We have started a segment allowing potential candidates to ask questions that will be answered directly by our CEO, Darcy Swift. This month’s question is:
QUESTION: My boss and co-workers are constantly making plans outside of work and I am always pressured to attend. I like the people I work with but I don’t like to give up my private time to hang out with them when I see them all day long. I feel like it’s going to eventually affect my job as my boss and co-workers will harass me all day if I say no to their after work plans. It’s not technically a requirement to hang out outside of work but it’s starting to feel that way. I’ve always been able to separate professional and personal before but it seems like now they can’t be separated. Is there a professional way to address this without seeming like a “party pooper�
ANSWER: In a world where Zoom meetings and social distancing have been our new normal, I can understand how the lines between personal and professional have been blurred a bit. For some, the people they work with have literally been their only form of human contact on a daily basis. While some may enjoy and have the means to spend all their free time with work friends, that is not the case for all. It is absolutely okay to set boundaries with co-workers when it comes to your time outside of work.
Try to keep an open mind and not be completely opposed to going out with them if you can find the time. With that said, it’s understandable that not everyone has the luxury or means to attend every planned get together outside of work. Some people have kids to take care of or other obligations/plans already taking up their personal time, any co-worker/boss should understand this. If you want to be apart of the group without taking away from your personal time, maybe schedule a lunch with a few co-workers so you are not having to take time from your evenings. If you feel like your absences may affect your job, try having a conversation with your boss. Be honest about how you feel when they pressure you and let him/her know you simply can’t always participate. Your boss may not realize how they are making you feel.
If you have a question you want answered, please contact us HERE. We will feature one frequently asked question a month.
We have started a segment allowing potential candidates to ask questions that will be answered directly by our CEO, Darcy Swift. This month’s question is:
QUESTION: My boss and co-workers are constantly making plans outside of work and I am always pressured to attend. I like the people I work with but I don’t like to give up my private time to hang out with them when I see them all day long. I feel like it’s going to eventually affect my job as my boss and co-workers will harass me all day if I say no to their after work plans. It’s not technically a requirement to hang out outside of work but it’s starting to feel that way. I’ve always been able to separate professional and personal before but it seems like now they can’t be separated. Is there a professional way to address this without seeming like a “party pooper�
ANSWER: In a world where Zoom meetings and social distancing have been our new normal, I can understand how the lines between personal and professional have been blurred a bit. For some, the people they work with have literally been their only form of human contact on a daily basis. While some may enjoy and have the means to spend all their free time with work friends, that is not the case for all. It is absolutely okay to set boundaries with co-workers when it comes to your time outside of work.
Try to keep an open mind and not be completely opposed to going out with them if you can find the time. With that said, it’s understandable that not everyone has the luxury or means to attend every planned get together outside of work. Some people have kids to take care of or other obligations/plans already taking up their personal time, any co-worker/boss should understand this. If you want to be apart of the group without taking away from your personal time, maybe schedule a lunch with a few co-workers so you are not having to take time from your evenings. If you feel like your absences may affect your job, try having a conversation with your boss. Be honest about how you feel when they pressure you and let him/her know you simply can’t always participate. Your boss may not realize how they are making you feel.
If you have a question you want answered, please contact us HERE. We will feature one frequently asked question a month.