It's that time of year when we start to get invites for our company holiday parties. I always enjoyed attending because usually the companies I worked for would spare no expense...which made the event a lot of fun. Great food, great conversation but then it happens - someone has way too much to drink and she turns into a drunken stumble bum. Why must this happen every year? Yes, I understand the alcohol is free and the band is playing a lot of good songs but please know when to say when. Of course there are men who also drink too much but I must say that everybody remembers the women. It is unfortunate but this is the way the world works. If you think it will not follow you back to the office on Monday, you are wrong. If you think it will not have an effect on your career, you are wrong again. It is better that you do not attend at all rather than make an ass of yourself. Sure, there are times when I went to work parties and holiday parties where I felt my cheeks get a little warm but luckily I immediately switched to water and redeemed myself. I was never that woman who was slurring when she spoke but let me tell you, I do remember the names of those who were. If you were the CEO of a company, would you promote someone who can't control their alcohol at a corporate event? If a person cannot control the amount they drink at a work function, the bottom line is that they demonstrate a lack of control and therefore make bad decisions. Period. Don't be that person. It is better to spend your time chatting with a lot of different people so they, and their significant others, have a good, lasting impression of you. This will go a long way and is something you will want to be remembered for on Monday.
I am not saying that if you and a couple of girlfriends go out after work, you need to be on your best behavior at all times but just use your head. Pay attention to new people and take the time to be trustworthy and earn the trust of others. It is important that you learn who the office gossips are and you stay away from them. It is not worth you going out after work with them one day if it will spark some false rumor.
To help you make it through this corporate party season, here are a list of rules to abide by-
1) Give yourself a drink limit before you walk in, and stick to it. Make this limit known to your boyfriend/date/husband
2) Eat something before you go. If cocktail hour and the meet-and-greet time will push dinner back several hours, don't start on an empty stomach
3) Don't choose an alcohol you never drink because it is free. If you normally drink white wine, why would you think vodka on the rocks would be a good choice for you?
4) Eat dinner. If you plan on having a few drinks, make sure you actually eat some food with substance to hold you through the entire event
5) Pass on the after party. There is no good reason why work people need to be out to 2AM or 3AM together. There is no good that can ever come of it
6) Do not shack up, make-out or spill your guts to coworkers. If you did not tell them when you are sober, there is no reason you should tell them when you are tipsy
7) Don't bring a new love interest to a corporate function. Not only can you hurt your career but the person you bring with you is representing you so make sure they know how to behave and do not embarrass you
8) If you have a Tweety Bird tattoo on your back from Spring Break in Cancun 5 years ago, find a way to cover it up so people aren't doing a double take. Trust me, nobody wants to see it
Enjoy your parties!
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