Decision to make...need your input

Our company Christmas/Holdiay party is tomorrow night...I have to RSVP by noon today if I'm going to attend or not...I really don't want to attend as I have a personal situation to address tomorrow night..which will probably be very draining...afterward, I don't think I am going to be in the mood to attend this event...which is very formal...and lots of drinking..etc..

Since our company is currently undergoing critical changes in the upcoming year (lay offs, reorganizing...etc) politically speaking...going to the party is probably important..on the other hand...taking care of this personal matter ASAP...is important as well...actually probably even more important.

Opinions...ideas...thoughts?

Oh Kathy, that's tough. I tend to find any excuse I can to avoid staff parties - I know that's not the case here, I'm just telling you this to show you where I'm coming from - I find them stressful and draining. I'm not really a social butterfly..heheee :o

So, that said, I don't really have much advice....if it were me I'd probably try to do both - that seems to be my motto "I can do it all". Is there anyway you could go to the party, and excuse yourself early - that way you can make an appearance, and then leave to take care of the other matter after?

Good luck on this decision.

Oh Kathy, that's tough. I tend to find any excuse I can to avoid staff parties - I know that's not the case here, I'm just telling you this to show you where I'm coming from - I find them stressful and draining. I'm not really a social butterfly..heheee :o

So, that said, I don't really have much advice....if it were me I'd probably try to do both - that seems to be my motto "I can do it all". Is there anyway you could go to the party, and excuse yourself early - that way you can make an appearance, and then leave to take care of the other matter after?

Good luck on this decision.

Good point CabinFever..thank you...possibly. The idea of hanging out with people I work with everyday...(primarily 80 percent male population...oy) just does not appeal to me at this point in time...with everything else I have on my mind lately...will let you know what I decide.

Thanks again!

I think cabinfever has the right idea. Blow the party quickly after making a showing and then tend to your other pressing issue. ;)

I think cabinfever has the right idea. Blow the party quickly after making a showing and then tend to your other pressing issue. ;)

I agree...good point kindanice...for some reason...hanging out with a bunch of people drinking and playing politics...just isn't my idea of a good time...thanks again!
;) :)

Kathy-

I am in exactly the same position u are. I have a formal office party tomorow night and really do not want to go, but feel I have to. There is something else I really need to do as well. On top of that I have a date whom I asked several weeks ago before the other issue came up. I am not really interested in this man, but he thinks I am because I asked him to a formal event. I already have the dress, shoes etc plus an appointment to get my hair done tomorrow afternoon!

I agree with some of the others, which is what I plan to do. Make a brief appearance at the office party early on while everyone is still sober and have someone take your picture while u are looking stunning. Then slip out the back door and go take care of your personal business.

Kathy...it sounds like you've already gotten some wonderful advice...so I'll just say this....do what ya gotta do!

*hugs to you* for whatever you decide. *grin*

Nadine.

If your company pays you well and you

(a) respect your company

and

(b) respect your boss (immediate supervisor),

then you should go to the company event. It's not just a reflection on you, but also on your boss, I'm guessing. Especially if you're a rising star or are otherwise a high-value employee.

All that aside, however, I totally empathize with you. I detest shop parties -- especially if unlikeable people are sure to be there. Yuk! :(

Regardless if it's right or wrong...I made a decision today. I won't be attending the party. The personal matter I need to take care of is more important at this point...I rsvp'd today..I found out my manager will be in Cabo...so she will not be attending...I also found out that it's supposed to snow in Boston tomorrow (a lot of snow I hear)...so think I may have lucked out.

I spoke to the Manager at work today who is in charge of the party and explained I had prior obligations and needed to take care of them...he understood (I think) and said I should still drop by and have a drink..(well...I don't drink...so)...basically, I've decided not to go. A work party is umm not "relaxing" in the least bit to me...when I have things on my mind...I'd rather take care of those things first...and play later.

Just wanted to update and let you all know...I've made a decision. :) ;)

This is too late to be of help to Kathy, but I would tend to the personal matter, unless my own job hung in the balance. I have spent a lifetime, Harrison, being a slave to a profession and in the end, its the personal stuff that is important! When I was Harrison's age, I probably felt like he does. That said, the fact that I tended to the professional stuff back then, probably allows me the luxury of blowing off the company crud that I have no desire to participate in now!

This is too late to be of help to Kathy, but I would tend to the personal matter, unless my own job hung in the balance. I have spent a lifetime, Harrison, being a slave to a profession and in the end, its the personal stuff that is important! When I was Harrison's age, I probably felt like he does. That said, the fact that I tended to the professional stuff back then, probably allows me the luxury of blowing off the company crud that I have no desire to participate in now!

Thanks Rozie...I agree! :D