How to Survive the Holidays at the Office
Holiday parties, secret Santa's, and office gatherings - yes, its that time of the year!
Extroverts love the holiday season, especially since we are back outside, but for us introverts and people who don't like their coworkers - this time of the year can feel like a 31 day journey through hell.
If this is you - the coworker who is dreading the holidays, here are some tips to help you survive:
No is a complete sentence. If you don't feel like socializing and your job doesn't pay you enough to participate in gift giving or chipping in for the holiday party, speak up! If you feel pressured by your boss or coworkers - remind them about the worker who recently won a lawsuit because he didn't want to socialize. If happy hour with your coworkers isn't on your job description, trust me, it's not a requirement for keeping your job or getting that promotion.
If your budget is tight, but you want to acknowledge your coworkers this holiday season, grab some inexpensive Christmas gift bags or stockings from Dollar Tree and fill them with items from the beauty travel section. Items you can consider - nail polish, a face mask, soap, etc...remember, it's the thought that counts. If you decide to attend an office party have a time limit on how long you will stay, take a +1 so you're not alone, don't participate in conversations that include topics that will trigger you, and remember you don't have to give an explanation when you decide to leave early.
It's okay to ask who cooked what and to politely avoid certain dishes at the office holiday potluck. Look...we've seen the videos from Thanksgiving with people using washing machines to fry chicken, and washing greens in their bath tub with dishwashing liquid - everyone isn't on the same page when it comes to cooking.
Stay away from the alcoholic beverages during the office party. Trust me - you will find out so much more about your coworkers and what is really going on in the office if you are the sober one in the room.
Use your vacation days, sick days and PTO! Take some time for yourself this holiday season. And that means not answering calls from your boss and coworkers, and no responding to work text messages or emails while you are away. Use your time off to relax and enjoy your family and real friends this holiday season!
Ohhhh....speaking of family. If you're wondering how to deal with toxic family members during the holidays, Â Click Here and listen to my latest podcast episode.Â
Okay. That's it. Happy Holidays!
Photo by RODNAE Productions