And I'm not complaining about that. The complaint arises from the fact that both my General Manager and direct supervisor both reminded me that I hadn't RSVP'd for the Christmas party tonight at 7 downtown. Tonight... at 7. Downtown... don't forget the secret Santa gift... "What, you aren't going? Why?"
I guess I'm glad that for some people, work is a place to socialize and enjoy the company of their co-workers so much that they would volunteer to do it in their off-time for fun. But for me, work is a place I HAVE to go. To eek out a living. And the people there are just the people I'm forced to work with. I hope they have happy holidays this year, but saying that is about as far as my goodwill goes.
Oh, before I forget. Happy Holidays Escapists.
Firstly, if I haven't RSVP'd, take that as "I'm not coming." That's the purpose of the RSVP; plan for those who RSVP, and move on. Don't offer the utility of an RSVP if you're ultimately going to question anyone who chooses not to, well,
*obvious shrug* "RSVP." Might just as well have said "the expectation is everyone is going to be there, and if you're not, we're going to inquire as to why." Secondly, I absolutely hate when the company expects the workplace to be some kind of place everyone "likes" to be. This is my JOB; I don't come here for fun. Yes, I can like some of my co-workers, I might even like my job, but at the end of the day, this is not a place I go to for any other reason than the money you pay me to do a thing; if I'm not doing that thing, then I'd rather be several places other.
It's so blatantly obvious that most people, tacitly or overtly, feel the same way. I'm just waiting for the day when employment culture catches up, when we finally address the elephant in the room that everyone would quit their jobs in an instant given a substantial-enough windfall, so no, we're not here for the fun, and extracurricular gatherings are not warranted. If I ever worked for a company that said to my face "we know you're only doing this for the money, so instead of catering an in-office holiday party, here's an extra $100 for you; go splurge on yourself, see ya on Monday," I'd shit my pants. Instead, I got an invitation to my company's holiday party next week with promises of food, raffles, and camaraderie. Though I'm only 4 miles from the office, I'm 100% remote... needless to say, I didn't "RSVP."