 |
|
|
|
|
|
Now
that the holidays are here, a problem surfaces that has been plaguing several of
us here at work. We work with attorneys. Until last year, the section's
Christmas dinner was held at a much-loved South American restaurant. Apparently,
some of the partners did not like the restaurant or the food or the expense and
last year, for the first time, decided to have it at the home of one of the
partners. I felt very uncomfortable in that situation and did not attend the
party last year. The bill came in for the catering and other expenses and they
were quite high, over $130 per person.
We secretaries were hoping this vast expense would be enough of a deterrent and we would again get to enjoy our restaurant meals. It's less pressure on us to socialize there, we feel. We feel very uncomfortable going into these lawyers' houses, where a glass vase costs more than we make in a month. It's just not my "cup of tea."
We have now learned that another partner is hosting the party at his home this year, but it is a cocktail party (less expense). I really feel bad about declining the invite, but it is my own boss this year. I still do not wish to go. I feel it forces us into a position of social intimacy that is otherwise not present. I think we can socialize enough at a restaurant without feeling pressured to do so.
Help! We are being "backed into a corner."
(P.S. Some of us "renegade" secretaries would like to hold our own "party" at: you guessed it, our favorite restaurant. Is that too tacky?)
Thanks for your help!
Signed,
Out of Christmas Spirit in Houston
Dear
Out Of Spirit:
Talking with your boss should answer your dilemma. Even a brief conversation sharing with her or him what you have written to The Workplace Doctors will help him understand the discomfort you and your co-worker secretaries feel.
Christmas should be a time of celebration, and I'm sure that is the intent of the changes that have been and are being made in the holiday party. I concur that the catering cost was too much per person a years ago. I trust that you secretaries were not each asked to pay the fare to that big time out. I think all secretaries and their companions should be guests of the attorneys at such functions. It is a business expense.
This year you'll need to make the call for yourself. If you go, go with a companion or friend. Put in an appearance, mingle, stay a little while, and excuse yourself for another party, if you have one, or having to get back to the baby sitter. Avoid any temptation to intimacy and more than sipping one drink.
And why not have a holiday luncheon at your favorite place on a Friday afternoon with your co-worker secretaries? This also might be something to ask the boss about.
WEGO should enjoy celebrations.
Bill Gorden