Overworked employee refuses to attend Christmas party after overhearing coworkers ‘trash talk’ about him, leading to a stern debate about work events: ‘So done with this company’

Author image for Bar Mor Hazut
Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor
Dec 11, 2024 9:00 AM EST

Let's talk about mandatory, after-hours work events. We all have mixed feelings about them. 

On one hand, we spend a minimum of 8 hours with the same people at the office, if we're lucky enough, we actually see them as friends, but more often than not, they are simply colleagues. Sure, they might be nice people, but we have no desire to see them after we clock out of the job. Being forced to spend more time with them at another location, is not something many of us appreciate. Once we clock out, we all just want to be home, and not 'team-building' with people we already see more than our actual families.

On the other hand, as much as we love to sulk about it, many times these work events end up being fun. They do exactly what they are made to do – they bring us closer, they provide a nice outlet from work, and they add another level of connection with the people we see more than our actual families.

There is no correct answer about whether or not work events should be a thing, we can only provide different opinions about it, like the opinions made in this Reddit story. Spoiler alert – if you enjoy work events, you will not agree with everything that is said below.

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  • 01
    "They think they can trash talk behind my back"
    via Pekic

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02
    I did not attend this year's Christmas work party on purpose.
    via ComfortableWage
  • 03
    It was tonight. And frankly, it was within walking distance from my place to an axe-throwing bar if you can believe it. Did I join? No. I just finished one of the most stressful, ridiculous weeks I've
    via ComfortableWage
  • 04
    had at this job. I covered front desk when that's not usually my job at this clinical research facility. What did I get for it? Disdain. Bad looks from coordinators who think they are so far above me
    via ComfortableWage
  • 05
    they can talk trash behind my back. I heard said trash talk. They didn't realize I was at my desk when they said "My god, [insert other
    via ComfortableWage
  • 06
    employee name and my own]" before they stopped and realized I was within earshot of their cr_p. Yes, I can hear you. I may not be a coordinator, but that doesn't mean I'm not as overworked as
    via ComfortableWage
  • 07
    you. It doesn't mean as the data entry guy managing literally dozens of studies that my job is worth less than yours. So done with this company. Only
    via ComfortableWage
  • 08
    reason I haven't quit is because the job economy terrifies me. But I'm applying to other jobs all the time.
    via ComfortableWage
  • 09
    Jicama_Down • 2d ago • Getting out of clinical research was the best mental health move I've made job wise. It's toxic everywhere
    via Jicama_Down
  • 10
    ComfortableWage OP • 2d ago • I'm trying. But living in Idaho the job economy is pretty garbage.
    via ComfortableWage
  • 11
    BUYMECAR 1d ago • I love the mentality that not going to a work event is some sort of act of rebellion. I have never gone to a work event that wasn't at work during my shift. I get free food and drinks at home. Also, my bed is there
    via BUYMECAR
  • 12
    ComfortableWage OP 1d ago • Hey man, terminally online. people like me need some kind of win okay?
    via ComfortableWage
  • 13
    Fluffy-Groucher0987 2d ago • They are doing secret Santa in my dept and I did not participate. You would think I m. red someone by the reactions.
    via Fluffy-Groucher0987
  • 14
    ComfortableWage OP • 1d ago Good on you. I also chose not to participate this year. They didn't ask questions, but my primary reason was because I'm trying to save as much money as possible and honestly... buying gifts for people is just stressful as f for me.
    via ComfortableWage
  • 15
    Fluffy-Groucher0987 1d ago • My issue was I have a hard time doing acts of kindness for people as a requirement instead of wanting to do it out of my own heart
    via Fluffy-Groucher0987
  • 16
    ComfortableWage OP 1d ago • Personally, I hate the holidays. Wish this commercialized Christmas would just di forever. Want to celebrate what you have? Sure!
    via ComfortableWage
  • 17
    Let's do it! But how about we do it with dignity in a way that doesn't drain our bank accounts for useless gifts no one cares about.
    via ComfortableWage
  • 18
    • pandi1975 2d ago I wouldn't worry about it. I haven't been to any "mandatory fun" since about 2007. My Reason - I spend 40+ hours a week with you all. Why would I burn my own time with you as well
    via pandi1975
  • 19
    Crab-Turbulent • 2d ago • I don't go to mine because I'm not paying £50-100 and then having to pay for drinks on top of that. Paying for taxi too. Just to watch them get d. nk and
    via Crab-Turbulent
  • 20
    embarrass themselves, and get some form of flu at the end of it. Maybe if it was free and within a reasonable distance to the workplace
    via Crab-Turbulent
  • 21
    The Villain_Edit • 2d ago • Top 1% Commenter I think I'm (well a few of us really) def gonna get in trouble for skipping several gatherings that have happened since October. I'm exhausted after work, I don't wanna meet up later to hangout when I was opening shift at 6am.
    via The_Villain_Edit
  • 22
    Kenny Lush ⚫2d ago • Lol. I was remote and once got chastised for not joining xmas party via Teams! Like seriously, watch the live party from the camera on someone's phone propped up in the corner of a restaurant???. It was insane.
    via Kenny_Lush
  • 23
    angrydogma • 2d ago • Every year they ask if I'll be coming and I replay "are you kidding, I get paid to hang out with you ppl, why would I do it for free?" And they start laughing, certain it's a joke and I start laughing, certain that it isn't.
    via angrydogma
  • 24
    swanzie 2d ago • We didn't have a Christmas party this year. Instead we have. Christmas week off, unpaid, to make up budget.
    via swanzie
  • 25
    bezimya74 2d ago • You're not alone. I avoid them at all cost.
    via bezimya74

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christmas boss workplace-stories employee manager job tales-from-the-workplace coworkers Christmas party reddit story colleague overworked-employees workplace Reddit company
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