How to Handle Office Social Events

I received a career question this week I thought was challenging, so I wanted to take this opportunity to share my suggestions.

Q: I recently accepted a job a firm that boasts “work hard/play hard” as their motto. While I really like my job and work hard, after a month I realized what “play hard” means: my colleagues go out after work three to four times a week for happy hour, often staying late into the night, with a lot of drinking. It seems that the only way to get ahead is to become a regular at events, which are frequented by the boss. I have no desire to participate in this activity. What should I do?

A: Yikes! I am familiar with this type of office culture and have worked in similar environments. I've tried a few different tactics. This is what worked for me:

Set a Schedule
I realized I had to put in some face time at these gatherings for my career advancement, so I made it clear to the organizers that due to other obligations, I could only make it a few times a month. Period.

Find Other Opportunities
Find the opportunity for one-on-one time with your boss or supervisor over lunch or even early coffee.

Head to a Seminar
When you get a chance, try to attend a seminar or industry organization meeting with your supervisors or managers.

Suggest Alternatives
During the summer, I suggested group events, such as attending free beach concerts or a baseball game. This was successful and fun!

Every company has a different way of bonding and moving ahead through informal career tracks. You want to be thought of as a team player, yet maintain your own work/life balance. I had things to do after work and I couldn't always join in the activities, but I did make regular appearances and I made sure that I spent a few minutes with everyone in attendance. Combined with a regular lunch schedule with my boss, it proved an effective plan, and I was promoted after six months!