Holiday Party Hang-up

Dear Debra:

My company has an office party each year.  It is at a nice hotel. They have a DJ and dancing.  I usually go for the dinner and leave around 8pm when the music starts.  Everyone drinks a lot and dances.  It is just not where I want to spend my Friday night.  Do you think my co-workers think that I am weird or anti-social?  I really just hate those functions!

Regards, Carl

Dear Carl:

I feel your pain.  You may not like my answer, Carl.   The party happens once a year.  The company goes through great expense to show their appreciation.  There is probably a planning committee that spends hours finding ways to make it fun.  Therefore, I suggest that you attend the party and stay until at least 9:30 pm.  The more you are seated alone, the more time will seem to drag. You don’t have to dance.  Make a point to circulate around the room and say hello to everyone.  If you are not comfortable mingling, just rotate from one food or drink station to another.  Toss in a bathroom break every half hour and the time will fly by.  This is a great chance to build fellowship with your co-workers.  Try to relax and enjoy yourself.  The other 51 Fridays of the year, you can spend with your friends! odessa.natashaescort.com

Cheers!

Debra

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If you have a question for Deb, please email debra@careersdonewrite.com. The Ask Deb column appears every Friday on our blog at the Careers Done Write website.