Holiday Work Parties

[Losiracer2]

So I've got this little work get together in about a week that "encourages" employees to bring their significant other to the event. The way the email was worded sounds like everyone is bringing someone else with them along with a dish or gift of some sort to contribute to the pot luck style dinner.

Pretty sure no one is bringing their children along with them, so I assume its only the employees and their spouse/gf.

Thing is, I'm single and don't have a SO. I'm new to this company, only been an engineer there for a month and a half and really am just getting used to all my coworkers. Pretty small company about 18 people total work there including the managers, data support people, engineers and technicians.

Is it okay to not bring anyone to these parties? Its going to be at my bosses home and more of a casual atmosphere I'm thinking.

Also, I'm definitely the youngest one there by a long shot. Everyone else is likely in their early to mid 40s, married with children. I'm in my mid 20s

Another thing, I don't have too many female friends that I can call and ask, but I guess if I had to I could, just wouldn't be comfortable bringing some girl that I don't really know to well.

I suppose I could not go as well, but then I don't want to be seen as an antisocial employee. So just go alone? and not drink anything since this place is about 55 miles from my house.

I've never really been to a work holiday party before, all my other jobs were internships and hourly and not a professional career that I need to make a good impression with. So i'm not too sure what exactly goes on at these events.

Thoughts?

the responses in these threads made me lol:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/relat...rty-alone.html

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/...mas-party.html

[s2cmpugh]

You need to go; simple and to the point!

I recommend you actually don't bring anyone and here's why:

1. You're still the "new guy", so you're going to be dealing with interacting with people in a relaxed social setting outside of work. I'm guessing this is something that you haven't had a chance to do with them yet so I'd focus on getting to know your coworkers.

2. If you bring a girl who is just a friend, then prepare to explain to everyone there she is only a friend, yada yada yada. It's just awkward and not needed and might make her feel uncomfortable.

3. Use this opportunity to impress people with some cooking skills! Almost everyone likes, mac n cheese. It's simple, it's wholesome, it's just damn good.

4. Increase your networking skills among your coworkers. Ask people lots of questions and actually listen to their responses, and then continue with follow up questions. People like to talk about themselves, and by you letting someone talk, they feel important.

5. Keep the alcohol intake to a moderate level. Consuming a couple beers to loosen up and relax is a good idea, but know your limits.

6. Avoid work talk unless someone brings it up first. A lot of people just don't want to hear it after 5p and they go home.

7. Offer to help get someone another drink or if they need anything. Another great way to stand out and seem personable.

8. HAVE FUN and RELAX!!

Don't over think this man; just be you, relax, have fun, and look at this as a way to build relationships!

I hope this helps
Cris P.

[Straight Success]

Me personally, I'd go by myself and let them know that I'm single. I'd also let them know I'm straight, and focused on my career/success. Furthermore, I'd let them know when the good Lord send me my significant other, then she'll accompany me. Until then, let's enjoy the party.

That's my personality. I'm not sure if that response will work for you.

Good luck, homie!

[new_beginnings]

You need to go; simple and to the point!

I recommend you actually don't bring anyone and here's why:

1. You're still the "new guy", so you're going to be dealing with interacting with people in a relaxed social setting outside of work. I'm guessing this is something that you haven't had a chance to do with them yet so I'd focus on getting to know your coworkers.

2. If you bring a girl who is just a friend, then prepare to explain to everyone there she is only a friend, yada yada yada. It's just awkward and not needed and might make her feel uncomfortable.

3. Use this opportunity to impress people with some cooking skills! Almost everyone likes, mac n cheese. It's simple, it's wholesome, it's just damn good.

4. Increase your networking skills among your coworkers. Ask people lots of questions and actually listen to their responses, and then continue with follow up questions. People like to talk about themselves, and by you letting someone talk, they feel important.

5. Keep the alcohol intake to a moderate level. Consuming a couple beers to loosen up and relax is a good idea, but know your limits.

6. Avoid work talk unless someone brings it up first. A lot of people just don't want to hear it after 5p and they go home.

7. Offer to help get someone another drink or if they need anything. Another great way to stand out and seem personable.

8. HAVE FUN and RELAX!!

Don't over think this man; just be you, relax, have fun, and look at this as a way to build relationships!

I hope this helps
Cris P.

x2. Couldn't have said it any better. Especially the last sentence. It's all about "networking".

