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Blowing off another work function

Posted 26th September 2007 by Florinda Pendley Vasquez, tagged work, networking, socializing

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Once again, I'm skipping a "potential networking opportunity"/work-related social function. It's the annual Employee Appreciation Luncheon, and it's not that I don't appreciate people (or feel appreciated) - I've just got too much to do, got in late, can't stay past 4 today, and am better off eating my own brown-bag lunch since we have a family birthday dinner tonight (which is why I can't stay past 4). How's that for a list of excuses? Let's add that I'm not good in large groups and really don't hang out with my co-workers anyway, so I never know where to sit at these things. Oh, and I'm too stressed and cranky today to be any fun anyway.

And if I'm planning to keep working and get my lunch eaten, I need to stop writing thhis note and get back to it! 

 





5 comments so far...

  • MaryP - I'm in the only area of my agency that does what I do, so intracompany networking really doesn't serve much purpose for me. I'm not sure I completely agree with Miss Manners either, but I do appreciate that she is providing me with a sanctioned opt-out!

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by Florinda Pendley Vasquez on 28th September 2007

  • You quiet types will be glad to know that Miss Manners disapproves of the melding of social and business behaviour. Meetings are fine, networking is fine, but a business function disguised as a party just blurs the distinction and leads to embarrassing moments. I'm not sure I agree, frankly, but I do take her point.


    Like Kate, I think it depends on what your goals are. Is there anywhere in the company you'd prefer to be than where you are? And would attending these functions help get you there? If not, why waste the time?

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by MaryP on 28th September 2007

  • Kate - if I can't dodge these things, I usually do try to get there early and find a place before many people arrive. It makes me feel SLIGHTLY less awkward.

    Marcia - I'm OK with going to meetings, it's just these company party-type things I'd rather avoid.

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by Florinda Pendley Vasquez on 26th September 2007

  • depends on if you WANT to network/get noticed by management etc. if not - then i dont blame you at all for sitting at your desk :)

    i never get the luxury:( i have found if i get there early and just get a drink/food (there is always drink/food!) and grab a seat early - someone will sit next to me and sometimes i am so surprised at WHO! everyone from worker bee to the big wigs and everyone in between.

    basically, i dont think anyone really feels comfortable at those things. even those that do socialize outside of work are told to go outside their comfort zones and meet other co-workers etc. it's just awkward but in the end it usually works out ok somehow :)

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by Kate on 26th September 2007

  • I always make excuses not to go to company wide meetings. I rather sit here and work quietly than fall asleep listening to things I don't even know about. I rarely go to employee functions involving free food and chatting either. I don't know THAT many people here to talk socially and I'm one of the only females anyways. I don't even talk to the other ones since they aren't in my department. I wouldn't know what to do with myself either.

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by Marcia on 26th September 2007

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