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My holiday party sucked. I actually had to pay for my own alcohol!!!! This is a F500 company. They didn't even sponsor house beer...
They are really cutting budgets for anything outside of salary and benefits. If I want any perks I have to get them from our vendors.....And over a certain amount needs to be pre-cleared....
It all depends on if you're going to be there next year. Ask around if alcohol is sponsored....If not - Don't go LOL. That's the LEAST they could do for making you tolerate people for 3-4 additional potential hours!!!!
This can be a little tricky as each workplace has a different culture. At some places you'll literally be ostracized if you don't attend, at least without a very good reason. At others if you don't want to attend for whatever reason, no one will think twice about it. I've been in both types of situations and it's kind of hard to judge if you've just been there a month. However, I see no problem if you legitimately have an scheduled event, especially if the party is outside of working hours. I'd just say you have a scheduled event an won't' be able to attend. Assuming you have no problem attending the Christmas party if you're free next year, I don't see this being a problem. I'm lucky in a way in that our Christmas party is held during working hours but I never go because I don't want to. A lot of people don't go and nobody says anything.
I think this is a question that would have to be answered by people with knowledge of your specific workplace and its culture. As you can see, you're getting a full range of answers here.
OP has only been working there a month! People might not even realize he’s not there. I wouldn’t worry about it, but tell your boss you appreciate that the company is providing a party but can’t attend “this year” due to a prior commitment.
I think people get bad reputations for not attending Christmas parties when they are habitual no-shows and also refuse to go to in-office social events like birthdays, retirements or going-aways. Missing one time is not going to permanently brand you. Especially when if asked by co-workers and you telling them the truth in this case, and not being that guy who says “Hell no I’m not going to party with these MFs I work with.”
I think this is a question that would have to be answered by people with knowledge of your specific workplace and its culture. As you can see, you're getting a full range of answers here.
So true. If I'm not sure about the "culture" and whether I might offend by not showing up, I'll ask coworkers questions about what's expected, make some innocent comments about my "previous engagement" ahead of time, and then my regrets about being unable to get to know my new coworkers a little better. Segue into it by asking if sharing expenses, dishes, drinks might be expected. Ask my manager if departments plan or contribute to the event, then mention why I can't attend. You can sort of scatter the seeds ahead of time. By the time the event arrives, some people will understand.
Most appear to be placing too much emphasis on one annual party (as if it takes precedence over one's work performance all year). The reality is most won't notice (or care) OP; it doesn't matter to your employer if you're there or not. Christmas parties are for the employees. That said, especially since you're new, it stands to benefit you (not your employer) in terms of giving you the opportunity to connect with people on a personal level as well as open the door to new professional contacts. Have a drink or two, if possible - then make an exit. If not, skip it - and work on your communication and social skills all year (where it probably matters more than at the party anyway).
The biggest mistake people make at Christmas parties is drinking too much - not the fact they didn't come.
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hmmmm
