Co-Workers Planning an Overnight Group Outing - I so want to pass on it (college, socialize)

[TruckWife518]

I don't think I've ever heard of coworkers having overnight outings.

Plus, I think it's not a great idea for colleagues to get too involved outside of work because if things get messy or the friendship ends, you still have to work together.

[Chowhound]

I'd rather have boiling hot wax poured in my eyes than have to spend an overnight trip with co-workers, especially if it's on a weekend. I don't mind the people during the week, but to me my weekends are important. I not a fan of having to spend time with extended family on a weekend, let alone co-workers, ones you have to see all week as well.

Screw that noise.

[Blitzmark]

Originally Posted by Astral_Weeks

Co-Workers Planning an Overnight Group Outing - I so want to pass on it

Then pass on it......whats the big deal?

[PeachSalsa]

I love the people I work with, and I would say NO THANKS to a weekend overnight outing with them.

I have other priorities on the weekend - pets, friends, housecleaning, personal time.

[SFBayBoomer]

Originally Posted by Astral_Weeks

I am screwed because they have set up a calendar where we can all choose a weekend in the future that works for all of us!

Even the partners are considering going. We are not a large group so my absence would be very noticeable.

I just don't get it...we spend so much time together already!!! I am not married to these people. WTF???????

Speaking of marriage, are they planning to invite spouses/partners to the event?

If not, a firm NO is just fine and needs no explaining to them.

[lkmax]

Before I started working for myself from home, the one thing that I loved about the (terrible) jobs that I had was interacting with my co-workers. Sure, I had a few that I didn't necessarily get along with, but overall, I found it fun. It's one thing that I kind of miss now that I work from home, even though I love it the rest of the time. If I didn't want to go on this outing, I wouldn't go. But it might be fun.

[misskittytalks]

The snarky version:

"I'm sorry but that sounds too much like... work for my tastes." Make them think about whether or not this is really "fun and games", asking people to give up precious personal time for voluntary work-related socialization.

Or, if this is too direct,

"Sorry, but I really need a daily chunk of separation time between my job and my home life to function at my best. Love to do something when you all get back though, like maybe happy hour."

[chiluvr1228]

OP - you mentioned in your first post that you already had plans for that weekend so I'm not sure what the issue is. You tell them "sorry can't make it - already have plans".

[Koale]

I think you need to find other employment.
Koale

[FairMindedLL]

There are some jobs where spending off hours time with coworkers is encouraged as a team building exercise. I can understand you worrying about your position or upward mobility in the company if you're not seen as a team player. However, you go to many of the other weekly events, so bowing out of a weekend outing shouldn't affect management's perception of you. I would decline and be honest about your reasons by saying you need your weekend time to relax and catch up on personal things. If you tell them you're unavailable for overnight activities as a rule, they won't try to reschedule the event on your behalf.