[Fleetw00d]

Go ahead and go by yourself for all the reasons stated already, except #3. I say nix the mac and cheese. I could send you some easy recipes for cranberry salad or a cheese cake or my own creation "Asphalt Brownies". I know, not an appealing name, but great if you like nuts - they are the "aggregate". Get a couple double fudge brownie mixes, prepare as described, then add about 3 cups of various nuts (I've used walnuts, pecans, almoonds, peanuts, cashews, etc.) and maybe even raisins and chocoloate chips, then bake.

[Losiracer2]

Thanks guys, you make some valid points. So far during working hours I've got good relationships with everyone, very jovial and humorous at times. Everyone is pretty laid back too, its ok to wear jeans and a hoodie daily at an engineering workplace.

Go ahead and go by yourself for all the reasons stated already, except #3. I say nix the mac and cheese. I could send you some easy recipes for cranberry salad or a cheese cake or my own creation "Asphalt Brownies". I know, not an appealing name, but great if you like nuts - they are the "aggregate". Get a couple double fudge brownie mixes, prepare as described, then add about 3 cups of various nuts (I've used walnuts, pecans, almoonds, peanuts, cashews, etc.) and maybe even raisins and chocoloate chips, then bake.

That dish actually lines up perfect with another my boss is making entitled "chicken sh!t" lol

I was going to bring smores to the party as my food item. I think everyone would love that.

[604CB7]

Being someone older and a part of management I would highly recommend you attend the get together. Being new you want to impress your coworkers and bosses with your attendance as it shows that you are a team player and are willing to get to know others during off work hours. Taking a date is fine if you are with someone. If you are single then be single. Why fake it? If you need to take a dish then make something or get something that you feel everyone would like. It doesn't have to be a show stopper but something thoughtful is always appreciated. I would say do limit your alcohol intake as you don't want negative attention. Just be yourself and mingle with everyone there. Best of luck and have a fun night.

[XCRN]

Hookers?

But seriously, do you know that everyone there is bringing someone else.

[bobbycos]

Hookers?

But seriously, do you know that everyone there is bringing someone else.

If taking a hooker to the party please make sure that she is able to breathe in the trunk of the car.we don't need anymore dead ones

Go to the party and just be sociable.plain and simple

[XCRN]

Just cut some holes in the trunk you'll be fine.

[bobbycos]

Just cut some holes in the trunk you'll be fine.

thank you, this site has had a problem in the past with dead hookers

[XCRN]

thank you, this site has had a problem in the past with dead hookers

That is sig worthy.

[owequitit]

So I've got this little work get together in about a week that "encourages" employees to bring their significant other to the event. The way the email was worded sounds like everyone is bringing someone else with them along with a dish or gift of some sort to contribute to the pot luck style dinner.

Pretty sure no one is bringing their children along with them, so I assume its only the employees and their spouse/gf.

Thing is, I'm single and don't have a SO. I'm new to this company, only been an engineer there for a month and a half and really am just getting used to all my coworkers. Pretty small company about 18 people total work there including the managers, data support people, engineers and technicians.

Is it okay to not bring anyone to these parties? Its going to be at my bosses home and more of a casual atmosphere I'm thinking.

Also, I'm definitely the youngest one there by a long shot. Everyone else is likely in their early to mid 40s, married with children. I'm in my mid 20s

Another thing, I don't have too many female friends that I can call and ask, but I guess if I had to I could, just wouldn't be comfortable bringing some girl that I don't really know to well.

I suppose I could not go as well, but then I don't want to be seen as an antisocial employee. So just go alone? and not drink anything since this place is about 55 miles from my house.

I've never really been to a work holiday party before, all my other jobs were internships and hourly and not a professional career that I need to make a good impression with. So i'm not too sure what exactly goes on at these events.

Thoughts?

the responses in these threads made me lol:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/relat...rty-alone.html

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/...mas-party.html

Kai, I think you are overthinking it.

1) Yes, you should go. Great networking opportunity and team building excercise.

2) There shouldn't be pressure to take an SO, that is just an invitation to let you know they are welcome, should there be one.

However, I encourage you to use it as an opportunity to ask someone out. Wouldn't hurt anything, but be careful that she can hang at the level required for such an event.

You could also take a friend, and personally, I wouldn't worry about being afraid to "explain" who she is, or why she is there. Could just be a random date. It isn't a big deal.

3) If you do go stag, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Go and have fun.

[Ralphie]

All good advice!

I personally would go it alone, because even though it is true that it's a good opp to ask a chick out, or just bring a girl who is cool that you like...

it's added pressure.

Always next year, since it's your first year and your the new guy, go it alone, and just have a good time. Get to know everyone and see whats' good.