Already a member?

Click here to login

Welcome to Brazen Careerist!

Ashley Mittman is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Ashley Mittman and other professionals just like you. Learn more.

Posted On 12.10.08

Take a moment to answer this equation:

Music+ endless wine and open bar+ dance floor+ holidays=…

If you guessed “fun time”  you’re correct, but if you add coworkers and boss to the equation, it can get pretty messy. It’s fun to go out on weekends after a hard week at work and tear up the dance floor with your friends. It’s not fun, however to get crazy at your holiday party and jeopardize your career. Here’s some tips to make sure you have a great time ringing in the new year with your company… while keeping your job: 

Don’t hook up with coworkers. Sure, the dark handsome guy in sales has a striking resemblance to Johnny Depp (even more so after a couple glasses of wine), but it’s still not worth the repercussions. First, it will make for an awkward Monday, when you have to see them every second at the office. Also, when word gets to the water cooler (which it will), coworkers may lose respect for you and see you in a different light. 

Do eat: I know this year’s pay cut may force you to wear your dress from last year’s party that fits a little more snug thanks to the secretary’s candy bowl. However, drinking on an empty stomach never leads to a good night (or memory) no matter how tight your dress is. Make sure to eat before the event, so you can focus on conversing with the people at your table, rather than your plate. And dig in (with manners of course) to your meal. After all, it’s free and probably a lot better than the mac n cheese you normally make. 

Don’t over-drink! No one wants to be “that person” at the party that’s doing the funky chicken on the dance floor and trying to make-out with everyone in sight. You want to be remembered at the party, but for the great way you carried yourself, not for drinking too much alcohol and slurring. Have lots of water with dinner, and don’t mix! Pick a drink of choice and stick with it for the entire night. (and try you avoid the shots)

Do network: Let’s be honest, some bosses, managers, and coworkers can be intimidating. In a relaxed environment away from work, it’s an excellent opportunity to talk with them. Most companies do random seating, so you sit with people you may not see everyday. Sure, it can be tempting to stick with the people you already know, but use this opportunity to branch out and meet new people. You don’t have to stick with boring office talk either- you are outside of the office so let them know that side of you. 

Don’t dress inappropriately: Of course you want to look good, and dress differently than you do at work. However the little black dress you wore in Vegas is probably not the best choice. Make sure to keep it classy, and wear something you’d deem appropriate enough for a family party. 

Do choose your date wisely: Your spouse, loved one, or good friend is a reflection of you as well. Bring someone that is friendly, well behaved, and can be on their own while you socialize with coworkers. 

Do research who’s who ahead of time: If you work in a big company, it can be hard to keep everyone straight. Knowing names, and which positions people hold will make conversation flow easier and impress them with your knowledge.  (And you don’t want to make a joke about your boss’s moves on the dance floor to his partner.) 

Do have a great time! Holiday parties are a blast. It’s a time to celebrate the accomplishments that have been made over the past year, recognize valuable employees, and meet close family members of coworkers. And this year, if you are not part of the 20% of companies that have been forced to axe the holiday party because of the economy, that’s even more of a reason to celebrate. Just watch your alcohol intake and save the craziness for work-free events.

Share and Enjoy:

Comments

Editor's Note: Inappropriate comments that are offensive to the author or not in context to the author's post will be removed. For editorial feedback, please contact our Community Manager through his user profile. Click here.
alexa marinos
December 10, 2008 9:53 am

excellent tips!

although i have broken more than one of them in the past here's to hoping this years holiday bash doesn't end up like last years. oops.

Anonymous
December 10, 2008 10:01 am

Good tips! These tips relate well to any office party environment.

Nicole Crimaldi
December 10, 2008 10:17 am

Love this post Ashley! Ironically my company holiday part is tonight.

People at my office still bring up employees of the past who made a drunken scene or got sick at holiday parties as long as 5 years ago. I imagine their over-indulgence in the open bar caused their reputation to be ruined as they no longer work here. Ouch!

I agree with your advice and usually prefer not to drink much at all when I'm around co-workers just in case!

Nicole

December 10, 2008 11:45 am

This is great advice! Though I have never been to an office party, I have been to numerous networking events, and the same rules apply!

December 10, 2008 5:20 pm

In fact, I have been advised to never EVER drink at networking and office events. Even if everyone else is drinking and you are being peer-pressured into it. You never know who you might offend by drinking and you just want to stay as in control as possible. Your co-workers might be your friends, but they are not your party buddies. Act accordingly.

The Office Newb
December 10, 2008 7:25 pm

We used to have an executive who was "that guy" and would always get rip-roaring drunk at office parties. It was probably inappropriate due to his age and seniority in the company but thing is, he would often get up and make these HILARIOUS speeches. He was a funny guy to begin with, but the speeches he made at parties were really funny!

He no longer works at my company and now every time we have a party, people say, "I wish "that guy" was still around. He was so funny."

December 10, 2008 8:11 pm

I feel like anything that makes you lose control at a work setting (besides your boss who pays your salary of course) isn't worth it. I just go with holding a glass of wine throughout the night and sipping on it.

I think we all secretly hope "that guy" will be there.. for pure entertainment purposes as long as it's not us :)

Got Something To Say?

Got Something To Say?

You Must Be Logged In To Comment
Not a Member? Brazen Careerist is a career management tool for next-generation professionals. Set up a free account today to comment on this post and start sharing your ideas. Learn more.

Today's Top Idea


Don’t judge based on popularity or blind reciprocity, instead make sure they “get it” and just as importantly, that their followers “get it”. More...

Brenton Gieser

government.jpg
web2_logos.jpg
CincinnatiFountainSquare.jpg

Grad School Zone

ScottShrum.jpg
Scott Shrum

Today is one of those extra exciting days at Veritas Prep HQ, when GMAT prep classes start in dozens of cities worldwide

U.S. Department of State...
Health Practitioner - For...
Facility Manager - Foreig...
Citigroup, Inc.
Proposal Writer — Cash ...
Business Banking Relation...
Randstad
Staffing Consultant
Staffing Consultant
NBC Universal, Inc.
Social Media Developer, O...
Production Assistant...
X