GenPink

Icon

a pink perspective on being gen y

Present Company ONLY

Does anyone else find it strange that I am about to go to my company Thanksgiving party that spouses are not invited to? Not that I have a spouse Even though I have no spouse it still bothers me that spouses can’t come to a company party that employees are expected to show up to. Did I mention that clients are invited and that about 500 people show up to this party every year?

This is bumping up against my gen y beliefs of balancing work and family life. One of the fellow designers is married and has 2 kids. I don’t see why a company Thanksgiving party wouldn’t be the perfect opportunity for her to enjoy both work and family at the same time. I spend 40+ hours a week with these people I think it would be nice to get to know the important people in their lives.

Anyways, stepping off my soap box now and headed down with my CO-WORKERS to said party.

  • Do you think this was done to make single people feel better?
  • Tanja
    I figured it out! It hit me! I think all companies that do this are simply cheap! They don't want to supply food for more people than they need to. Know what I mean?
  • I think that's ridiculous.

    I wouldn't go and I bet I'm not alone. Why would they want people not to come? I don't get it.
  • I thinks it fairly ridiculous. If a party is that size it should include the reason
    work. Your family. Blah.
  • AJ
    I've never worked in an office that invites partners.

    For our party this year it is salsa themed - so much so that they have organised three salsa dancing classes for staff to attend in preparation!
  • My fiance's company is having a holiday party to which spouses and significant others are invited. In the conference room. On a weekday from 11-2. Because it's so likely that I'm going to use three hours of my vacation time from my job to go to his office for crackers in the middle of the day. They might as well have just not invited spouses at all.
  • That's so dumb! Yeah, seriously, if clients are invited? Work and family need to mesh more. I'm angry!
  • Yeah, I don't like that. We have a very small firm, so often they don't invite spouses, but with that many it seems really wrong. Who wants to go spend MORE time with the people you see MORE than your spouse anyway?
  • our christmas party is the same way. employees only. we spend all kinds of money on this party and we can't even enjoy it because all we'll talk about is work!
  • My office does the same thing for our work Christmas party.
  • that is lame! I don't even get why? I mean it's not like a small intimate gathering...?
  • I totally agree with you, that's so random that spouses can't come. Granted our office parties don't exceed 50 or so, we're allowed to bring a guest and I think it's definitely more fun that way.
  • That's pretty crazy. I probably wouldn't go. I'm not married, but eating dinner with my boyfriend is pretty important to me. And I'd feel bad if I had to leave him by himself.
blog comments powered by Disqus

when I’m not reading blogs…

Elysa's bookshelf: to-read

The Time Traveler's WifeThe Four-Hour Work Week: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New RichWomen & Money: Owning the Power to Control Your DestinyThe Four Agreements: Practical Guide to Personal FreedomThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective PeopleLearning the 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader DVD Training Curriculum

More of Elysa's books »
Elysa Rice's to-read book recommendations, reviews, favorite quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists

I heart quotes

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
Herm Albright

Things You Should Try