I cant decide whether or not to go to my works xmas party

[KikiTiger]

Bearing in mind I cant stand any of them and we have to pay a percentage on the ticket and full price to bring a guest ;)

[carmalee]

depends whether or not you want to progress in your present job - if it's a career then you would be better off going - like it or not politics play a big part (stay sober though!!)

[bednobs]

also christmas meal are severly overrated

[KikiTiger]

I would go for the night out, but I live in London, they are having it in Milton Keynes, their office is in Northampton, seems a bit selfish to me.

[mike11111]

I am with pixi on this one. When I was a teacher I never went on staffroom bashes. When asked why, I answered in much the same way, that I had to work with the rest of the staff but did not have to socialise with them. They always talk shop, anyway.

[DEN53]

My experience of office knees ups is normally, the boss thinks its o.k to try it on with his secretary or any female in the office and everyone who never speaks to you all year round, starts to crack funny jokes and you are expected to laugh. I'd give it a miss.

I once had an unfortunate encounter at a Christmas party with the partner of a law firm I was working for in the city - he tried it on with me in the lift at the Dorchester, Hotel - the look on his face when I punched him was a picture - but his embarrassment on the Monday morning back at work with his black was even better.

[B00]

I'm with Pixi im afriad. Whilst my workmates are ok, I don't think id be friends with any of them out of work, so the thought of spending my spare time with any of them quite frankly disturbs me.

I've worked at my current job for 4 years now and not been on any social evening (Ie pi44 up in a pub) with them, I tell them I'm anti social and thats that :-)

[woofgang]

I am not sure why you would even consider going???

[craft1948]

We used to have wonderful Xmas do's in London (with me staying over in a nice hotel), but that was in the days when the company used to pick up the whole tab....it doesn't happen nowadays.

[cazzz1975]

if you cant stand them and have to stump up money as well it cant be good, I would give it a miss, works do's that I used to go to were full of debauchery and bitching, cringeworthy to watch if you were sober.

[snags]

I'm in agreement with B00. Sod 'em.

[joko]

if it was free and easy for you id say pop in for an hour, just to show your face and not have them think they have been snubbed...upsetting work colleagues can be very bad idea if they all gang up a little bit an make you feel unwelcome at work

but if youre not bothered by that then id not bother

[joeluke]

You should go to the do, get totally p!$$ed, and tell the workmates that you can't stand what you really think of them

[bobjugs12]

Do it, it will work wonders for your career (especially if you give the boss 'mouth love' in the bogs, take photos of the act, then threaten to tell his wife unless he gives you a raise/promotion/company car)

[anneasquith]

dont go.

[beanpole]

Don't go.

For years I never went to Christmas dos at work enven though they were free and provided staff a chance to drink at someone else's expense.

Last year as I was leaving at the end of the year i relented and frankly it was awful. People who had spoken to me for years saying how much they would miss me. I couldn't wait to escape and thought I would be the first only to see the manager sneaking away in front of me. The only blessing is I am now spared this and don't have to find an excuse.

[LoftyLottie]

Just don't go. I certainly wouldn't. The last one I ever went to was an absolute nightmare - never again. Well I am retired now anyway. We don't go to any of Mr LL's either.

[Bbbananas]

I'm responsible for organising our xmas 'do' every year, so I sort of feel obliged to go. I'm also in charge of the wine order - so get the leftovers - of which there seems to be an awful lot - maybe I over-order?!!!!

We have a pretty good turnout, though on the whole we do all get along and like a laugh, a drink and a boogie. I try to pick 'fun' venues though. And lots of jigging room.

[mccfluff]

don't go, work do's are awful. mind you i'm going to two this year. not quite sure how that happened, but one is apparently my birthday bash as well so i think i'm kinda obliged with that one.....

[wolf63]

I went to the first two Christmas parties (1980 and 1981) and then never went again. I retired (at 40!) in 2003 and they still send out invitations to retirement parties and other parties. I never go.

It can be a pretty stressful time at Christmas and the last thing that you need is to go to a party that is going to cause even more stress. Spend the money on something enjoyable.