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+1000 |
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No advice, OP, just commiseration. My DH just left a similarly toxic and hostile work environment. He too had to wait—he knew he had to go back in July and just started his new job last week—he was waiting until his longevity date to leave, for retirement and bonus purposes. So I get it.
He was MISERABLE. They made it hell the last couple months. They wanted him gone. He took a lot of sick time. They actually allowed him to use two weeks of sick time at the end, they just wanted him gone. Is that something you might be able to do? Personal time? Vacation time? |
You’ve survived (they survived you) this long and you can’t tolerate a month more. Don’t call out sick for luncheon. That looks cowardly and everyone knows you’re not sick. Everyone will be. Just take the day off. Do what you need to do. You know the culture there better than anyone else. What works? |
| And how is a Christmas party mandatory? Are you an adult child? Sounds it. |
*everyone will be relieved. |
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Ha ha OP, I am in a similar boat, counting the days - all 937 of them - before I am able to quit MY job LOL.
You can do this. |
Op here. I know it might be hard to imagine but different workplaces have different requirements and norms. In this case, the outlook invite for the party literally says MANDATORY HOLIDAY LUNCH. In the team meetings leading up to the lunch, leadership has repeatedly stated that no leave will be approved for the day of the lunch. In the nearly 5 years I’ve been in this job, I have never seen a single employee miss it. It’s scheduled during working hours on a Thursday and put on our calendars 3 months in advance. I’m not sure what more I can say to convey that it is a mandatory work event. |
Op here. Solidarity!!!!! At least I’m down to 25 or so working days instead of 937!!!!!! |
| Maybe you could pretend you're at a wedding in Game of Thrones. Just do what you need to survive. And if that means not talking and looking stupid then so be it. Wouldn't want King Joffery to cut out your tongue. |
If this lunch and behavior about the lunch wasn’t the norm for your office, I would say they will be doing a mass firing. These people are wackos. |
Op here. This is the norm. Same thing every year. Leadership talks about us like we are her adult children and for her, these big gatherings are THE. MOST. IMPORTANT. THING. She often tears up and in her mind, I think it’s like a family reunion. At first, I thought it was touching and sweet. Now I think it’s crazy and manipulative and I just don’t fit in here. I’m the only one with young kids and I think that might be a factor. I just want to do my work. It’s just work. I have my own separate life. I’m there for the paycheck, not to get my emotional/social needs met. |
| How big is this company? You mentioned being at a table with 10 colleagues. Is there more than 1 table? |
I think this is the mindset of most GenXers/Millennials. |
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During the luncheon, throw quips at the supervisor who yells at you.
"Let's not talk about work. I don't want Jake to start yelling". "Probably best if I don't sit next to Jake. I don't want this lunch to end in tears". "The reason significant others aren't invited is because Jake would yell at all the mothers." All said in a joking manner. Also, get screened for post partum depression, which obviously your job is contributing to. |