If you want to advance your career you better show your face! Show up for 10 minutes then bounce out.
Career vs. family decisions are difficult. Personally my hang out after work days are over with a 3 year old at home.
Follow your gut, what does it say? Family or work?
That's his problem if he doesn't understand never put anything in front of your family family comes first work to me is just business I'm not there to make friends I like to get along with everyone but I'm there 2 do my job to the best of my ability come in on time give it 110 percent everyday I could care less if my boss likes me or doesn't I just care if he respects my work life is way too short at least for me I won't give up any of my free time with my family for nothing nevermind hang out with my coworkers that I see already all week I was a workaholic for 23 years I lost two wives 21 years of my daughter's life because of putting my job in front of everything think about that it's really lonely now
Sarah, I think he has a great concept, but he should not make it mandatory. I would tell him that you enjoy attending and socializing but you can't neglect your family and household obligations. Then I would ask if he would be terribly offended if you only attend once in awhile, or leave early? Dennis' idea of ghosting after awhile is good advise. However, if he notices that you are doing that he may be offended if he's that sensitive a person. Being honest and talking to him will always be the best approach. He should view that as a happy compromise. Just out of curiosity, how late do people stay for this get together?
The purpose of this after work gathering was for coworker bonding , building relationships outside of work etc. that goal has been accomplished try going every other Friday and not staying too long. Be honest and say hey I’ve been with you all all day and I love this get together time but I’m missing my family time and dinner so I can’t stay If your boss gets butt hurt over you leaving early or no show sometimes then he has issues. Seriously. He too needy and not your job to feed his abandonment or loneliness feeling issues. Get another coworker to leave early with you. He/ she will see y’all have a life but say something and get a backbone when he tries to manipulate you to stay. Be firm and say I need to see my family tonight. Youe an adult. You really don’t owe anyone any excuse. Just I have to leave now. Have great weekend see you Monday. You’re entitled to life outside your job. Good luck
Sarah B.-"Bite the bullet". Attend the gatherings for your teambuilding and appreciate the fact that your company does something extra for you. If you make an excuse and do not show up, it sounds like your boss will notice. Never be the first person to leave and stay to the end of one of your gatherings at least one time, Normally, these employee appreciation meetings don't last forever. Give it two months of Fridays and re-evaluate.
Also to be honest I'm not a social person when it comes to coworkers I keep my distance out side of work just cuz it can completely go wrong but I do talk with my coworkers at work lol
I like the idea of showing up for a little bit then ghost out of there when people start drinking