Is it alright not to want to socialize outside the office?

Question

My co-workers often want to get together outside the office. I usually do not want to go. I like to keep my work life at work and my personal life personal. I sometimes feel like telling them that I see them 40+ hours a week at work I like to be with my other friends outside the work place, how should I tell them without offending anyone, personally I feel I do not have to offer an explanation but I often get asked by a few of them what do you have to do that is so important? My response to that is usually a smile and I walk away.

Answer 1

Your attitude often reflects mine. I like that separation as well. However, as was mentioned before, jobs are like high school - very clicky. Often, people get promotions based more on who they know and are chummy with than what they know. It's unfortunate, but not doing stuff with coworkers, especially the higher-ups, can be detrimental to your future. Overall, however, I say be true to yourself.

Answer 2

You've got the right attitude.

Whether or not you socialize outside the office depends on what you want out of the job.

If you're not into the politics and butt-kissing, don't give in.

I'd rather show up, do the job, collect the pay, and go home. But I'm not a corporate type person. I don't plan on working 8-to-5 for much longer.

But if you were majorly in love with your career and wanted to move up and stay at this company forever, you'd probably be wise to suck up.

Answer 3

I, too always wanted space from my co-workers. I generally avoided even going to lunch with them. Fortunately I always have had at least one dog that was in need of going for a walk. Lacking that responsibility, be honest and tell them you have plans with other friends or with family. If that does not work, try telling them you are having an affair with one of their husbands while they are out gabbing! If the occasion was a bridal shower or baby shower I always went, even though I am very uncomfortable in those type of settings.

Answer 4

Sure, it's OK not to socialize out of the office. If you don't want to, you don't want to. If you see the way some of your co-workers act outside of the office you may begin to lose respect for them which may cause problems in the office later.