Our office always has a Christmas potluck every year. The company provides the meat (usually turkey and ham), and the employees are responsible for bringing the sides, desserts and beverages. However, our department always has a Christmas party and it is usually at someone's house. This year we are going to have it at a restaurant, but we have to pay for our own food. Maybe I'm wrong for feeling this way, but I feel the company should pay for the food or drinks (by allowing my supervisor to expense the tab). I almost feel guilty for thinking this way, but what's the point of having a department Christmas party? We always do the office party every year, and besides, I see the people in my department every day.
Do you think I am being selfish or am I missing the point of having a department Christmas party? Just FYI, I am not cheap and I am definitely not the type of person who expects something for nothing. But I'd rather be doing something else if I have to pay for myself.
2007-11-29 08:08:29 · 28 answers · asked by Hoping he will bless me with #1 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Not attending isn't really an option. They always ask us to confirm or availability prior to scheduling the party. I would probably be the only one who didn't show if I did that. Also, it's only nine people in my department (including myself).
2007-11-29 08:18:56 · update #1
I dont think you are being selfish at all- My mom works at a salon, and they always go to have dinner at a resturaunt, and last year was the first year the owner of the salon (not my mom's boss; mom is her own boss) asked that everyone pay for their own meals and drinks. Needless to say, my mom was frustrated and did not want to attend- That was the point, right? If they invite you, they should pay for your meal (or at least part. Maybe pay for your drinks if you have alchoholic beverages)
My advice would be to stay home, if you won't miss anything special. That's what I would do, and if they ask you why, you could say something along the lines of "I wasn't expecting to pay for my own meal and wasn't prepared to do so." You can hint to what you are inplying, without outright saying it.
good luck ;)
2007-11-29 08:14:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you 100% and I don't think you're wrong for feeling that way. At my last company, we had a small office and we all went out to dinner instead of having a party and my boss paid for it all and expensed it every year. I know of some large companies that have Christmas parties that they ask the employees to pay to attend, and I know for a fact many employees do not attend for this very reason! If you're going to get a sitter, get dressed up, and spend your own money, you'd much rather do something that YOU want! Totally understandable.
2007-11-29 08:17:34 · answer #2 · answered by Katie G 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wow, some Christmas spirit your company has! Who's picking the restaurant? Seems to me if it's the "official" party, the company should pick up the tab. Otherwise, don't feel obligated to attend. You're not cheap - it's Christmas season, and your money is probably earmarked for other people's gifts, not buying yourself a dinner you may not even want.
I'd boycott the party and organize a potluck with others who probably feel the same way.
2007-11-29 08:13:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
My company christmas party is free. However, what kind of company is this? This could very well be possible they are asking you to do this. Don't feel bad about wanting it to be taken care of but, go and have fun if you don't mind spending the money. If not why don't you organize a small in-office holiday party after work one day where you can do your usual potluck.
2007-11-29 08:12:36 · answer #4 · answered by RM 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I totally agree, if it is an office sponsored party and paid for by the company then you would be obligated to attend. If you are expected to pay your own way then I would simply state that with the extra expense of the holiday's you just don't have the extra money to attend. Lucky you, you actually have an out of the company Christmas party!
2007-11-29 08:15:11 · answer #5 · answered by Badkitty 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It seems as if the change in company policy is an issue for you. This is understandable. This may feel like a "loss" for you and others in your office...and since this is a "feeling" it is neither right nor wrong...it just IS. One of the beauties in living stems from the realization that I have CHOICES...I can choose to go and pay the money OR I can choose to refrain from attending and use my money in another way. The bottom line is that BOTH choices are correct...we just get to choose which one is BEST for us. Merry Christmas.
2007-11-29 08:23:17 · answer #6 · answered by Barbara A 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, I think that if your company is having you party at a restaurant that they should foot the bill. It is the polite thing to do.
If they gave you choice between the two and you chose to go out, then paying for your own bill would be ok.
2007-11-29 08:13:39 · answer #7 · answered by mystique 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would feel the same way you do. maybe the company is a little low on money this season. or they are just cheap. Who knows. People these days are cheap. they dont want to pay for anything. now 30 years ago. those were the days!
2007-11-29 08:13:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
that really sux! you are not being selfish. I've never heard of a company doing this, especially for a Christmas Party......Merry Christmas I guess. The company can write it off as a company expense, unless they aren't budgeting correctly.
2007-11-29 08:25:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I've noticed that if a company is owned by non-Christians, then even though they may allow you a party, they're not going to pay for it. It's kinda cheap on their part, but if you really want a Christmas party, I guess it's up the the employees to make it happen.
2007-11-29 08:14:34 · answer #10 · answered by ic2olney 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