Drinks & Team Outings
When you're exhausted from the workday and still expected to be "fun" — strategies for social work events.
Sound familiar?
- You go to drinks because you're afraid of being left out
- After half an hour you're standing by the snacks wanting to go home
- You're exhausted from the workday and then you also have to be 'social'
- You don't know when you can leave without it being noticeable
What you can do
Set a time limit with yourself
45 minutes is enough. You've been there, you've shown your face, you can leave.
Have an exit excuse ready
"I need to be somewhere" or "I have an early appointment" — nobody checks.
Find one person to talk to
One-on-one conversations are easier than group dynamics. Find the colleague you already know.
Don't go every time
One out of every three drinks is enough. Nobody's counting — and if they are, that's their problem.
Scripts
You want to leave the drinks early
"This was fun, but I'm heading out. See you tomorrow!"
The team outing is an escape room and that's a nightmare for you
"Escape rooms aren't my thing. I'll join for dinner afterwards."
Colleagues ask why you never come along
"After a workday I don't always have energy for social things. But I appreciate the invitation."
Remember
- You don't have to attend every drinks to be a good colleague
- Being social at work counts too — it doesn't have to be outside work hours