'My boss implied that not attending would have repercussions': Employee faces consequences if he doesn't go out with boss and coworkers, internet reacts

Ben Weiss • Writer and Editor

Aug 7, 2023 2:00 PM EDT

People's reactions seem to be split on this one…

This employee typically works from home but had to attend a work conference for the week with his team. This conference entailed full eight-hour work days in addition to various events and work dinners at night. The schedule was certainly eye-roll-inducing, but OP accepted it because, at the very least, these first few dinners were scheduled in advance and he was made aware of them going into the week. By the time the last day of the trip rolled around, OP made plans to FaceTime his wife during dinner and catch up. That plan was upended by lunchtime when his boss and coworkers made last-minute dinner plans. Evidently, it was a tradition on the last night for the whole team to go out together despite the fact that they had already been going out together the past few nights. OP tried to explain that he had pre-existing plans with his wife, but then his boss stepped in and threatened that there would be "repercussions" if he didn't attend this unpaid, after hours "networking" event.

Some folks in the comments section suggested that this kind of thing is part of what it means to attend a work conference. That may be true, but just because it's the status quo doesn't mean it's right. Other folks voiced support for the Redditor and his desire to have one night to himself, dedicated to his relationship. Personally speaking, I'm on OP's side here. It's completely unfair for a boss to threaten retaliation for an employee's desire not to attend a last-minute event that took place after work hours. Shame on the boss!

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