The best thing about work Christmas parties and work new year parties in the U.K. is that it’s optional to attend. In Japan it’s written in as a company rule to attend. It’s nostalgic.
II’m not a party lover and I despise work parties. I have to socialise with people I don’t consider my friends, whom only have the work colleague status in my life, and whom I know nothing about except for perhaps a dietary requirement or how many dogs they have. The chit chat is idle. That was what yesterday’s party was like. Due to my holiday they moved the party so I had to attend. It was purposely done because I had no choice but to miss the Halloween party.
I dislike it when the parties fall on the weekend. It makes me feel like I’ve lost a day off. I prefer to keep working life and personal life separate. I prefer to treat my colleagues as my colleagues. I understand that company relationship is good for morale, but it’s only good if you’re not required to attend, but have the option. I suppose Japan is different. They have a strong work ethic. They believe work is more important than personal life and family.
