I am the Party Pooper
Posted Mar 21, 2009 Uncategorized
∞ I briefly considered searching for a title-appropriate image for this post, but rejected the idea. I’ve been familiar with the internet for way too long.
Why, I’m compelled to ask, do people let themselves get completely plastered and stupid at parties full of their co-workers? If you know the clothes are going to come off when you’re drunk, just have a little less fun, right? Particularly when you know a lot of management is going to be at this gathering.
I can guarantee that if you have a fuzzy recollection of a balloon, a lampshade, and your pants around your ankles, I’m going to have the full picture. And, unless I’ve worked directly with you for long enough to have a clear, solid image of your professional conduct, if I ever consider you for an opportunity, you’ve got to know I’ll be absently staring at the lampshade in the interview room while you’re trying to convince me you’re qualified.
I maintain - and I’ve had arguments about this one - that while your own time is your own time, you still have to be careful about who’s around before you act like a jackass. Sure, if you want to approach me at a social function about an opportunity, that’s fine. Half the reason I go to those is so I can meet people I don’t work with every day and get an idea of who’s out there in my company. In my experience, that’s half of every manager’s reason for showing up at social gatherings.
So, if you think you might ask me for a promotion later, don’t try to network with me while you’re plastered. And please. Keep the clothes on.
Are the rest of you as puzzled as I am about why people humiliate themselves at parties and then wonder why work is always awkward on Monday? ∞
