How to drink alcohol as a young professional at a corporate event
I attended my company’s annual outing the other day and I was, well, amazed at how people didn’t know how to handle their alcohol.
Assuming the majority of the audience reading this is over the age of 21, I’m sure we all know the affects boozing has on your mind and body, both good and bad. Sure, it can help you loosen up a bit and take the edge off. It’s a way for some of us to relax and let loose. Or for some, just a way to forget your current troubles, kick back and relax for a few cold ones.
I am all for having a good time. We all should be right? Why can’t we let loose sometimes and not have to worry about our 401k’s tanking or how our jobs aren’t the most exciting thing in the world. How long can you really talk about how bad the economy is? But how do you know when to say enough?
At my event I indulged on a few beverages sure. After all, they were on the company dime so why not. But looking around and taking in the other people’s actions and words (however slurred they might have been) I realized people really need to be more careful when drinking at a company sponsored event.
Most of us learned how to drink in college (depending on your choice of school you learned well and often, wink wink) and so we know how much we can handle. But more importantly we know how to act when drinking and know how to behave. I realize that may seem ironic because when you’re drinking you aren’t in ‘full’ control, but to a certain extent you are.
When you are at company outings where there is alcohol involved you have to know your limits. You should not be the one everybody is dying to talk about on Monday morning. That should not be your goal. Sure you should be having a good time. Of course you should schmooze the ‘big wigs’ a bit and let them know that you actually do work for them and that well, you exist. Company outings are great for that purpose. But I beg of you, please don’t be ‘that guy’.
You know who you are. Don’t be the one sick in the bathroom. Don’t be the one bashing a fellow co-worker when he or she is a mere 5 feet from you (especially if they happen to have a bit more pull in the way things work than you.) You don’t want to say negative things about your company or boss either. Not only are they the one’s paying for this event but in general, it’s not something you should do anyway especially in front of others and especially if said individual is present. It’s just not something I recommend.
Next time you are at a company sponsored function know how to handle your alcohol. Events like these are great ways for you to get to know people outside of work area and also great ways to get to know the people who sign your paychecks. The last thing you want to do is embarrass yourself and embarrass the company. Know when to say when. If you don’t drink very well, than know that you shouldn’t be asking for the double rum and coke. Know your limits and know when to say you’ve had enough.
