Quick Help from witty smart people please!?

Question

I chose not to go to this years Xmas party at my job. many reasons..i don't like italian, my friends arent going, we have to pay money for ourselves!!!! They are going to try to pressure me in a meeting in 20 minutes. What are some reasons i can tell them and keep a straight face AND save face of why i'm not going???

ITS DURING WORK HOURS!!!!!!

THE DEAD LINE TO PAY WAS FRIDAY.

I DON'T WANT TO GET FIRED!

Answer 1

I would be honest with diplomacy. "I am not fond of Italian food so I cannot see the reason for spending money on something I will not enjoy. Since money is tight this year, I will forego this year's festivities and keep you in my thoughts. Thank you for really wanting me to participate and I appreciate it, but perhaps next year will be different."

I can understand the pressure of corporate politics and have been there and also declined when it just simply would not be pleasurable because common friends were not going to at least allow it some moderate tolerance. Other times, I suck it up and just simply go and sometimes surprisingly I end up enjoying myself. Plus it was an opportunity away from doing actual work!

You cannot be fired for failure to go to an office social party. You may frowned at and perceived as not being a "team player" but cannot be fired.

Otherwise a miracle illness or doctor appointment that cannot be cancelled

Answer 2

The fact that it's scheduled during work hours complicates things a little. It's hard to just bail, because people will have seen you at work. I can't tell from your question if it's a corporate thing or a group of people from the department going for lunch. It seems if it was a company thing, they'd pay for it. If the people in your department aren't hateful, it might be a good thing to go to get to know people a little better; you might find you like them better than you thought. Many Italian places would still have some kind of roast or grilled chicken and salad that wouldn't seem too much like Italian. If it's company-sponsored, it depends on how much you want to move up in the company. Supposedly people notice things like this.

But I'm not one to give advice; I bailed on the holiday lunch (corporate) at a former job because my 2 coworkers (3-person department) who'd promised to be there were out sick and I knew I'd be really depressed if I went. I went to a local spa and got the half-hour massage instead. (I did run into someone who asked where I was going and I said a doctor's appointment.)

Answer 3

If it is during work hours; you should go. However, you can be there briefly, not eat, and say you have a phone call to return/pressing business at your desk.

You could also claim you just had a "personal emergency" at the last minute and not go. Having said that, if you don't participate often at work functions like this, everyone will figure that you are just lying.

Aside from all of this. . What is the problem with saying that you just don't care to attend? It won't win you any friends, but if you do a good job, your boss will not fire you for not wanting to socialize with others.

Good Luck (I hate this stuff too)

http://msamysays.blogspot.com

Answer 4

I agree with Billy Bob. Not going will be extremely noticable regardless of what excuse you come up with. It's much better to just suck it up, go, show your face, chat for a few minutes, and then gracefully leave.

You can start by saying at the meeting that you have other obligations but will stop in for a spell. That will give you a get out early pass.

Answer 5

you dont even have to give a reason, it's not an obligation to go to a work christmas function.
If my work expected me to be there then I'd expect them to pay me for my time which is precious especially around christmas.

edit: ugh during work hours, that's a toughy, stick with the truth that you're not fond of Italian food and that you'd rather stay at work and answer the phone and let someone else go in your place

Answer 6

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Answer 7

You could say something like you have another Christmas party to attend that falls during the same time, but only say that if it's true. If you're doing something with your friends, that'd be good, because they can vouch for you. If you don't have anything planned for that same day/time, then you could say that you're sorry, but you just can't make it. If they ask you why, just say, I'd rather not say.

Hope that helps!

Answer 8

Have to pick up grandma at the airport that night...have an old friend from high school in town and that is only time I can see her.... you have tickets to a play/concert/ballet that you bought months ago (got to look up venue/date online so you can back that one up with details)

Good Luck

Answer 9

They can't fire or even reprimand you for not attending, that's illegal. So don't freak out.

Just them you have other commitments that night, you're sorry you can't attend, but you hope they have a wonderful time. Then change the subject.
(If they ask what your other commitments, tell them, "It's personal" or "family stuff" and change the subject again. They should get the hint.)

Answer 10

a previous engagement. One That would be impossible to reschedule.Parents 25th anniversary party (something like that)

edit: During work hour well your feeling sick aren't ya ?
Maybe you've had an upset stomach and your on the brat diet.
Blood work must fast.

FACE IT YOUR GOING!!!!