do i go or not?

[imgoingtodisney]

This Fri is a parttime co-workers last day of work. (Not sure if we can afford to replace her. If not, I'll get her work on top of mine).
Anyways, the boss wants a going away party for her Fri night at the local chinese restaurant. We would all need to pitch in.
When I worked before, the company would take care of this. Also Christmas parties, etc. The town doesnt do any of this. (and yes I understand why) Am I obligated to attend this thing Fri night?

guess I need to explain it's my dept boss, not the director who wants this party. I guess the entire library has been invited. I'll go, have dinner and leave before I drink.

 

[ChefBilly]

I don't think you're obligated at all.
It's not part of your job.

But if it's at the Kowloon, I'd go!

 

[dandave]

I would say no. You're not obligated. But then I wouldn't expect any of my co-workers to feel obligated to attend my going away party if/when the time came, either.

 

[imgoingtodisney]

Think Ive decided I dont NEED to attend Fri night. A card during her last shift Fri morn would be nice though.

 

[DonnaS]

Of course the town doesn't chip in for stuff for that. The taxpayers would not be thrilled with paying for that.

Either go if you want to or don't go if you don't want to (which seems to be the case). These things should always be voluntary and it sounds like it is.

 

[wvjules]

I would go, but that's just me.

 

[Saphire]

I would go too, because in situations like this I treat people the way I would want to be treated. Go and have a nice dinner and a few laughs with co-workers, and give an employee a fond farewell.

 

[Buckalew]

Or don't go and give them someone to talk about.

 

[vickyBaby]

You have indicated there is a major budget crisis. The boss has asked for your participation. I would think it would be a good idea to appear as a team player, and not jeopardize your position. But no, I don't think it should be "required."

 

[fireplug]

You leave a few questions unanswered............

Such as

Did you like the coworker who is leaving ?

Did She like you ?

Would this question be asked if the town was picking up the tab ?

Do you like Chinese food?


I can't give an informed answer without all the info. good luck on your decision.

Steve

 

[snoopy]

I'd definately go, regardless of who was paying. But as others said, its obviously not required that you participate in something that requires you to spend your own money.

 

[Disney Doll]

If I liked the person, I'd go, as I'd want to be part of their going away festivities. If I didn't like the person, I'd regretfully say "oh, too bad. I have another commitment that night", and give her a nice card and a bouquet of flowers on the morning of her last day.

 

[JasonLyons]

I wouldnt go but you should

 

[Dopey Sharon]

I work in a school cafeteria. We have these types of get togethers when someone leaves. If we go, we have to pay for it. There are some I attend and some I don't, depending on whether or not I like the person.

 

[apagano]

I'll echo some of the other sentiments here. No, you're not obligated, but depending on the situation it might be prudent for you to go. Did you like this person? Is he/she well-liked in the office? Will you stick out like a sore thumb by not attending? What is your office culture? In some workplaces, evening and weekend social events are important ways of bonding with your co-workers. In others they are not so important.

 

[Steve H.]

I'd go if it was me -- it's a nice thing to do for someone you worked with. Think of it this way, if you were leaving your job and nobody showed up at your going-away dinner, how would you feel?

 

[Robin]

I'd go.... At times like this you really need to be viewed as a team player.

If money is tight just order an appetizer and drink water.