Happy hour is more than tossing back a few martinis at the end of the work week. It often involves alcohol and sometimes can be an important part of moving up the executive career ladder in some corporate climates. I’m not suggesting you get drunk with your boss nor do I think it’s appropriate to do it all the time. Remember that is important as boss/employee to keep a professional level of respect between you and your co-workers. Even if you are out with the girls for a quick drink, someone is always looking. Here are a few simple tricks that will help you make the most of the after-work social scene, and avoid being stereotyped as “that girl” who’s always drunk.
- Stay in professional mode, even though you aren’t in the office. Positively or negatively, your conduct after-hours can impact your career. Happy hour is the “perfect storm” where you can make a lasting impression—but it can go either way.
- Know there’s nothing wrong with having a drink. It’s not necessary to shun alcohol altogether to maintain a professional demeanor. In fact, avoiding events where alcohol is served could negatively impact your career. If you consistently skip the office happy hour, you’ll miss out on valuable face-time with colleagues, clients, and your boss, and it can create the stigma of not being part of “the team.”
- Remember that fun is not your primary objective. Never make the mistake of thinking a work-sponsored happy hour is a chance to “let loose” and “blow off some steam.” Enjoy yourself, but don’t treat it like a get-together with your buddies. Remember that supervisors, bosses, and clients will be there observing your behavior.
- Eat before you get there, and then again during happy hour. Peanuts and tapas can be your friend. Nothing is worse than alcohol splashing around in an empty stomach.
- Don’t follow the leader. It does not matter how much your boss is drinking or what behavior he or she is displaying, you should be most concerned with your own job and reputation. In this case, don’t “Do as the Romans do.”
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