Work dilemma.. need advice

Veil5577
Veil5577 Posts: 868 Member
in Chit-Chat
This doesn't have anything to do with weight loss but it's a problem I need a little advice with.

The place where I work is, generally, a great place to work... except for one thing. Often the owners of the company will arrange outings for the employees that are "mandatory." Now, I am not much for socializing even at work, and outside of work I choose my own friends, none of which are my co-workers, so I resent being forced to go on these mandatory outings to places like bars, the local casino, etc. I go when I have to, and keep my mouth shut and wait for it to be over for the most part. Now don't get me wrong, I know the owners are being very generous and trying to make it a fun place to work. But I'm an outsider, an outcast, in this office so these outings are not fun for me.

Here is my problem. There is a gay pride parade being held soon and we are being "invited" to march in it. Now I don't have any problem with gay people whatsoever. I firmly believe love is love regardless. But I do have a problem marching in this parade, because one, I am not gay, and two, I have Achilles' tendinitis that makes walking EXTREMELY painful. This march is not "mandatory" but I've already been talked to by my boss for my antisocial tendencies and I am afraid if I am the only person not marching in this parade I'll get in trouble. I'm more than happy to support gay rights, I just can't march in a parade, that's all. What would you do in this situation?

Replies

  • jbalistriere
    jbalistriere Posts: 300 Member
    Your boss cannot reprimand you for an after-hours, non-mandatory event. Don't stress about it. If he does approach you, bring up your achilles. I don't think they'll push it though.
  • blukitten
    blukitten Posts: 922 Member
    I doubt they would push it,, but if you want to be certain it doesnt effect your job, get a dr's note for the tendenitis. Then you cant get in trouble. Totall agree with @jdittloff,, if it is after hours non mandatory- you should be fine
  • JonnyMacAwesome
    JonnyMacAwesome Posts: 770 Member
    Personally I am quite anti-social... in 3 years I have been to 2 work events. I often get chastised for it, but guess what - that's who I am and I'm not changing for my bosses.

    Like you said, you choose your own friends, and just because you work with someone, doesn't mean you want to spend time with them outside the job.

    They can not give you too much hassle for not attending... you're on your time, spend it as you wish. If they say otherwise, explain that to them... this is not an event where you are being paid to attend and just don't show up, this is dedicating your free time, to something you not only have zero desire to partake in, but also have a relevant concern regarding your physical health as a result if you did participate.

    In my opinion - don't go. Inform them that you have a legitimate concern for your well being if you must, but otherwise just state you wish everyone well and then go take care of yourself and do what you would like to be doing.

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