Retirement luncheons

[kybearfuzz]

Just want to get a general opinion here. One of my co-workers is retiring and I'm being badgered to attend her going away luncheon. The cost of going is about $30. If it were the retirement of any of my close co-workers I would go. This lady has been something of a pain to me while I've worked here and I admit that I tend to go out of my way to avoid her. I have no close ties to her and to be honest, I just don't like her that much.

As such, am I being a jerk for not wanting to spend my time and money going to a luncheon for her? I'm trying to use the "somebody has to stay and be in the office" excuse, but I've been asked several times now and I simply don't want to go. Any thoughts?

Comments

[jprtoronto.livejournal.com]

Hmmm depends....

Politically at work would it be an issue if you didn't go? That's always the angle I try to use. Would it cause harm in the future, i.e. your working relationship with your other co-workers?

I know in the industry I work it's very close knit, so you have to attend functions you hate in case it comes around to bite you in the ass later on down the road "oh you want to work here, well I don't know you and I know you never attended one of MY fuctions so why should I care"...pain in the ass really.

Other than that it's up to you. If you don't like her don't go.

Have to agree...

[phenryss.livejournal.com]

I agree with the above comment. Honestly, I would pass on it if it were me. But I really don't care what others think about me...and if they don't like it...so what.

THat does not mean I don't want to be liked, but that I am honest with myself in matters of office politics. I have to live with myself afterwards not them.

Do what your heart tells you to do.

Hugs!

[hylandr.livejournal.com]

If you're not interested, you shouldn't go. Yes, finding a good reason (someone to watch the office) is better than being rude, but you shouldn't have to pay for her party when you don't want to be there. It would be different if the company was footing the bill. Don't feel bad about not going.

[queensheba.livejournal.com]

$30 is a lot to expect somebody to spend on a lunch that's work related, imo. I think that's a lot to expect of you, especially if you're not close. I'd just say something like "Thanks for asking, but I won't be going." That's polite and to the point.

[kenlin.livejournal.com]

I would vote to not go - but I agree with the office politics - if you go would you score any points? if not then let her retire and burn in hell *grins*

No way Jose!

[(Anonymous)]

Mark,
I agree with the others on this one, that is a lot of money to spend son someone you do not even like, and do really think it would bother her if you were not there, or even notice? I also agree if it is going to cause you some brownie points at work, and would pay for that way, then you can swallow your pride, and go, just don't associate with her.
Gary

[clauditorium.livejournal.com]

Don't go.
It's not like it'll be awkward when you run into each other later; the bitch is retiring.
Maybe you should tell one of those people who keeps asking you to go the truth. You know, in a diplomatic way (ie, that you wouldn't feel comfortable going or something).