How Do I Get Out Of The Christmas 'Do'?

[Treacle71]

They're arranging a Christmas night out in December at work. The email reads 'management want to thank us for our hard work this year', but we're to pay £35 for this 'thank you' ourselves.  They're not paying.  I can't afford £35 this Christmas, plus the venue is far from where I live.  It's also on a night I don't work; so I'd have to travel in on my day off.  I don't want to go. How can I get them to accept I pure and simply don't want to go? I only like my own friends to socialise with and I never socialise with people from work. Guy in the office doesn't seem to understand 'no' and is pushy.

[naomi24]

Just say you don't want to go.

[Canary42]

That's outrageous. Tell the guy to *** off.

[douglas9401]

Use your contacts in the reporting world to get word to the top.

[ToraToraTora]

It's not compulsory is it? RSVP = No thanks.

[Cloverjo]

A bit much to ask you to pay. How is that a thank you? 

Just say no!

[DDIL]

Just say No thank you

[lolasmam]

Treacle, I’ve encountered this issue before, and the best approach is to firmly say, ‘Sorry, I can’t come.’ There’s no need to explain further; simply state that you can’t attend. If pressed, just mention that you have other commitments that cannot be altered.

Frankly, I find it outrageous that you are expected to pay for your own Christmas party. Shouldn’t it be the responsibility of management to cover the venue costs as a gesture of appreciation?

[DDIL]

You had the same issue last year, where you were complaining that your boss wasn't paying for you.

[maggiebee]

You simply say "no thank you".

[Treacle71]

Exactly, lolasmam and have to pay £35 to get a thank you?  Seems weird.

 

[ToraToraTora]

...so you'd go if it was free?

[Treacle71]

I can't because I'm not in the vicinity on that day, Tora.  Yes, I'd go if I could of course and it was free - who wouldn't.

[naomi24]

Depending on what's planned some companies do ask for a contribution towards Christmas festivities.   No one is obliged to go though.

[DDIL]

you would make the effort to go if it was free but not if you had to pay?

Just be a grown up and say no.

[naomi24]

//I'd go if I could of course and it was free - who wouldn't.//

 

I certainly wouldn't go just because it's free.  

[DDIL]

Neither would I, if I didn't like the people I worked with and had as many issues with the bosses - then spending an evening with them would be the last thing I would do - free or not!

[douglas9401]

Accept charity?! Pah! and Haaah! in equal measure.

[Treacle71]

I would naomi.  I would.  I don't want to shell out £35 for a thank you when I could get it for free.

[Canary42]

Reminds me of my last boss. He took his direct reports (including me) out for Christmas Lunch, we had to pay but his idea of a treat was getting a cut rate deal at his Golf Club. The food was dire and the ambience depressing.

[naomi24]

But you can't get it for free, Treacle.  I would either want to celebrate Christmas with my colleagues or I wouldn't.   For me, that would be the deciding factor.