Work xmas party

LegacyUser

Hi guys going unreg for this. As title says work xmas party is on at the weekend. I've had a massive blow up with mgmt over project over budget and spent all yesterday in tears at my desk trying to hold it in. Scheduled meeting with senior mgmt this morning and went badly but solution to resolve issues. Bad vibe in office and really do not want to go to the xmas party anyway, but because of this weeks issues really really do not want to go as will feel phoney and fake, but on the otherhand am thinking mgmt will think i just wasn't arsed and not a team player? Any opinions welcome, thanks in advance!

LegacyUser

You could always be sick on the day or have a family member who suddenly became sick if you really dont want to go. It is an after work event after all.

However maybe you would enjoy it if you did go. It might be a good night out & get you back on track with work colleagues/management.

LegacyUser

If this career is important to you then suck it up and go to the party. You can leave at a reasonable hour.

Remember it's just business, don't take the fact you got a bollicking for going over budget so personally. Learn from it and move on, tears and feeling sorry for yourself won't do any good for anyone.

LegacyUser

Go out of principle, it would look obvious if you made an excuse not to go. can always leave early,

Firetrap

You'd be better to show up at the party for at least a while. Yes, you feel awful at the moment but it's not going to reflect well on you if you don't show up. You're going to have to continue working with management regardless of what bust-ups have happened in recent times.

Kiera

It would be bad form if you didn't go. Just dont drink too much in case you say something about this weeks events you might regret.

Stu77

Don't take it so hard. Office politics can be headwrecking but you would be conspicuous by your absence if you didn't go. Infact having a few drinks and un-winding might release some of the tension you are feeling toward management if you can go to the party with a smile on your face and have a bit of fun with the people you are at loggerheads with.

But defo don't get drunk. Just use it as an opportunity to build bridges and then leave a little bit early if thats what you prefer. You'll go back into work the next day feeling much better and happier that you took a mature attitude by turning a negative into a positive situation.

LegacyUser

Thanks guys! Thats I was thinking in my heart of hearts but stubborn streak was telling me otherwise! I've just got to suck it up, go along and be on my best behaviour! I realise I'm so lucky to have a job and even having a xmas party in current times....so so grateful

CDfm

A friend of mine shows up for an hour or so or if there is a meal and has arrangements made to leave at a defined time. Just goes and isnt missed. If you were that upset you might avoid getting tipsy with the obligatory I must give X a piece of my mind. better still bring the car and then you cant drink.

LegacyUser

I see no mention of "office politics" in the OP.

This is a run-of-the-mill project manager vs exec management blow up. They happen and we all move on. They will have moved on.

You need to decide to move on from it and don't let it dominate your life.

Good advice above: go to the party, don't drink too much - alternate each alcoholic drink with a large soft drink and drink plenty of water during the meal. Soon as everyone starts getting drunk you should discretely slip away. Mention to one or two people that you're not feeling too great and you're going to get a taxi. Don't make a big deal of it. As the night wears on no-one will notice who is coming or going. Next day in work if anyone asks just tell them you left a bit early because you felt rough.

Then get on with your life. You'll look back on this in a couple of years and wonder what the fuss was about.

helimachoptor

Go out of principle OP, hold your head high dont let them see they are getting on top of you!

dan_d

Oh OP I do feel sorry for you, that's the worst feeling in the world. But I do think you should go to the party. I've no doubt they've had rows with several people this week, that you're not even aware of . It's part of the job. I've had many with my boss, and feel the worst time is the next day, when you've to look them in the eye again - and worse - ask them for help!But he gets over it and so do I. Look, all you can do is keep trying your best, and if you're halfway decent at your job, it is literally, all in a day's work. Try not to take it too personally....although I do know how difficult that is.